Trekking with the gorillas in Rwanda has long been a bucket-list travel item on many people’s list. The experience is otherworldly: climbing through the rainforest, quietly finding the gorilla family, and watching them interact with each other. Upon return back home, everyone comments that the expense and difficulty of getting there is well worth it.

Wilderness Safaris is excited to announce the opening of a new lodge and their first in Rwanda – Bisate Lodge. The lodge is located in a natural amphitheater, giving guests a feeling of remoteness – although they are still just outside Volcanoes National Park, where the trekking takes place. The Lodge also has dramatic views of Bisoke and Karisimbi volcanoes in the distance.

Bisate Lodge and Wilderness Safaris are mindful of cultural and conservation efforts in the area. Guests are encouraged to participate in biodiversity conservation and reforestation efforts, meeting the local community, and learning about saving the endangered mountain gorilla. There is an on-site gorilla expert to answer any and all questions, even after the trek is done for the day.

Let’s not forget the gorilla trekking itself! Explorers will meet their guides for a briefing in the morning before heading out for the trek. The distance and difficulty of each trek varies and depends on where the gorilla families are that day. Once you find the gorillas, you will have roughly one hour of quiet time with them to watch, learn, and of course photograph!

It wouldn’t be a Wilderness camp without the aspect of luxury. Guests at Bisate will be in complete comfort to round out this once-in-a-lifetime gorilla adventure. The camp comprises of individual villas with a bedroom, foyer, and bathroom, all warmed by a central fireplace. The warm, natural décor reflects the most breathtaking aspect of the room: the view from the private deck of Mount Bisoke.

Aside from tracking one of the ten habituated gorilla groups, other attractions include Iby’wacu cultural village, the Twin Lakes of Ruhondo and Burera, the lava tunnels of the Musanze Caves, Dian Fossey’s grave, and even seeing the endemic golden monkey. Walks on the extensive property offer unique birding opportunities.

Join us in welcoming Wilderness Safaris to Rwanda, and get in touch if you’re ready to meet the gorillas for yourself!

Thank you to Wilderness Safaris for the pictures!