Guests can now officially book a stay at Wilderness Safaris’ newest Rwanda property—Bisate Lodge, a 42-hectare site comprised of six forest villas situated within the amphitheater of an eroded volcanic cone. Bisate, Rwanda is right next to Kinigi, the headquarters of the Volcanoes National Park, and the Lodge’s location provides a full panoramic vista of the Karisimbi, Bisoke and Mikeno volcanoes.
In the area surrounding Bisate Lodge there is also an ongoing indigenous reforestation project spearheaded by Wilderness Safaris, making the site a prime location for observation of the encompassing Albertine Rift’s biodiversity and natural landscapes. Popular gorilla trekking paths are near to Bisate Lodge, but other excursions include nature walks, tree planting, local coffee tastings and community visits.
The six forest villas—spherical, thatched structures evocative of Rwanda’s rolling hills—are rooted in traditional Rwandan culture. The villa interiors draw from the designs of traditional Rwandan monarchies, and their surfaces and screens are made from a variety of woven materials and colorful textiles ingrained in Rwandan culture. Many of the villas’ furnishings are decorated using “imigongo,” a popular Rwandan art form. Each villa has a private deck with a view of Mount Bisoke and a central fireplace.
Being a Wilderness Safaris Premier Camp, the Bisate Lodge operates around Wilderness Safaris’ "4Cs sustainability ethos of Commerce, Community, Culture and Conservation." The ongoing reforestation project has planted nearly 15,000 indigenous trees and is providing public exposure as well as cultural and community engagement for the conservation of the natural Virunga Massif ecosystem and its wildlife—especially the critically endangered Mountain Gorilla.
The Bisate Lodge aims to be a responsible ecotourism destination, and guests are encouraged to get involved in the ecological efforts of the camp. Sales and bookings for Bisate Lodge will be handled by Thousand Hills Africa, the ground partner of Wilderness Safaris.
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