5-Day Wilderness Bisate Lodge | Volcanoes National Park

An exciting walk through the verdant Rwanda jungle begins from your home at Wilderness Bisate Lodge. As you move on, you see the scout using his machete to clear a way. You see a slash of black fur against a green backdrop after your guide makes a subtle comment. A troop of endangered mountain gorillas has been located. While the enormous silverback patriarch keeps an eye on things, the moms gather for a cheerful conversation while the kids run around and play, annoying their teenage babysitters. They share countless similarities with humans. Spending an hour in quiet with this extended family must be one of the most moving wildlife interactions you will ever have, if not in Africa, then in the world.

Leave your camera at the door and sit quietly for a time; all you need to do is observe their relationships, social customs, and emotional range. Seeing these amiable giants on the verge of extinction—there are just a few hundred of them left—can be a life-altering experience for many.

Immerse yourself in the magnificence of Africa’s first gazetted national park, which dates back to 1925, on this 5-Day Wilderness Bisate Lodge that takes you into the heart of the area that primatologist Dian Fossey brought to the world’s notice.

A Detailed 5-Day Wilderness Bisate Lodge | Volcanoes National Park

Day 1: Jet into Kigali | 1 Nights

A shuttle will take you to the contemporary, multi-story Kigali Serena Hotel from the airport. The hotel features a spa, a gym, and multiple dining and drinking options. In order to be ready to explore the slopes and forests of Volcanoes National Park in pursuit of the elusive mountain gorillas, make sure to have a full night’s sleep in one of the very comfortable rooms following a long-haul journey.

Days 2-4: Into the Virunga Mountains | 3 Nights

Wilderness Bisate Lodge, located in the Virunga Mountains’ Volcanoes National Park, will serve as your home for the following four days. Virtualga means “volcanoes” in Kinyarwanda, and the English translation of this word is ibirunga. This park was the first of its kind in Africa, established in 1925 to save gorillas from poachers.

A can-do attitude and warm smiles are hallmarks of Rwandan culture. This is mirrored at the lodge, where exceptional service is distinguished by a personal touch. Staff members with more experience may be able to assist you in adjusting your camera’s settings and provide advice on where to take the best photos. In addition to the first-rate cuisine, guests will love the cosy stone structures of the lodge, which have fireplaces for those chilly winter nights, private baths, and covered porches or verandas. Enjoy a refreshing drink while gazing out at the mountains and forests, or settle down for a warm beverage after a long walk and reflect on your day. For those times of relaxation during the day, there is also a gaming room and a library.

The gorillas are Bisate Lodge’s biggest draw, and seeing one is practically assured. With a population of just a few hundred, mountain gorillas are in grave risk of extinction. A permit is required to trek, and visitors are limited to one hour with the gorillas. There is a lot more to do throughout your visit, however it could be the most memorable part. The next time you go hiking, maybe to view some wild golden monkeys, consider getting a massage to relax your muscles and get you ready for another adventure.

The Dian Fossey Research Camp, as well as Mounts Visoke, Muhabura, and M’gahinga, and their hidden treasures, can be explored on various excursions and walks. Take a boat on Lake Bulera or explore the beautiful Buhanga Sacred Forest or Gishwati Forest, two of the numerous picturesque lakes in the area. If you’re in the mood for some exercise, renting a mountain bike is a great way to see the area. However, you must immerse yourself in the culture and traditions of the mountain communities if you want to know the old rhythms of the woods. Former poachers who have given up poaching can be talked to at the Iby’iwacu cultural village.

Learn about the local king’s traditional home, observe a medicine man as he makes herbal concoctions, shoot some bow and arrows, or listen to African drumming. And don’t miss the annual infant gorilla naming ritual, Kwita Izina, in June if you happen to be in Rwanda during that time.

Day 5: One Last Look

Even though it’s brief, four days is more than enough time to make memories that will last a lifetime. Before you set your compass for home, say your goodbyes and take your leave of the mysterious woodland and its inhabitants.

End of the 5-Day Wilderness Bisate Lodge | Volcanoes National Park

Inclusions

  • Meals:
    Kigali Serena Hotel : Bed & Breakfast
    Wilderness Bisate : Fully Inclusive (All Meals, Selected Beverages)
  • All necessary permits, conservancy and park fees
  • All activities specified, including morning and evening game drives each full day on safari
  • 24/7 assistance and support during your trip

Exclusions

  • Your international flights to and from Africa + any related taxes
  • Any travel visas you require (though we help you with this)
  • Tips
  • Personal items (eg. travel insurance, souvenirs)