Wilderness Bisate newsletter – January 2025

The gorillas also seemed to be in a particularly jovial mood, with reports of absolutely incredible sightings and very interesting interactions between the different family members. We even had some reports of families joining together for rare stints of interaction and peaceful inquisitiveness. The treks themselves have been slightly more difficult, with the gorillas retreating into the middle sections of the hills and mountains, possibly due to the dryer weather. This has done nothing but enhance the experience for our guests however, and fuelled by our lunch packs and an extra-dark brewed Rwandan coffee, they enjoyed these longer treks, and explored much more of the beautiful misty mountains. 

The usually rainy and misty backdrop of our beautiful area generally means that sunsets and clear evenings with star gazing are few and far between – but with this window of dry weather we have seen some truly amazing sights. Firstly, with the high altitude and unique atmospheric structure of the Virunga Mountains, we can get these glorious purple-hued sunsets. We have been lucky enough to see these most nights from our main lodge, with classic golden African sunsets slowly giving way to this almost violet purple light as evening turns to night. Truly amazing! 

What’s more, we have also had some rare activity coming from the distant active volcanoes in the Congo, well beyond our horizon. This has resulted in the most mind-blowing blood red skies during the evenings – especially when the cloud cover is just right, it provides a spectacle that has to be seen to be believed. 

So, what are you waiting for, come and visit Rwanda and after your gorilla trek, have a glass of some of South Africa’s best wine by the fire, as you look out at the setting sun and evening sky – moments that will stay with you long after you are back home.

Our property has simply never looked better. It has taken many years of careful planning and preparation, of selecting areas of promise, and choosing the biggest and strongest trees, creating and training an expert team, and then building our nurseries and seed library to get us to where we are today. 

The result, after passing the 100,000 planted trees milestone, is an absolute paradise of local forest species – of both flora and fauna. If you want to see exactly what I mean, have a look on Google Earth and witness the stark treeline border between the national park and the surrounding farmlands, and then the unmistakable oasis that is the Bisate property.

We are immensely proud of this achievement, and it is really paying off. We are seeing thriving species of African wildcat, serval, jackal, buffalo, genet – not to mention the extraordinary abundance that is the birdlife found now at our Bisate and Bisate Reserve lodges. 

As I mentioned earlier, the African mountain honeybee population that is supported by the lodge and local beekeepers has also found abundant food sources on our property, and we are having to build additional hives and shelters for them to make the most of it. After feasting on the mountain primrose and wildflowers found in the region, they are producing what can only be described as nectar of the gods from their hives. 

As we now look forward to the next 100,000 trees that will be planted in a fraction of the time that the first landmark achieved, we will continue to diversify the species and fortify existing locations. As we build on this, we invite you to come and leave your own mark in our tree planting ceremonies that we observe here at Bisate and Bisate Reserve. 

Loved Everything! The most beautiful team, incredible food, service, room and activities. I have fallen completely in love with Rwanda and team Bisate. 
– K&M

The attention to detail, the info and gifts on our beds, my phenomenal birthday celebration, the delicious and varied food, and above all, the kindness and love of the staff. 
– H & V

The staff were exceptional. The country is very impressive. The level of service offered with passion can truly be felt, Patrick, Anivia, Nep and others were really impressive. 
– R&K

Absolutely incredible service, always thoughtful, friendly and never anything less than enthusiastic. 
– S & L

This camp is like heaven on earth! The most amazing staff. Incredible food! Every detail was perfect! Can't wait to come back! 
– J & R