Wilderness Bisate Concession newsletter – August 2025

With the drier weather we experienced during August, sublime fragrances have been emanating from the flowers, which have proved irresistible to our local and very diverse sunbird population. In addition to the increased numbers, the absence of cloud cover and the beautiful sunshine has allowed us to truly see and appreciate the magnificence of these tiny creatures. 

Coming into the spotlight this month, we pay homage to a personal favourite of mine, the regal sunbird. With intense bursts of yellow, red, and a signature emerald neck, it is a truly special bird that is endemic to the Albertine Rift montane forests. 

The month of August turned out to be one of celebration and occasion, as we witnessed two of our Bisate family members tying the knot! What makes this union even more special, is that Vincent and Florence met while working here, and were joined not only by hundreds of their family and neighbours, but also by the rest of the Bisate clan, to commemorate their love and commitment to one another. The cherry on the cake is that Vincent’s father Ezekiel, who also happens to work at Bisate, personally blessed the ceremony, and beamed with pride as his son bagged the catch of a lifetime in the form of our amazing spa therapist, Florence. We wish the newlyweds the absolute best going forward as they embark on their new journey as husband and wife. We also look forward to the interesting dynamic that unfolds as they learn to balance work and home life.

Exciting times lie ahead for our Bisate reforestation efforts, as our new project launches off the back of an extended rainy season that has supercharged the growth of our local species. Our new project begins in earnest next month, with a 45-day drive that will focus heavily on alien species removal and the introduction of carefully nurtured saplings from our nurseries. These will be placed on the eastern side of the property that hugs our volcanic crater, and will eventually become a majestic Hagenia and Dombeya forest. Over the next 50 years it will reach evermore into the sky and create the future canopy (we hope) for a gorilla family to gaze up at while enjoying a handful of bamboo.  

This month also saw a beautiful collaboration between Bisate and Volcanoes National Park. We received a phone call from Prosper, the indefatigable park warden, asking if we could rally the troops and muster 500 trees to help fill in some gaps at the park’s HQ. In a fortuitous turn of events, through the efforts of our Head of Agronomy, Jean Moise, we were busy preparing for our new reforestation push, and managed to hand pick 500 of our strongest and greenest Hagenia abyssinica (African redwood) saplings to be delivered to their new home; they were accompanied by some other species too, to create a diverse and beautiful forest that will welcome all trekkers to the park HQ before they set out on their adventures. 

We were once again in the happy position to be able to send three of our lucky colleagues out into the wild to create their own memories with the magnificent mountain gorillas. This month, our two dynamite-in-small-packages waitresses Aisha and Felicite, as well as our bush-loving colleague Charles, who happened to be visiting from our sister property Magashi on a staff cross-pollination exchange, drew the lucky straws and made their way early one morning to experience their first face-to-face contact – theirs being with the Umubano family. 

Astounding experience at Bisate Reserve for ourselves and our clients that exceeded all expectations. Stunning property/ies, exceptional meals created and served by a fantastic staff. Top notch team led by lodge manager Patrick who is a GEM and including Anivia, Jean Marie, and so many more. Very grateful to Tiffany for sharing much time and many insights. Wilderness was our first collection back in 2004 and it is thrilling to be reconnected with the company this many years later, to see how far it has come, and to be in a position to introduce more travelers to Wilderness, its gorgeous offerings and its beautiful team members. – D&L

The entire staff at Bisate Reserve was incredible. The genuine friendliness and kindness were unmatched. The attention to detail and eagerness to help was incredible. – C&L

Absolutely everything! Bisate surpassed all other hotels/resorts we have experienced. – M&I

Everything, Benjamin and JP were amazing, we loved our driver so much! and all the staff. The quality of service was outstanding, we were so well taken care of. The most beautiful hotel I have ever stayed in, we love you so much! – E

Our stay was wonderful. Every need was taken care of. But the best was the incredible staff, their joyous smiles and excellent service. – B&N