Bisate Lodge, Rwanda
Rwandan Bisate resort is truly a place where nature radiates in its full strength says ADEDOYIN JOHNSON
A walk into the famous Bisate Lodge exposes one to the world of finest African luxury hospitality. Situated in the natural amphitheatre of an eroded volcanic cone, the lodge offers a breathtaking view of Rwanda. The word ‘bisate’ which means pieces in Kinyarwanda, one of the native languages, describes how the cone was once whole but worn away by natural erosion.
The area around Bisate lodge 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. It is a lodge where nature radiates in its full strength.
Bisate is within a driving distance of Park Headquarters, from where gorilla treks depart daily. The trek enables guests to have a holistic view of mountain gorillas who are commonplace in the park. Aside from the area’s iconic mountain gorillas, other mammals that call Volcanoes National Park home include the golden monkey, side-striped jackal, black-fronted duiker, buffalo, elephant, tree hyrax and bushbuck. A variety of squirrel and genet species are also to be found here. Of the 178-bird species in the area, at least 13 are endemic to the Virunga area such as Archer’s robin chat, mountain black boubou, strange weaver, Rwenzori batis, mountain masked apalis and Rwenzori (collared) apalis.
Bisate offers exclusive accommodation and services that tell of the only sustainable luxury offerings in the area. With six sumptuous en-suite rooms that offers maximum comfort, warmth and views, Bisate gives bespoke service tailor-made to meet the needs of individual guest.
There are so many things to do at Bisate Lodge. You can go on Gorilla Trek which takes place from Volcanoes National Park headquarters, where guests are allocated one of the twelve habituated gorilla groups to visit for an hour. After a briefing by park rangers, the time of the trek varies depending which gorilla group is being visited, from 45 minutes to a few hours. Trekking is at a high altitude, but is well worth it; the time spent with gorillas could be truly life changing as the other side of Gorillas are seen in their natural habitat.
Bisate offers exclusive accommodation and services that tell of the only sustainable luxury offerings in the area.
The golden monkey trek is a must-have experience. It begins at Volcanoes National Park headquarters. The beautifully-coloured monkeys are endemic to the area and lives in groups of up to 30 individuals in the bamboo forest, its preferred source of food.
You can also go on a guided hike in Volcanoes National Park. At 3 711 metres Mount Bisoke volcano is located on the border of the DRC and Rwanda. The guided hike to the summit is strenuous and requires a full day to complete. However, once at the top it is extremely beautiful and really worth the effort as you are rewarded with sweeping views of the rainforest and the amazing crater lake.
A visit to Dian Fossey’s grave and Research Centre gives an interesting perspective to the life and times of Rwanda’s most celebrated researcher. Late Dian Fossey established the Karisoke Research Centre in 1967 in the saddle of Bisoke and Karisimbi volcanoes at an elevation of some 3 000 metres. The trail leading to her remote rainforest camp and grave, which is set alongside the graves of her beloved gorillas, and the remains of the research centre is a spectacular yet challenging hike up steep slopes where orchids, birdlife and even occasional black-fronted duiker and bushbuck can be seen.
A guided community walk will expose you to the culture of the community surrounding Bisate, a reflection cultural heritage of rural Rwanda. It will enable you to interact with indigenes whether in the fields, at their homes or in the local markets. You will also experience the cultural Intore dance.
Guests can walk to the vegetable garden where members of the local cooperative cultivate and sell vegetables to the lodge. Your guide will continue with you along the path to the Bisate community where you will meet Beatrice who will tell you a bit about her way of life and introduce you to her family.
Nature and birding walks are interesting activities to engage in as it allows guests to explore Bisate’s nature and birds in the forest to learn more about the bird and wildlife in the area. You may also enjoy a guided walk to the local pyrethrum fields and end the day at sunset with spectacular views of Karisimbi, Bisoke and Mikeno volcanoes from the viewing deck at Bisate Lodge. There is a self-guided trail on the property for those who wish to explore on their own.
You can end the day with Rwandan coffee, tea or wine tastings. Rwanda is well known for its coffee and tea; at Bisate you can learn a little more the special Rwandan coffee and tea through the resident barista.
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