Welcome to Bisate Lodge

AKAGERA NATIONAL PARK

IN RWANDA

Come and experiance the dramatic views of the peaks of the Bisoke and Karisimbi volcanoes

Bisate Lodge, adjacent to Volcanoes National Park, combines the bucket-list gorilla trek with a pioneering vision of reforestation and community partnership.
Bisate is located in the natural amphitheatre of an eroded volcanic cone, with dramatic views of the peaks of the Bisoke and Karisimbi volcanoes rearing up through Afro-alpine forests. Encountering one of the gorilla groups in the nearby Volcanoes National Park is a unique experience.
Six opulent en-suite Forest Villas maximise comfort and views while adhering to environmentally responsible principles and reflecting the rich culture of rural Rwanda. Bisate is within easy driving distance of the Park Headquarters, from where gorilla treks depart daily. Walks on Bisate’s property offer birding and participation in the reforestation programme.
Bisate is Rwanda’s first genuinely luxurious and eco-sensitive safari lodge, centred on Africa’s most immersive wild primate experience.

Bisate Lodge is located in the natural amphitheatre of an eroded volcanic cone, with dramatic views of the peaks of the Bisoke and Karisimbi volcanoes rearing up through the Afro-alpine forests of nearby Volcanoes National Park

Twin/Double Rooms

(6 ROOMS)

Bisate’s sophisticated architectural and interior design is rooted in Rwandan building tradition as exemplified in the design of the Royal Palace of the traditional monarch. This spherical, synthetic thatched structure echoes the thousands of hills that dot the Rwandan landscape, while the richly detailed interior exhibits surfaces and screens made from a variety of woven materials with strong resonance in Rwandan culture.

Each 91 square metre Forest Villa consists of a generous yet intimate combination of bedroom, reception space and bathroom, all warmed by a central fireplace and with breath taking views out across your private deck towards Mount Bisoke. With only six villas, the real generosity in the Rwandan context is the amount of private and exclusive space that surrounds Bisate, cosseting it in a rare natural landscape brimming with Albertine Rift biodiversity and beauty.

This camp can accommodate 12 guests and 04 guide/pilot/tour leaders sharing.

06 x units in total comprising:

- 06 x twin-bedded villas, with double bed conversions possible.

Plus guide/pilot/tour leader accommodation comprising:

- 02 x single rooms with twin beds and shared en-suite facilities (not of the same standard as a guest villa).

Villa Description

- En-suite facilities with indoor shower, bathtub and double basin vanity, separate toilet, fireplace, easy chairs, luggage rack, tea and coffee making facilities, electronic safe and mini-bar.

- Complimentary wireless internet connection in villa only.

- Two way emergency radios have been fitted in the villas at Bisate Lodge and may be used by guests to contact camp management in the event of an emergency only. Said radios are on a closed circuit and inter-villa communication is not available.

- Bathrobes, liquid soap, shampoo and conditioner, body lotion, insect repellent, shower caps, vanity kit with cotton tipped swabs and cotton balls, tissue dispenser, washing powder (for smalls), umbrella and room spray are supplied in each villa.

Property Facilties

Tanted Camp

Room Facilities

Electrical Outlets

En-Suite

Fireplace

Hair Dryer

Heated Towel Rails

Internet Access (Complimentary)

Laundry Service (Complimentary)

Mini Bar

Safe

Tea / Coffee

Verandah

Activities on Site

Bird Watching

Gorilla Tracking

Massages

Natural History Tours

Walks (Guided)

Activities Nearby

Cultural Tours

Historical Tours

RATING

Premier

TYPE

Lodge

NO. ROOMS

CHILDREN POLICY

All ages are welcome

GORILLA TREKKING

15 year and above due to mountainous terrain

PET POLICY

Not allowed

AVAILABLE SERVICE

Credit Card

SPECIAL INTERESTS

Birding, History & Culture, Nature, Wildlife

Bisate Lodge perches dramatically on the edge of Volcanoes National Park in north-west Rwanda – one of the most thrilling safari destinations in Africa.

From your sumptuous villa on the slopes of an eroded volcanic crater, designed in the traditions of Rwandan royalty, gaze through a curtain of mist at two extinct volcanoes, Bisoke and Karisimbi. Where primatologist Dian Fossey ran her research station, Karisoke, dedicated to saving mountain gorillas from extinction. Hike through verdant rainforest, up to nearly 3 000 metres, to visit Karisoke’s haunting ruins and Fossey’s grave, next to her beloved gorilla, Digit. Here, gorillas, now numbering more than 1 000 throughout the Virunga massif, await you. For one precious hour, your allocated family may deliver your life’s most astonishing encounter.

Gorilla trekking is the star attraction, but nearby Volcanoes National Park offers other adventures: golden monkey trekking; the Fossey hike; scaling Mount Bisoke. On lodge property, explore nature trails where birds proliferate and a camera trap recently recorded a first: a silverback gorilla lumbering along the path. Plant a tree towards Bisate’s reforestation project, helping to lure wildlife back to the area. Follow the hum rising from the local villages below, and meet some of the community whose lives are so integral to the lodge.

Getting to and around Rwanda

You will fly into Kigali International Airport, the main entry point into Rwanda and just 15 minutes’ drive from the city centre. In order to ensure a seamless experience, a representative of Thousand Hills Africa will welcome you at the airport and take you on to a “meet and greet” venue in the city.

By Air

International flights into Rwanda arrive at Kigali International Airport in the country’s capital city.

From here a helicopter may be chartered between Kigali and Bisate, Kigali and Magashi or Bisate and Magashi (and vice versa). All flights and routings are subject to weather conditions, as well as the model of helicopter used.

Akagera Aviation offers the opportunity to either charter a helicopter or book a helicopter seat on a scheduled flight. Please contact your Journey Specialist for further details and costings.

By Land

If opting for the road transfer to Bisate you will overnight in Kigali before an approximately two-and-a-half-hour road transfer the next day with your Thousand Hills Africa guide in a luxury 4x4. The road transfer to Magashi takes approximately two-and-a-half hours from Kigali to the northern gate of Akagera National Park. This is followed by a game drive from the gate to the camp (duration between 45 and 120 minutes, depending on wildlife sightings and photographic opportunities).

What’s included?

Your stay at Bisate Lodge includes:

Personalized meet & assist on arrival
Luxury safari accommodation at Bisate Lodge
All meals, lunch and dinner accompanied with Fine Wine
Full American breakfast made-to-order daily
Complimentary in-room minibar and cocktails
Wines from the Bisate cellars inclusive of stay
Traditional afternoon tea service
Complimentary laundry service
Complimentary in-suite WiFi at lodge
All applicable taxes and hotel fees

Price Excludes: Transfers to lodge, Gorilla permit: $1500 per day, Single supplement extra.

Flights to Rwanda are guests’ expense

Camps to combine with Bisante

Mombo Camp - Botswana

Segera Camp - Kenya

Magasi Camp - Kenya

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