Wilderness Bisate Concession newsletter – July 2026

July marks the peak of the dry season, and this was one of our busiest months of the year. We were honoured to welcome families, private groups and guests from all around the world, and most importantly, we feel privileged to have played a part in creating the memories and joy that will last them a lifetime. 

After the late-night rain, the cool, dry mornings created ideal conditions for guests’ gorilla and golden monkey treks. Dry trails in Volcanoes National Park made their treks easier, more comfortable, and thus enjoyable, and meant that guests arrived back at Bisate with plenty of memories, and a great deal of time to relax and explore the untamed beauty of the concession. Wildlife sightings were absolutely exceptional within the park and around the lodge and Bisate Reserve.

Afternoons offered uncountable ways to unwind – from relaxing at the Bisate Sanctuary after a trek to joining our guides for a nature walk to soak in the magic of the surrounding nature and the welcoming communities surrounding Bisate. Whether planting indigenous tree, spotting Rwenzori side-striped chameleons, birding, or simply spending time with our passionate staff, every second echoed the untamed beauty and heartfelt, down-to-earth hospitality that make Bisate unique. 

Our unsung heroes, the Bisate bees have been undeniably busy and productive this season. Even though we only have a small number of beehives around the property, these rockstar pollinators continue to play an essential role in maintaining the health of our ecosystem, while also playing a pivotal role in our farm-to-table dining experience. This month, we harvested an abundant supply of rich, raw organic honey. Our guests enjoyed its exceptional flavour, and our Dining team is looking forward to sharing this natural treasure with many more guests in the days ahead.   

Among the highlights in July were our vibrant Dusabane cultural evenings, celebrating a tradition that is deeply rooted in our culture. We invite guests to gather and listen to shared stories, savour delicious Rwandan cuisine and acknowledge their daily achievements with the staff through pure Rwandan songs, traditional storytelling, energetic drumming, and dance. This deep dive into Rwanda’s rich cultural heritage creates remarkable evenings and a true connection to ‘The Land of a Thousand Hills’ and its poignant history.  

The end of July meant a new chapter for our former Lodge Manager and best colleague, Elie Dusengimana, who has been appointed General Manager at nearby Wilderness Sabyinyo.  Affectionately known as Kagenza, or Mr Easy, Elie has left an enduring legacy at Bisate. His positive outlook, great sense of humor, calm leadership, humble approach, and passion for mentoring others have shaped our team in countless ways, and he will be greatly missed. Saying goodbye was one of the most difficult moments our team has had to bear. While we already miss his presence and vibes, we are forever grateful for the years and profound growth his leadership has brought to the team, and we are incredibly proud to see him take this well-deserved next step. 

From all of us at Bisate, we wish Elie a massive success and a grande future for his exciting new chapter. He has been a great inspiration to all of us at Bisate and we know this will be a continued story within his new Sabyinyo family. We look forward to a rematch and many friendly soccer games with our colleagues at Wilderness Sabyinyo in the years to come.