Wilderness Bisate Lodge Newsletter – March 2025

It is always a special time when our hard-working Bisate team members are rewarded with the opportunity to venture out into Volcanoes National Park to experience the gorillas first hand. This month we were very grateful to the amazing guests who kindly donated two permits for our team to use. Names went into a hat, and this time around our Spa Therapist Divine, and Sous Chef Michel, were the lucky ones chosen. 

Kitted out in his full trekking gear, Chef Michel was the first to go trekking and he was introduced to the Hirwa gorilla family. Famous for being one of the few families to have twin gorillas make it into adulthood, they did not disappoint, and Michel had an incredible hour in the forest getting to know them.

Divine was next, and she got to visit the Sabyinyo family. She loved meeting silverback Ben, easily recognised by his unique baldness. Upon her return, Divine was actually in tears and had no words to express how she felt. Once she had some time to process this once-in-a-lifetime experience, Divine said, “I just want to say huge thank you for giving me this incredible opportunity to see the gentle giant gorillas today. It was truly an unforgettable experience, and I have to take this day on my birthday date the same like today, and I'm so grateful for it. I appreciate everything to make this experience possible”.

In moments like these, we can truly appreciate how special and life-changing a gorilla encounter is, and we cherish being able to share this with our team and guests alike. 

Whilst we are never guaranteed to have a few quiet days, we usually manage to squeeze in three or four between bookings to give the lodge a lick of paint, and do some carpentry work here and a bit of plumbing there. Something to note is that this “repairs & maintenance closure” is usually conducted by our very own team here at Bisate. And trust me, I don’t just mean our Back-of-House & Maintenance team, who are skilled and eager of course… it’s that during this rare closure period, we have secret tradesmen in the other departments who join the ranks and beautify the lodge as well! For example, our Executive Chef Angelus is a very skilled handyman who even trades his rapier-sharp knife set for an equally impressive and lovingly cared for tool set that he owns, and disappears off to the guest rooms to tinker and repair. Not to be outdone, the other members of the Kitchen and Front-of-House teams are amazing painters, and after folding up their aprons and tucking away their fancy lodge shoes, they don overalls and boots, and in three days, manage to revitalise the entire lodge with delicate paintwork and touch-ups. 

All of this work is always done with huge smiles, and of course to the soundtrack of some incredible local Rwandan hip hop and R&B. I cannot tell you how incredible this team is, and just how much they care for each other and this place – but perhaps this is the real magic that is felt by our guests as they dine on Angelus’s newest culinary creation, or sip on one the front of FOH member’s imaginative new cocktails. The Bisate team literally lives and breathes hospitality, and through this dedication, you really can feel the love emanating from this place. 

I hope that your visit to us is not too far off, and know that the lodge is polished and sparkling again… so what are you waiting for?! We look forward to welcoming you soon. 

With the Bisate property being located in such close proximity to Volcanoes National Park, we are consistently treated to some wonderful local bird life. From the endemic Rwenzori double-collared sunbird to the white-eyed slaty flycatcher, there is never a shortage of diverse bird choruses around the property. 

This month we were treated to some visitors who we don’t get to see very often. Our resident guide William couldn’t believe his eyes when he located a pair of Endangered African grey parrots (also known as the Congo grey parrot) in our Lobelia Forest. Native to equatorial Africa, they are typically found in our neighbouring countries of the Democratic Republic of Congo and Uganda, but this pair had made their way onto our Bisate property, likely taking a break on their way back home. Known for their distinctive red tail feathers and grey colouration, they stood out beautifully in contrast to the green forest behind our Kwanda day lounge. We hope that they were scoping out the area and will return with their friends one day! 

Another species we look forward to catching a glimpse of is the pair of cinnamon-chested bee-eaters who visit us a few times a year. They have been taking full advantage of the vast array of insects that crop up at the start of our rainy season. For our avid birders, spending an afternoon on our nature trails with a pair of binoculars and a bird book is the perfect place to be – you never know what you might spot! 

Your attention to detail and desire to make sure your guests are comfortable is exemplary! Staff are all extremely friendly and willing to have time to listen to guest and chat etc. – G&R

Well… everything. Everyone is so kind and so attentive. The food is delicious. We had an amazing time here and are humbled by your service, food and wonderful people. Thank you so very, very much. – K&S

Hospitality was incredible! Hosts plus service were spectacular, food was delicious, laundry service was excellent! Thanks for an amazing honeymoon. We are so sad we have to go a minute earlier! – F&K

The food was amazing! So much variety and tasted so fresh. The attention to detail by Jean Pierre. The staff was actually mind blowing! – J&K