On a misty morning in the Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda, the Virunga volcanoes rise like ancient sentinels above the forest canopy. Tucked high on a crater rim, Wilderness Bisate Reserve feels like a secret—just four villas, cocooned in woven textures and volcanic stone, with steaming wood-fired hot tubs waiting after a day on the trails.
It is at once intimate and expansive, private yet deeply connected to one of the most extraordinary wildlife experiences on earth. As the sister property to the acclaimed Wilderness Bisate, the Reserve carries the same conservation ethos and architectural vision, but its smaller scale redefines exclusivity for couples, families and multi-generational travelers alike.
Architecture & Ambiance
At Bisate Reserve, the architecture itself tells a story. Inspired by the traditional homes of Rwanda’s tribal chiefs, the villas reinterpret royal design in a modern, luxurious form. Each cocoon-like structure rises from the forest with woven thatch, volcanic stone, timber floors and basket-weave ceilings crafted by local artisans. Inside, the decor celebrates Rwanda’s artistry, from imigongo-inspired geometric patterns to handwoven reed matting, pottery and dramatic works by Rwandan artists depicting the gorillas of the Virungas. Pathways are paved with hand-chipped volcanic rock and vast windows frame the volcanoes themselves, blurring the line between lodge and landscape. The result is a retreat that feels regal yet grounded, connecting guests to both Rwanda’s heritage and its wild terrain.
Families Welcome
Unlike its larger sibling, Wilderness Bisate, the Reserve offers just four villas. Two villas connect via a discreet hallway—perfect for families like ours, traveling with children and grandparents, who wanted to flow between shared time and privacy. Inside, fires crackle beside generous living areas; outside, private wood-burning hot tubs steam against the mountain air, waiting to soothe tired muscles after trekking.
Though gorilla trekking is restricted to travelers age 15 and older, Wilderness Bisate Reserve ensures younger explorers are not left out. During our trek, our children remained at the lodge under the care of the warm staff. Their day was filled with creative and educational adventures: searching for chameleons on a guided walk, planting trees in the reforestation project, painting alongside the in-house artist and exploring the herb garden. It wasn’t simply childcare—it was a chance for them to engage with Rwanda’s ecological and cultural heritage in an age-appropriate way.
Dining & Culinary Experiences
At Bisate Reserve, dining follows your rhythm. One evening, a candlelit communal table glowed in the dining pavilion; the next, an elegant meal was laid out in our villa as the forest hummed beyond the glass. Each villa also comes with a fully stocked kitchenette, with snacks, drinks, and coffee included—perfect for early mornings or late-night cravings. One highlight of our stay was rolling dough with the chef and baking pizzas in the outdoor wood-fired oven; our children giggling as they scattered herbs freshly picked from the garden. Meals here are as joyful as they are refined, built around seasonal produce and locally sourced ingredients.
Effortless Gorilla Trekking
For most travelers, gorilla trekking is the pinnacle of a visit to Volcanoes National Park—and at Bisate Reserve, every detail is smoothed to perfection. On the morning of our trek, staff outfitted us with gloves, gaiters and rain gear, even helping us layer up in the chill of dawn. When we returned, muddy and exhilarated, they greeted us with warm smiles, whisked away our soiled gear, and ensured that the transition from forest to comfort was seamless. It’s this level of attentiveness that allows guests to stay immersed in the wonder of the experience.
Wellness in the Wilderness
Wellness is not an afterthought at Bisate Reserve—it’s part of the rhythm of the stay. After our trek, we retreated to our villa for a massage overlooking the Virunga volcanoes, the sounds of the forest drifting through as our muscles softened under expert hands. Soon, the property will expand its offerings further with The Sanctuary, a state-of-the-art wellness center opening in December 2025. Shared with Bisate, it will feature a heated saltwater indoor lap pool, yoga and meditation pods, steam rooms, ice baths and additional treatment spaces—a natural extension of the wellness ethos already felt throughout the Reserve.
Beyond the Gorillas
While gorilla trekking is the star, Bisate Reserve offers a rich portfolio of activities that give depth to every stay. Your clients can trek to see golden monkeys, hike to Dian Fossey’s grave and the Karisoke ruins or take on the challenging climb to Mount Bisoke’s summit crater lake. Closer to the lodge, guided nature walks, birding excursions and tree-planting initiatives connect travelers to the landscape. Cultural visits to local communities and markets reveal Rwanda’s human story, while helicopter flights over the Virunga volcanoes offer breathtaking perspectives. During our stay, we also visited the gorilla naming ceremony site and the Ellen DeGeneres Campus of the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund—both experiences that deepened our appreciation for Rwanda’s conservation legacy.
Advisor Insights: Selling Wilderness Bisate Reserve
Bisate Reserve is more than a lodge—it’s an exclusive enclave designed to meet the needs of today’s luxury travelers. Here are key considerations to highlight when recommending it:
• Best Time to Visit: June–September and December–February for drier trekking conditions.
• Gorilla Trekking Intensity: Guests can request an easier or harder trek the night before. Our family asked for the easiest route for my father, who has a hip replacement. Rangers do their best to match guests, though gorillas are wild and may move unpredictably.
• Multi-Generational Appeal: With only four villas—including two that connect—the property is perfect for families or groups traveling together.
• Family-Friendly Activities: Children under 15 cannot trek, but they are engaged with art, guided walks, tree planting and cultural experiences while parents trek.
• Dining Flexibility: Highlight in-villa dining and unique experiences like pizza-making with the chef.
• Wellness Angle: In-villa massages with volcano views are a highlight; The Sanctuary wellness center will launch in late 2025.
• Packing Tip: Trek gear such as gaiters, gloves and rain jackets is provided, but we recommend clients bring their own well-worn hiking boots for comfort on the mountain trails.
• Add-On Experiences: Golden monkey treks, Dian Fossey hikes, cultural visits and helicopter flights enrich the stay.
This story originally appeared in worldstompers.com, a family travel website created to inspire families with kids to expand their idea of adventures. You can follow the adventures of the Bazavilvazo family @worldstompers on Instagram and The Worldstompers on Facebook.
For more of @worldstompers’ travels to far-flung destinations, click here.
