Bisate

Bisate Kwanda Day Lounge Opens its Stylish Doors

Our Collective

Tenneil Zondagh

6/4/2021

 On 1 June 2021, the Bisate Lodge team, along with a few local VIP guests, attended the launch of the newly-opened Bisate Kwanda day lounge. The opening event was a wonderful opportunity for staff, Volcanoes National Park officials, partners in the tourism industry, as well as members of the community, to celebrate the new facility and its unique offering.

VIP guests included four members of the community who worked at Karisoke alongside Dian Fossey. Their photos and stories are displayed in the day lounge, together with a selection of images of Rwandan staff members who worked at Karisoke, taken by author John Fowler (A forest in the Clouds: My Year Among the Mountain Gorillas in the Remote Enclave of Dian Fossey). The installation celebrates the Rwandans of Karisoke and their contribution to gorilla conservation.

The first of its kind in Rwanda, Bisate Kwanda day lounge is a proud showcase of Rwandan creativity, resourcefulness and commitment to conservation, and a testament to a team dedicated to creating impactful Rwandan journeys. Bisate’s guests can now relax in the comfort and understated luxury of this fully-staffed day lounge, which is an ideal space for early arrivals or late departures.

As part of our launch event, our guests were invited to view the lounge and cultural memorabilia on display. “It was humbling and emotional to share this with many of the conservationists and local Rwandans who dedicated years of their life to the protection of Rwanda’s wilderness and wildlife. Our guests were particularly delighted to see the powerful stories and imagery of their efforts displayed on the wall in the lounge, all tributes to these amazing individuals”, said Ingrid Baas, Wilderness Safaris Rwanda Operations Manager. 

Bisate staff gather before the arrival of their esteemed guests
Bisate Chef Joseph Nsengiyumva harvesting fresh produce for the lodge’s appetising menus
Welcoming Jonas Nubaha, former employee of Dian Fossey, and his wife to the launch of the Bisate Kwanda day lounge
Rwanda Operations Manager Ingrid Baas and Wilderness Safaris Rwanda MD, Rob Baas, greet guests on their arrival at the lounge
Jonas Nubaha admiring a story of his work at Karisoke
Guests were given a tour around the Bisate Kwanda garden, where they were able to admire all the fresh produce, a result of hard work by the Bisate team
Volcanoes National Park Warden Prosper Uwingeli with Jonas Nubaha and Jean Baptiste Majumba, former employees of Dian Fossey at Karisoke
Aloys Nzabonimpa, one of the Bisate chefs, recognised his father in one of the pictures. His father who passed away many years ago, was one of Dian Fossey’s cooks. Aloys proudly noted, “I am now a chef at Bisate Lodge, it’s amazing”.
The former Karisoke conservationists were truly humbled by seeing their stories incorporated into the celebration of the Rwandans of Karisoke and their efforts in gorilla conservation – it was deeply moving for all to see.
Chef Innocent Nshimiyimana created these delicious wood-fired pizzas, topped with fresh rocket from the garden
Community members enjoyed catching up with one another 
A feast of flavours and vibrant colours
Thank you to all our guests for joining us in celebrating the launch of this special new space at Bisate. 

Click here to read more about the all-new Bisate Kwanda day lounge.

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