Rwanda

Wilderness Bisate Concession Newsletter – April 2026

Camp news

Tiffany Franks & Ellie Dusengimana

5/20/2026

April on the Equator

April was truly a special month on the Bisate Concession. The name April comes from the Latin word aperire, meaning to open, symbolising the blooming of spring – and indeed, it felt like a month filled with wonderful experiences, growth, and new beginnings.

 

Although April is usually known for heavy rains, this year brought pleasantly moderate weather, allowing our beautiful gardens and surrounding greenery to flourish. Guests trekking to see our beloved gorillas enjoyed phenomenal experiences, with far less mud than usual, making the journeys even more comfortable and memorable.

The concession also rewarded us with incredible wildlife sightings throughout the month, adding even more magic to every guest’s experience.

 

At the same time, we proudly welcomed new team members and hosted HR refresher training sessions, providing a valuable boost in knowledge, skills, and professional development across the team.

Bisate’s Bird of the Month

This month, our lodge guides, Gaby and William, unpacked their head torches and explored the property at dusk to discover what nightlife Bisate has to offer. To their surprise, they did not need to venture far – the excitement began right at the Bisate arrival area.

 

For months, rumours had circulated that an owl had moved onto Bisate Lodge’s property. There had been signs of nesting and brief sightings, but nothing conclusive. Gaby and William finally solved the mystery when they identified a beautiful pair of African wood owls, one of them perfectly perched on our nature trail sign.

 

 

 

 

Another unforgettable moment came when a golden monkey was spotted peacefully relaxing on a rooftop in Bisate Reserve’s main area – a rare and breathtaking sight. Usually, guests trek through the forest in search of these playful primates, but this time, the golden monkey seemed to decide it was only fair to visit the guests instead.

Staff cross-pollination

When one thinks of our resident F&B Manager and trainer, Benjamin, many wonderful qualities come to mind. As a true master of the French language, perhaps the best way to describe him is having that certain ‘Je ne sais quoi’.

 

Our colleagues at Wilderness Magashi were fortunate to welcome Benjamin for a few weeks, where he generously shared his expertise, passion, and hospitality knowledge with their team. Never one to shy away from adventure, Benjamin also embraced the challenge of navigating Lake Kinyarwanda and adding his unique flair to the remarkable bush experiences on offer. Rumour even has it that he confidently stared down a lion or two!

 

Meanwhile, our dedicated Bisate Reserve Lodge Manager, Patrick, also travelled across the country to visit our Wilderness family at Magashi Peninsula – and he was equally enthralled by his certainly experiences.

New employee HR training 

April also marked an important milestone as we welcomed and trained new team members within the concession. The HR training sessions were both engaging and inspiring, equipping staff with valuable knowledge about our culture, moral values, discipline, guest experience standards, and the importance of teamwork. It was wonderful to witness the enthusiasm, dedication, and eagerness to learn shown by everyone involved.

 

The sessions not only built essential skills and confidence among the new staff but also strengthened the spirit of collaboration and professionalism throughout the team as we continue striving for excellence together.

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Maintenance magic

This month, we would like to express our special appreciation for our incredible Back-of-House team. Often unseen by guests, these unsung heroes are truly the foundation of our operation – the glue that keeps everything running seamlessly behind the scenes. Throughout April, the team invested significant time, energy, and care into refreshing and maintaining our Bisate Forest Villas, ensuring the Lodge looks and feels as exceptional as ever, ahead of Rwanda’s high season.

 

Their hard work, commitment, and attention to detail continue to make Bisate a truly world-class destination. 

Guest comments

We found the people of Rwanda to be genuinely happy, warm, and friendly. They have found the very best of them to work at Wilderness Bisate! We instantly became family there and felt a true connection to everyone. The staff is top notch, the accommodations spectacular, the views breathtaking, and the food delicious. The gorilla treks were truly magical. Thank you to every member of the Wilderness Bisate team for one of the best experiences of our lives!
– K & S

 

Everything about our experience at Wilderness Bisate was unbelievable. From our driver-guide Peter to the managers JP, Benjamin, and William, every staff member was incredibly attentive and friendly. The lodge was divine, and the food spectacular. We are deeply grateful for such a special and memorable experience in Rwanda.
– L & B

 

En todo nuestro viaje de África, estuvimos en Serengeti y Masai Mara, pero sin duda Bisate fue donde el viaje culminó de manera perfecta. La atención de todo el personal, la deliciosa comida y la sonrisa de todos hicieron de esta una de las mejores experiencias de nuestra vida.
[Throughout our African trip, we visited the Serengeti  and Masai Mara, but Bisate was undoubtedly the perfect culmination of our journey. The attentiveness of the entire staff, the delicious food, and everyone's smiles made this one of the best experiences of our lives.]
– M & V

 

The kindness and care of the staff were exceptional. Everything was at the highest level of service and comfort.
– O & M

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