Volcanoes National Park
Bisate Lodge has dramatic views of the Bisoke and Karisimbi volcano peaks rising through the forests of the nearby Volcanoes National Park. It is within easy driving distance of the Volcanoes National Park headquarters, from where once-in-a-lifetime gorilla treks depart daily. Guests are allocated to one of the 12 habituated gorilla groups for a one-hour encounter.
Other activities include trekking in search of the Golden Monkey - a beautifully-coloured primate which is endemic to the area and lives in groups of between 30 to 80 individuals in the Park’s bamboo forest.
For those staying longer, a full day guided hike to the summit of Mount Bisoke (3,711 metres) can be strenuous but is worth the effort, offering sweeping views of the rainforest and crater lake. Guided visits to the nearby community can also be arranged, as can a spectacular, challenging hike to Dian Fossey’s grave and the ruins of her Karisoke Research Centre, set in the saddle of the Bisoke and Karisimbi volcanoes at an elevation of some 3,000 metres.
The main lodge area comprises a lounge, dining and bar area, wine cellar and viewing deck. Both the architecture and interiors are rooted in Rwandan cultural traditions.
Six opulent en-suite Forest Villas are warmed by a central fireplace and have breathtaking views from the deck.
The vision of Bisate is to be a model of sustainable ecotourism in Rwanda. Its reforestation and rehabilitation projects means that each guest helps to contribute to biodiversity conservation and local community upliftment, making a far-reaching positive impact on the iconic endangered mountain gorilla.
