Wilderness Bisate
Volcanoes National Park, Rwanda · by Wilderness · also known as Bisate Lodge
Photos of Volcanoes National Park, not the lodge. Lodge photos coming with permission.Wilderness Bisate is a lodge of 6 villas run by Wilderness on the edge of Volcanoes National Park, Rwanda. Rates run $2,723 to $4,023 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 a steep hillside inside the amphitheatre of an eroded volcanic cone just outside the southern boundary of Volcanoes NP. The site is former farmland being reforested with native trees, with a farming community just below. Forested volcano slopes rise beyond.
Villas overlook Bisoke, Karisimbi and Mikeno (DRC); Sabyinyo, Gahinga and Muhabura lie to the east; lodge faces Bisoke.
About 20 minutes to park HQ (Expert Africa); last stretch is a rocky volcanic track needing a 4x4.
Getting around
27-hectare steep hillside; many stairs of uneven volcanic stone; higher-numbered villas have better views but more stairs; uphill walking during stay.
Neighbours
Just above a local farming community; Bisate Reserve is in the same concession; Bisate helipad is a 5-minute drive away.
Lodges within 2 km: Wilderness Bisate Reserve (0.6 km).
Location from a mapping source. 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
| Activity | Cost | Min. age | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gorilla trekking | $1,500 | 15 | Permit not in lodge rate; via park authority |
| Cultural / community visit | Included | — | Guided village walks and community visits |
| Conservation experience | Included | — | Nursery visit and tree planting |
| Walking safari | Included | — | Nature and bird walks (not big-game walking) |
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 | |||
| Mar 1 – Apr 30 | Low | Forest villa | $2,569 |
| May 1 – May 31 | Shoulder | Forest villa | $2,869 |
| Jun 1 – Jun 30 | High | Forest villa | $3,795 |
| Jul 1 – Oct 31 | High | Forest villa | $3,795 |
| Nov 1 – Dec 15 | Shoulder | Forest villa | $2,869 |
| Dec 16 – Feb 28 | High | Forest villa | $3,795 |
| 2027 | |||
| Mar 1 – Apr 30 | Low | Forest villa | $2,723 |
| May 1 – May 31 | Shoulder | Forest villa | $3,041 |
| Jun 1 – Oct 31 | High | Forest villa | $4,023 |
| Nov 1 – Dec 15 | Shoulder | Forest villa | $3,041 |
| Dec 16 – Feb 29 | High | Forest villa | $4,023 |
Also included or excluded: laundry; 3% tourism tax; lodge-based activities; Sanctuary wellness use. Excl. conservation levy & park fees.
Rooms and amenities
Rooms
- 6 × Forest villa, sleeps 2 · king bed; Wi-Fi in villa
Up to 12 guests in total.
Amenities
Wine: wine cellar; reserve wines & champagne extra
Getting there
Fly into Kigali International Airport (KGL), then go by road or helicopter. The lodge puts the road transfer at about 3 h.
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
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FlagshipQuestions
How much does Wilderness Bisate cost?
$2,723 to $4,023 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?
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.
Can children stay at Wilderness Bisate?
Yes, children of age 6 and up are welcome. Gorilla trekking is only for ages 15 and up, so younger children stay at the lodge during treks.
How do you get to Wilderness Bisate?
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: Photo: Wood Wildlife Photography, CC BY-SA 4.0; Photo: Carine06 from UK, CC BY-SA 2.0; Photo: Adygrafix250, CC BY 4.0; Photo: Carine06 from UK, CC BY-SA 2.0; Photo: Carine06 from UK, CC BY-SA 2.0.