Wilderness Bisate Reserve
Volcanoes National Park, Rwanda · by Wilderness · also known as Bisate Reserve




Photos of Volcanoes National Park, not the lodge. Lodge photos coming with permission.Wilderness Bisate Reserve is a lodge of 4 villas run by Wilderness on the edge of Volcanoes National Park, Rwanda. Rates run $3,518 to $5,225 per person per night sharing over the next 12 months (fully inclusive). Gorilla permits are bought separately: $1,500 per person per trek.
Location
Villas sit on the crest of a forested slope next to Bisate Lodge, on the southern edge of Volcanoes NP. The surrounding land is restored and reforested montane forest between extinct volcanic cones. The property is unfenced and wildlife passes through.
360-degree view across the forested slopes of six Virunga volcanoes including Bisoke, Karisimbi and Mikeno; looks out towards Mount Bisoke.
About 20 minutes to park HQ (Yellow Zebra)
Getting around
Villas on a hillside crest between eroded volcanic cones; no detail on steps or paths found.
Neighbours
Within walking distance of Bisate Lodge but out of sight; Bisate helipad is a 5-minute transfer.
Lodges within 2 km: Wilderness Bisate (0.6 km).
Approximate location. Pins show the lowest published rate per person per night.
Who it's for
Tags come from verified facts, not opinions. Each one shows why it applies.
Gorilla trekking and activities
Treks are run by the Rwanda Development Board, not the lodge. Every visitor meets at park headquarters in Kinigi at 7am and is assigned to a gorilla family. Your lodge books the permit and drives you there.
*With at least 2 nights in Akagera or Nyungwe on the same trip. Fees from the Rwanda Development Board, 2026.
Activities at Wilderness Bisate Reserve
| Activity | Cost | Min. age | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gorilla trekking | $1,500 | 15 | Permit not in lodge rate; via park authority |
| Conservation experience | Included | — | Tree planting and reforestation monitoring |
| Cultural / community visit | Included | — |
How reliably you'll see
Park fees and permits
| What | Adult | Per |
|---|---|---|
| Golden monkey tracking | $100 | per person |
| Mount Bisoke climb | $75 | per person |
| Dian Fossey tomb hike | $75 | per person |
| Exclusive gorilla trek (whole group, max 8) | $15,000 | per group |
Foreign non-resident rates from Rwanda Development Board (RDB).
When to go
Volcanoes National Park is at its best Jun – Aug, in the long dry season. The long rains run March to May and the short rains October to November. Treks and drives go ahead in the rain, and lodges often charge less.
Rates
Per person per night, sharing. Fully inclusive: meals, activities, most drinks; check park fees and laundry separately. We don't sell trips; these are the operator's own published prices.
| Dates | Season | Room | Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | |||
| Jun 1 – Oct 31 | High | Villa | $4,929 |
| Nov 1 – Dec 15 | Shoulder | Villa | $3,549 |
| Dec 16 – Feb 28 | High | Villa | $4,929 |
| 2027 | |||
| Mar 1 – Apr 30 | Low | Villa | $3,518 |
| May 1 – May 31 | Shoulder | Villa | $3,762 |
| Jun 1 – Oct 31 | High | Villa | $5,225 |
| Nov 1 – Dec 15 | Shoulder | Villa | $3,762 |
| Dec 16 – Feb 29 | High | Villa | $5,225 |
Also included or excluded: laundry; 3% tourism tax; lodge-based activities; Sanctuary wellness use. Excl. conservation levy & park fees.
Rooms and amenities
Rooms
- 4 × Villa, wood-fired hot tub on private deck · two villas can be linked as a family room
Amenities
Wine: climate-controlled wine tower
Getting there
Fly into Kigali International Airport (KGL), then go by road or helicopter.
From $395 per vehicle, one way. Your lodge or agent arranges the driver; there's no need to find one yourself.
From $1,771 per aircraft, one way. Smallest helicopter seats 3 with a 180 kg limit for people and bags.
Who flies
Helicopter charters, lodge/park transfers and scenic tours across Rwanda. Limit is total weight (passengers + luggage) per aircraft per route.
Compare nearby
All 10 in Volcanoes National Park
Flagship
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FlagshipQuestions
How much does Wilderness Bisate Reserve cost?
$3,518 to $5,225 per person per night sharing over the next 12 months, from the operator's published rates (checked 2026-10-21). Rates are fully inclusive. Gorilla permits ($1,500 per person per trek) are extra.
When is the best time to visit Wilderness Bisate Reserve?
June, July and August are the driest, best months in Volcanoes National Park. The long rains run March to May; lodges stay open and prices are lower.
How do you get to Wilderness Bisate Reserve?
Fly into Kigali International Airport (KGL). Volcanoes National Park is about 3 hours by road from Kigali or about 30 minutes by helicopter.
Before you go
Rules change. Check official sources before you travel.
Sources
Every fact on this page is tied to a source. Facts checked 2026-10-21. Spotted something wrong? Tell us.
Photos show Volcanoes National Park, not Wilderness Bisate Reserve: Photo: Adygrafix250, CC BY 4.0; Photo: Carine06 from UK, CC BY-SA 2.0; Photo: Carine06 from UK, CC BY-SA 2.0; Photo: Wood Wildlife Photography, CC BY-SA 4.0; Photo: Carine06 from UK, CC BY-SA 2.0.