Bisate Lodge is located in the natural amphitheatre of an eroded volcanic cone – the word bisate means ‘pieces’ in Kinyarwanda, describing how the cone was once whole but worn away by natural erosion. The area has dramatic views of the peaks of the volcanoes Bisoke, Karisimbi and Mikeno rearing up through the Afro-alpine forests of nearby Volcanoes National Park. Six sumptuous en-suite rooms maximise comfort, warmth and views while retaining environmental principles and reflecting the culture of surrounding rural Rwanda. Bisate is within easy driving distance of Park Headquarters, from where gorilla treks depart daily. Its vision of reforestation and rehabilitation means that each guest is invited to participate in our biodiversity conservation efforts, as well as engage and meet the local community – in addition to learning about and making a far-reaching positive impact on an iconic Critically Endangered species: the mountain gorilla.
Star ratings are intended to indicate the general level of features, amenities, and services to expect. This property is classified according to Giata.
We simply loved our time at Bisate. The lodge is located in such a picturesque location - I could spend hours, just admiring the view of the volcanoes, the greenery, and the clouds playing hide and seek. I had heard about Rwanda being clean and green, but seeing it first hand was still rather shocking, in a good way. What I was blown over with the most was the diversity of flora that grew in the wild. Plants such as fuchsias and butterfly bushes that we spend small fortunes on, grew in the wild in Rwanda!
Bisate was wonderful. The people were very polite and professional. We traveled with friends who had certain last minute meal requests that the chef was able to accommodate immediately. The lodge provided gators, thick gloves, and trekking bags. They also provided raincoats, but as we had our own, we did not need them. When we got back to the lodge after each trek, the staff helped us take off our gators and boots and provide slip ons for us to wear. Our muddy boots were returned by evening, looking better than new, and our muddy clothes too were laundered perfectly.
Ingrid and Tataum, the camp managers, were just wonderful, competent, and engaging ladies.
The only concerns I had were: While the dinner menu was diverse and varied every day, the lunch menu was not. It was the same menu every day, and even though the food was flavorful, seeing the same menu got a bit boring. Service was occasionally a little slow. The rooms were comfortable but the bathrooms needed much better lighting especially as the days begin early when its still dark outside and getting ready can be tough due to poor lighting. Lastly, Bisate has wonderfully serene surroundings, perfect for yoga and/or meditation, for those who are interested. As an avid yogi, I was a bit disappointed that neither was offered. But, I was told that in the next few months, they are opening an adjoining property where yoga and meditation will be offered.
The gorilla trek was beyond anything that we could have imagined. The treks are expensive, but if you can, I would definitely recommend going on more than one trek. Also, if you plan on doing a golden monkey trek, try and to do that before the gorillas, as if you do it after, it will be anticlimactic.
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Date of stay: February 2020
Location
Cleanliness
Service
Room Tip:if you are not very fit, request a villa on a lower elevation
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Tenneil Zondagh, Marketing at Wilderness Bisate
Responded Mar 16, 2020
Dear TiyendePamodzi, Thank you for your great review and for sharing all your fond memories with us. We have shared your kind words with Ingrid and all the staff in camp and they tell us they are looking forward to your next visit very much. Our lunch menu comes with changing daily specials, so although the basis of the menu is the same the daily specials offered change - we will make sure our staff is more forthcoming with these specials. We have spoken to Ingrid and we are sorry about the delay that might have been experienced during service but she did explain this was due to the dietary requirements and special requests. We do usually request all this information prior to guests arrival so that we can be prepared when in camp but this unfortunately took a little longer for our chefs to prepare these dishes and hope this did not effect your stay with us. We are excited about the ideas to offer yoga experiences in the future. When this is implemented we will make sure to keep you updated so that you can plan your next trip to Bisate. Kind regards Wilderness Safaris
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The accommodations are beyond words, the gorilla trekking will be one of the highlights of your life, and the people are so friendly and warm, we cried when saying goodbye. Upon arrival, Jason and Ally took us up to the lounge area to familiarize us with the property. After that, we were taken to our rooms and our jaws dropped when we entered the front door. Each room has an amazing view of the volcano, decorated beautifully, and you even have a fireplace lit for you each night if so desired. A bar and coffee setup has everything you might need for a drink and snack or maybe a cup of coffee or tea. The bathroom is very large with a double-sided fireplace so pour yourself a glass of wine and do not miss taking a bath! Each night, you meet up in the lounge with other guests to chat and have a drink. There is no wifi in the lounge to encourage people to talk rather than stare at their phones. Bosco, Alice, Benjamin, and Patience are there to make sure you have whatever you want during your meals and always serve it all up with a beautiful smile. Jean Pierre will always be around to greet you and see if you have any questions and even give you tips on what to do around the property. If you can, take the hike up to the volcano behind Villa Six. Also, don't miss out on the tree planting, You pick the tree, you plant it yourself, and they give you the GPS coordinates so you can keep track of it. I can't say enough about this place and hope to one day return and do it all again, only a few days longer next time. I also hope that we left the staff with some fun memories as well. Michael, Ray, Faye, and Pam.
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Date of stay: October 2021
Value
Location
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This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Tenneil Zondagh, Marketing at Wilderness Bisate
Responded Dec 13, 2021
Thank you for the brilliant review, we are thrilled to see that you had a truly "Life changing" journey with us. 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. We have shared your kind words with our wonderful staff in camp, and they remember you with fond memories. The team hopes that you will visit us soon again to create more memories together. Thank you for visiting and for complimenting us on our conservation efforts. We appreciate your contribution to our reforestation efforts by planting your tree! Kind regards, Wilderness Safaris
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We had an incredible time at Bisate Lodge. We stayed in a beautiful room built on a cliff side and overlooking the volcanoes that were wonderfully appointed and with unique and interesting architecture. The room needs to be seen to be believed. Just stunning. Staff were friendly and constantly went above and beyond our expectations. The service was just next level! The lodge is situated about 30-40 minutes from the meeting point for Gorilla trekking. A highlight at this lodge are the pre dinner drinks in the lounge with the hosts. Meals are to die for! We had lunch up in the room on arrival and had a delicious beef pasta and cheese platter. Dinner and breakfast was equally spectacular as is the drinks list. This is an exquisite property at the doorstep to one of the most amazing wildlife experiences you can have. A magical place that I hope to return to again.
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Date of stay: July 2019Trip type: Travelled as a couple
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Response from Wilderness_Safaris, Public Relations Manager at Wilderness Bisate
Responded Jan 8, 2020
Dear JTandMT, thank you for the brilliant review, we are delighted to see how much you enjoyed your time with us as well as the life changing experience trekking with the gorillas. We are thrilled to be able to share this with you and all our great guests. We will be sure to share your kind words with our great chefs and all the wonderful staff in camp. Kind regards Wilderness Safaris
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First off, Rwanda has handled Covid better than almost any other African Country, so it is very, very safe to travel [all visitors take covid test on arrival at the airport, which only took 20 minutes and was very flawlessly executed].
The most unique hotel architecture. Check
The most amazing location. Check
The most kind and attentive staff. Check.
And oh yes… the Gorilla Treks…
How great is Bisate? Well, we would go back there even if there were no Gorilla Treks… it is simply that unique. It hits every 5 star requirement, and does it with elegance of bygone era. Each room is a series of woven circles, and decorated as if Architectural Digest was coming to visit… The stone tub… the two sided fireplaces… the circular stone shower encased in glass… the fixtures… the textures… All this founded on a devotion to the locals, and a program to increase forestation at an uber rapid pace [they have planted thousands and thousands of trees, such that you will likely see a golden monkey playing in the bamboo below]
The food is perhaps the best of any hotel we have ever been to, and we have travelled top tier for the last 15 years…everything is so fresh and so pure, that you are reminded of what our genetically engineered fruit and vegetables were supposed to taste like!! But the menu does not limit itself [my wife is a pescatarian but I am a red meat fellow]. All taste and needs were not only satisfied, but exceeded. A simple pureed soup because heaven with each spoonful…roasted beets… and a breakfast that is served on tiered banquets of silver…. Wow!
The staff were so amazing and so warm, that we left thinking they were family. A Special thank you to Amazing Alice, Seraphina, Benson, Mamatusi and of course Alley the GM who was always ready for the guest needs..
This is one of those hotels, where you pinch yourself, because it does not seem possible.
Note, this hotel involved hand carved stone stairs everywhere, so if you are of limited mobility, this would not be for you. The guest ranged from all ages and countries, with a few 80 year olds not intimidated the steps… so keep that in mind. The steps are worth the location.
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Date of stay: June 2021
Rooms
Cleanliness
Service
Room Tip:All Rooms are wonderful... only 8 villas... all have amazing views... lower rooms involve less of...
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Tenneil Zondagh, Marketing at Wilderness Bisate
Responded Jun 17, 2021
Dear culturebound, Thank you for this amazing review, we have shared your kind words with Ally and the entire team and they hope you will visit again soon. We are very proud of our sustainable menu and thrilled to see it was enjoyed by both you and your wife. We have recently increased our vegitable garden and are now growing majority of the produce used in camp on the door step of the Bisate Kwanda. Walking can be a bit of a hike but should any one prefer a room closer to the bottom of the camp let us know during your bookig and we can make arrangements. On the otherhand being up the side of the ampitheatre has the benifits of feeling almost alone in this amazing area. Kind regards Wilderness Safaris
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People say that Bisate is one of the world’s best hotels. And guess what, they’re not wrong. It’s by far one of the best that I have enjoyed and I highly recommend this hotel to anyone seeking an exceptional experience during their once in a lifetime vacation to visit the mountain gorillas.
Let’s start with the property itself. Bisate is at the end of a bumpy road and the entrance gate is situated near one of the entry points to see the mountain gorillas. It’s unassuming. But past the entrance, you get your first look at the 6 identical villas perched on the side of a hill.
The rooms are large and beautifully appointed with local art and modern amenities. From the balcony, you overlook the valley and have a perfect view of one of the five volcanoes of the national park. Comfort is king in each villa and you’ll find your stay comfortable and relaxing.
Food and wine are included in your stay and not only will you NEVER be hungry, the food is world class. The complimentary wine options are many and are chosen with care. The vegetables come from the greenhouse and gardens on the property and are bursting with flavor as they’re all picked at the peak. Most of all, the chefs are so innovative and create simple dishes with exceptional flavors. All the dishes are cooked to perfection and nothing is dry. Dessert is a must as the options change everyday.
But in my opinion, Bisate is one of the world’s best hotels because of its staff. You are greeted by a team of people when you arrive and from that moment, you are cared for by some of the kindest and most thoughtful people in the world. The staff remember every detail that you have provided before your trip and pick up additional details during your stay. Staff members constantly coordinate with other staff members, so your experience is seamless.
One night at Bisate is not enough. Trust me - after the first night, you realize that you are already looking forward to returning back to the hotel before you even leave for your mountain gorilla adventure that I’m sure you have planned.
I am so happy that I stayed at Bisate and highly recommend it.
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Date of stay: May 2022
Rooms
Cleanliness
Service
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Tenneil Zondagh, Marketing at Wilderness Bisate
Responded Jun 9, 2022
Dear yumingc2019, Thank you for your beautiful review. We are thrilled to see how much you enjoyed your stay with us, and that everything was able to meet your expectations. Bisate is indeed a magical camp - with our local staff from the surrounding villages, and we are delighted to read that our staff was one of your highlights. We will be sure to pass your kind words to all our wonderful staff in camp. We hope that you visit us again soon to create more memories together. Kind regards The Bisate team
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This fantastic property built in the side of a mountain offers luxury in a rustic style that will not disappoint. The villas are very comfortable and even offer a fireplace that has a lit fire welcoming you every evening to take the chill off those cool evenings. Housekeeping kept our spaces impeccably clean. The caring and attentive staff is genuinely devoted to making your stay a memorable one in every sense. You truly feel most welcome here. General Manager Ally provides expert oversight and guidance to all operations. The menu was varied and delicious. You will have an opportunity to sample dishes supported by vegetables produced in the property's own garden. Alice, our server for meals, is an absolute charm. Claude, who seemed to be everywhere doing everything, was a delight. He also displayed a welcome expertise in fitting gaiters for the early morning gorilla treks. There is an ongoing reforestation project at Bisate and I strongly encourage every guest to participate in it. Michael, the staff agronomist, is very knowledgeable and will assist you in picking and planting an indigenous tree that will help reclaim the forest and expand living space for the animals. It should be noted that this replanted area will become part of Volcanoes National Park and will also include Bisate as the only hotel within its boundaries. To experience the magic of this unique property is to take the "Wow" factor to another level. Thank you so much, Bisate!
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Date of stay: October 2021
Location
Service
Sleep Quality
Room Tip:As older people we very much appreciated being assigned villa # 1. Lower numbered villas are...
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Tenneil Zondagh, Marketing at Wilderness Bisate
Responded Dec 13, 2021
Thank you for this amazing review, we will be sure to share your kind words with Ally, Alice, Claude, Michael and the rest of the wonderful team at camp, and we hope you will visit us again soon. We are very proud of our sustainable menu and thrilled to see that you enjoyed this. We have expanded our vegetable garden and are growing majority of the produce used in camp. Kind regards, Wilderness Safaris
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It doesn't get any better than this..... The Bisate Lodge only has six hillside villas, decor is so tasteful but also completely authentically African. Incredible service, wonderful food. A big roaring log fire in your villa which opens onto your bedroom/living room, but also backs onto the huge bathroom as well. The staff keep the fire topped up with wood and so everything is always toasty warm. You look out onto the volcanoes - magical.
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Date of stay: July 2021
Location
Cleanliness
Service
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Tenneil Zondagh, Marketing at Wilderness Bisate
Responded Oct 12, 2021
Thank you for your fabulous review, we are delighted to see how much you enjoyed your journey with us. Bisate is indeed a magical camp - with our local staff from the surrounding villages and the camp decor based on traditional Rwandan designs. Kind regards Wilderness Safaris
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My husband and I flew from Zanzibar to Kigali and helicoptered from there to Bisate Lodge. Bisate Lodge has picturesque luxury cabins nestled in the hillside, perfectly blending with the surrounding environment. The accommodations are excellent. Because there are so few rooms, the service is personal and exceptional. The quality of the food is also outstanding. We had the pleasure of staying 4 nights and were sad to leave. Everyone greeted us with smiles and assisted us with all of our requests. It was a perfect place to stay for the gorilla trekking. We had a very memorable stay there and were sad to leave. We would definitely return.
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Date of stay: February 2020
Value
Service
Sleep Quality
Room Tip:All rooms provide a phenomenal panoramic view but some have quite a few steps to reach them.
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Tenneil Zondagh, Marketing at Wilderness Bisate
Responded Apr 13, 2020
Dear pamelafm2017, Thank you for your wonderful review, we are delighted to see how much you both enjoyed your stay with us and hope you will visit us again soon. Thank you Wilderness Safaris
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Staff, food, and rooms were amazing. The location is beautiful and the architect of the facility did an amazing job with luxurious accommodations that resembled traditional houses. Everything has been considered, from starting the fireplace in your room to cleaning your muddy boots to like new condition in preparation for the next trek. Hard to describe how much we enjoyed our stay at Bisate Lodge. Would have been fantastic by itself, but then you get to see gorillas.
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Date of stay: November 2023
Value
Location
Service
Trip type: Travelled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Wilderness Destinations, Other at Wilderness Bisate
Responded Nov 23, 2023
Dear FrequentFlier788418, Thank you for your lovely review and we are thrilled that you thoroughly enjoyed your stay with us at Wilderness Bisate. Thank you also noticing the small things that our staff do to make our guests feel all the more welcome. We are thrilled you enjoyed your time and seeing the gorillas which is such a special experience. We hope you will return one day to visit us again. Yours in Safaris, Wilderness
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We had the most wonderful time at the lodge. Compared to other places we have stayed on this, and other trips, there was definitely a different vibe / more positive energy right from the moment we stepped out of the car and Ryan greeted us (along with the rest of the team). Over our two night’s stay Ryan was fantastic, full of infectious enthusiasm and good insights on what to do and get the best out of our stay. And on our final night he was an amazing help and went beyond what would be expected, by helping us out when our helicopter transfer (arranged by others) fell through; he was calling and emailing people, and was a big part on why our arrangements eventually came good. Ryan is a fantastic host, the best we’ve come across over our many adventures. The rest of the staff were all very friendly and very helpful. We especially enjoyed the evening talk with the guide, and hope the team put on more little events like that in future. The food was the best we’ve had in our numerous trips to Africa, the chef and kitchen staff have made great dishes – nothing too fancy (good) but the use of quality ingredients really showed. The cleaning services for were quick and efficient, and it is great to have additional apparel available for the hikes. Every need was catered for. And finally, the day lodge is the icing on the cake – a wonderful idea, that shows the team recognise that a lot of people have evening flights and helps them still make the most of their final day. We, and other guests, managed to squeeze in a trip to see the golden monkeys, so having space to shower and change afterwards, is great – whilst still allowing the Bisate team to prepare our vacated room for the next guests. Brilliant. So scores of 10 out of 10 all round! We’ll definitely be recommending Bisate to our friends and fellow travellers. It is definitely worth the cost. The Bisate team for made it the holiday of a lifetime (at least until we come Bisate again!).
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Date of stay: December 2022
Value
Location
Service
Trip type: Travelled as a couple
Room Tip:The day lodge can be used for your last day - allowing you to spend a few more hours there after...
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from We Are Wilderness, Marketing at Wilderness Bisate
Responded Sep 4, 2023
Dear JipFoster, We are absolutely thrilled by your wonderful review of Wilderness Bisate! Your kind words and praise for Ryan and our team's exceptional service, the fantastic food, and the convenience of our day lounge, Bisate Kwanda, mean the world to us. Thank you for your perfect scores and for recommending us to your friends and fellow travelers. We can't wait to welcome you back for another incredible experience. Safe travels and see you soon! Warm regards, Wilderness
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Johannesburg, South Africa126 contributions1 helpful vote
In the coming months Bisate Lodge will open a separate Day Lounge specifically to cater for the later departure requests. It will depend on your travel dates if you will be able to make use of the new facility or not. If you are not able to make use of the Day Lounge, lodge management will do their best to accommodate the request but it will depend on the arriving bookings for that day. You will need to depart the room latest by 11h00 after which it might be possible to still enjoy lunch at the lodge and depart after lunch.
Wilderness Safaris Bisate Lodge at Volcanoes National Park, Rwanda, is enhancing its guest experience by building an exclusive new Day Lounge to accommodate early arrivals and later departures. As the only lodge in the area to offer this service as part of its fully-inclusive offering, guests will be able to shower, change, enjoy a light meal, in-room massage, or simply relax in the lodge’s supremely hospitable and peaceful environment.
Johannesburg, South Africa126 contributions1 helpful vote
Hello Joyce,
I will leave your question for past guests to help you get a real answer as I am slightly biased :).
If however, you would like to get some more information we have several blogs available on our website as well as camp news giving you first hand experience of what you can expect when you stay with us. You can also get more information about activities on offer and some of the community projects we are involved in including our wonderful reforestation programme.
We hope the Wilderness Safaris website will help you find the information you are looking for.
Thank you
Tenneil Zondagh - Wilderness Safaris
Johannesburg, South Africa126 contributions1 helpful vote
Hello,
The previous instructions are all correct, you can get all the information you need off the Wilderness-safaris website. In addition if you would like to leave a message for our enquiries department (via the link on the website) we will get a Travel Agent to contact you and assist you further.
Kind regards
Wilderness Safaris
Johannesburg, South Africa126 contributions1 helpful vote
Hello Brian,
Thank you for your question, I have confirmed with our office in Rwanada as well as our partenrs at Thousand Hills Africa (who manage all our Kigali touring and transfers.
The lodge does not provide transportation to and from the park. All our guests arrive with a chauffeur (private driver/guide) and book their trip through a local tour operator like Thousand Hills Africa.
The private driver/guide takes the guests to the Head Quarters and after the guests have been informed which gorilla group they will trek, the driver/guide will take the guests to the starting point for this particular group. The vehicle and driver/guide will wait for the guests to finish their gorilla trekking and will collect the guests where they exit the park. From there the driver/guide will take the guests back to the lodge or continue any sightseeing or souvenir shopping on request.
I hope this has been helpful - should you require any further assistance please do not hesitate to contact us directly via the Enquiries section on the Wilderness Safaris website.
Thank you
Wilderness Safaris
There are more places to choose from in the Ruhengeri area.
LOCATION
RwandaNorthern ProvinceMusanze DistrictRuhengeri
NUMBER OF ROOMS
6
Prices are the average nightly price provided by our partners and may not include all taxes and fees. Taxes and fees that are shown are estimates only. Please see our partners for more details.
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