Where is Bisate Lodge and how do I get there?

On a forested hillside near Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park. We arrange seamless road transfers from Kigali to park HQ and the lodge; helicopter access can be arranged when time is tight.

What are the villas and facilities like?

Six Forest Villas with generous interiors and decks overlook the Virunga peaks. Expect warm, attentive hosting, thoughtful cuisine and cosy fireside evenings; private dining can be arranged.

How do gorilla permits work and are there age limits?

Gorilla trekking requires a limited daily permit issued by the park; we secure permits in advance. Trekkers must be 15+ years and should carry passports for verification; porter support is recommended.

What can I do on non-trekking days?

Golden monkey trekking, guided nature walks in the lodge’s reforestation, tree planting and nursery tours, visits to the Ellen DeGeneres Campus of the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund, and hikes to Bisoke’s crater lake (by arrangement).

When is the best time to visit?

Trekking runs year-round. Conditions vary with rainfall; we plan dates and gear for comfort in changeable mountain weather and align routing with flight times.

Bisate Lodge

Cradled on a forested hillside near Volcanoes National Park, Bisate blends striking design with purpose. Six Forest Villas gaze onto misty volcanoes, each spacious and welcoming, with interiors and generous decks. Days revolve around gorilla trekking, golden monkey encounters, and nature walks in flourishing reforestation. Evenings bring thoughtful cuisine and Rwandan warmth. Guests may plant a tree and visit the Ellen DeGeneres Campus of the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund, adding meaning to an intimate stay.

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Bisate Lodge bedroom with herringbone floors and statement basket ceiling Rwanda

Quick facts
6 Forest Villas
Gorilla trekking
Golden monkeys
Reforestation
Volcano hikes

Spacious Bisate Lodge suite opening to deck with volcano views Rwanda

Thatched forest villas of Bisate Lodge set on hillside in Volcanoes National Park Rwanda

Highlights & Activities.

Start early for gorilla trekking with park guides, then add golden monkey trekking, volcano hikes such as Bisoke’s crater lake, and the Dian Fossey hike. Back at Bisate, join guided nature walks, tour the nursery, and plant a tree in the lodge’s reforestation. Visit the Ellen DeGeneres Campus, explore local culture through community experiences, and look for Albertine Rift birdlife from the trails. Evenings bring fireside drinks and thoughtful, locally sourced cuisine, with private dining on request. Helicopter access and transfers can be arranged for efficient routing when time is tight.

Private deck dining service at Bisate Lodge among the forest Rwanda

Region information.

Volcanoes National Park protects Rwanda’s section of the Virunga Massif, a high-altitude mosaic of bamboo and montane forest draped across five volcanoes. It is famed for carefully managed mountain gorilla trekking, with small groups, set time at a single family, and expert rangers. Golden monkeys offer a lighter, lively trek, while longer hikes reach Bisoke’s crater lake or Karisimbi’s summit. Weather shifts quickly, so layers are wise. Village visits and the Dian Fossey Campus add context. Permits are limited and must be secured in advance to keep encounters respectful and sustainable.