Wilderness Bisate Concession newsletter – March 2026

This month, we had a rare sighting of an African harrier-hawk (The Artist Formerly Known as Gymnogene). Seen just below Bisate Reserve, the raptor was spotted sunning itself after a downpour of rain. Wings fully open, perched on an African redwood, this majestic bird made for a special treat for our guests who had ventured out with lodge guide Gaby on our nature trail.

While we have 112 family members currently working at Bisate, our family reaches much further – all the way to Akagera National Park, in fact, where our colleagues from Wilderness Magashi and Magashi Peninsula reside. In order to bridge the gap between our properties, we love to partake in what we affectionately term cross-pollination. This involves us sending staff members between the properties to experience a change of scenery and to share new ideas and practices with one another. In March, Chef John from Magashi came to stay at Bisate for 10 days. This was a wonderful experience for all involved, as the kitchens came together to share knowledge and flavours. 

The start of 2026 has seen our extended Bisate family grow with the blessing of the births of several new babies. Chef Joe, Chef Claude and Claudia all welcomed baby girls to their families. In management, our very own Vincent and Florence were blessed with the birth of a baby boy and Seraphine from our Laundry team also welcomed a baby boy to the world.

We also celebrated Jado’s wedding. In true Bisate fashion, the team couldn’t resist a good celebration and many joined in to support him as he entered a new chapter of his life. Rumour has it that the number of attendees set new records, and Jado, dressed in a suit that would make James Bond jealous, entertained his guests with the slick dance moves he has become famous for.

It is now hard to imagine our beautiful property without the Bisate Sanctuary. While the dust has settled, so to speak, after our initial opening, the excitement is at an all time high, with guests flocking to experience the magic that this one-of-a-kind facility has to offer. From lazy afternoons spent lounging next to the lap pool enjoying a glass of something special, to the soothing heat of our sweltering sauna, there is a place for everyone to enjoy. The icebergs have melted in our ice bath, which now sits at a bracing 5° C, ready for those guests who need to ice their joints after a morning spent conquering the Virunga Mountains (the current record stands at two minutes).

Our amazing Spa Therapist team has also been hard at work honing their skills, ready to tackle a variety of aches and pains, and to revive and revitalise our guests during their stay.

And all the while, Chief Agronomist Jean Moise has been tending to our gardens. It is hard to believe the growth that has taken place, and we even have some fresh bamboo shoots for everyone to admire while relaxing in one of the meditation cocoons. 

Everything! An absolutely insane property and staff and facilities. One of the best places I’ve ever stayed at. Thanks to Elie and the team, we thoroughly enjoyed our stay, our food was perfection and the service outstanding! – J

Everything from the hospitality to the décor, which was gorgeous. Each member of the staff was lovely and took care of every detail for us. Everything about our stay was extremely well thought out and exceeded expectation. The food and food selection were amazing. We absolutely love Bisate and the people here. – M&A

We adored our stay at Bisate Reserve. The team couldn’t have been more friendly and welcoming – so passionate about their country and very hospitable. We felt very at home! What a stunning setting too. – S&A

El servicio es espectacular!!! Todo! La amabilidad y disposición del staff es lo mejor! “Aquí todo es posible” eso es muy cierto! Gracias, gracias, gracias!! Nos vemos muy pronto! – G&M

The service was out of this world! Everyone was incredible, Patrick, Princess, Ellie, Jean, Felicite, and many more made our trip amazing! The attention to detail, the food, and the views were incredible! Loved the tree planting with Jimmy, it was such a fun activity and we learned a lot. Peter our driver was amazing, and so patient with all of our shenanigans. The Sanctuary was beautiful too, had our first ever hot stone massages which were wonderful! – L&K