Ideally located on one of Kigali's most charming boulevards, the five-star Kigali Serena Hotel is built around a polished granite atrium, which showcases the very best of Rwandese cultural art. Relaxed yet elegant, the hotel centres on the Executive Lounge and Bar, which opens onto a wide sundeck overlooking the newly refurbished swimming pool. Also overlooking the pool, the popular Milima Restaurant offers a wide range of all-day buffet choices, while the relaxed Sokoni Café offers inside and outside poolside seating. The capital's natural business hub, the hotel also boasts its own extensive conference centre, 500-seater auditorium and lavish ballroom.
The hotel features 148 rooms. Guests can choose from a selection of 60 Standard Rooms, 37 Superior Rooms, 19 Deluxe Rooms, 18 Junior Suites, 7 Prime Rooms, 6 Executive Suites and a luxury Presidential Suite. In-room facilities include 24 hour room service, air-conditioning, Wi-Fi, tea/coffee making facilities, mini fridge, hair dryer, private safe and a flat screen satellite TV.
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Rooms
Facilities
Entrance
Exterior
Reception
Guest Lounge
Milima Restaurant
Milima Food Station
Dinner
Breakfast
Rwanda Country of 1000 hills
Banqueting Marquee
Muhazi Meeting Room
Delegate Room
Auditorium
Varying slightly in size between 25 and 30 sq metres, these rooms offer either twin or king-sized beds and a luxury bathroom with both tub and shower.
Facilities include :
- 24-hour room service - Air-conditioning - Wi-Fi and in-room modem hook-up - Direct-dial phone - Voice-mail - In-room flat-screen satellite TV - Mini-bar - Private safe - Tea and coffee-making facilities - Hair dryer - Porter/concierge - 24-hour on-call doctor - Walk in shower and bathtub - Working desk
Varying slightly in size between 25 and 30 sq metres, these rooms offer either twin or king-sized beds and a luxury bathroom with both tub and shower.
Facilities include :
- 24-hour room service - Air-conditioning - Wi-Fi and in-room modem hook-up - Direct-dial phone - Voice-mail - In-room flat-screen satellite TV - Mini-bar - Private safe - Tea and coffee-making facilities - Hair dryer - Porter/concierge - 24-hour on-call doctor - Walk in shower and bathtub - Working desk
Varying slightly in size between 25 and 30 sq metres, these rooms offer either twin or king-sized beds and a luxury bathroom with both tub and shower.
Facilities include :
- 24-hour room service - Air-conditioning - Wi-Fi and in-room modem hook-up - Direct-dial phone - Voice-mail - In-room flat-screen satellite TV - Mini-bar - Private safe - Tea and coffee-making facilities - Hair dryer - Porter/concierge - 24-hour on-call doctor - Walk in shower and bathtub - Working desk
Varying slightly in size between 25 and 30 sq metres, these rooms offer either twin or king-sized beds and a luxury bathroom with both tub and shower.
Facilities include :
- 24-hour room service - Air-conditioning - Wi-Fi and in-room modem hook-up - Direct-dial phone - Voice-mail - In-room flat-screen satellite TV - Mini-bar - Private safe - Tea and coffee-making facilities - Hair dryer - Porter/concierge - 24-hour on-call doctor - Walk in shower and bathtub - Working desk
Studio Suites (40 sq m) offer king-sized beds, luxury bathroom with both tub and shower, and an integrated work space.
Facilities include :
- 24-hour room service - Air-conditioning - Wi-Fi and in-room modem hook-up - Direct-dial phone - Voice-mail - In-room flat-screen satellite TV - Mini-bar - Private safe - Tea and coffee-making facilities - Hair dryer - Porter/concierge - 24-hour on-call doctor - Walk in shower and bathtub - Working desk
Executive Suites (70 sq m) offer king-sized beds, a luxury bathroom with both tub and shower, an integrated work space and a separate sitting room.
Facilities include :
- 24-hour room service - Air-conditioning - Wi-Fi and in-room modem hook-up - Direct-dial phone - Voice-mail - In-room flat-screen satellite TV - Mini-bar - Private safe - Tea and coffee-making facilities - Hair dryer - Porter/concierge - 24-hour on-call doctor - Walk in shower and bathtub - Working desk
The resplendent Presidential Suite (300 sq m) offers a king-sized bed, luxury en suite bathroom (with Jacuzzi, tub and shower), two en suite guest rooms, private office, private conference room, private dining room (and galley kitchen), elegant sitting room, reception area and private vestibule entrance.The suite is one of the finest examples of luxury accommodation in Kigali and throughout Rwanda.
Facilities include :
- 24-hour room service - Air-conditioning - Wi-Fi and in-room modem hook-up - Direct-dial phone - Voice-mail - In-room flat-screen satellite TV - Mini-bar - Private safe - Tea and coffee-making facilities - Hair dryer - Porter/concierge - 24-hour on-call doctor - Walk in shower and bathtub - Working desk
Property Facilities
24-hour Security, Activity Desk, Bar, Battery Charging Facilities, Communal Dining, Disability Services, Eco Friendly, Gym, Internet Access (Complimentary), Meal on Request, Mobile Connectivity, Pool, Restaurant, Secure Parking, Spa, TV Room
Room Facilities
Air Conditioning, Complimentary Wi-Fi, Disabled Rooms, Dressing Gowns, Electrical Outlets, En-Suite, Hair Dryer, Mini Bar, Pure Cotton Linen, Safe, Shower, Television
Services
Airport Shuttle (Available), Babysitting Service, Room Service (24 hours)
Your Stay
1 Night
Bed and Breakfast
Fast Facts
Hotel
Spoken Languages: English
No. Rooms: 148
Special Interests: History & Culture, Leisure, Nature
Wilderness Bisate | Volcanoes National Park
Wilderness Bisate is located in the natural amphitheatre of an eroded volcanic cone and has dramatic views of the peaks of the volcanoes, Bisoke and Karisimbi, rearing up through the Afro-alpine forests of nearby Volcanoes National Park. Six luxurious en-suite Forest Villas maximise comfort and views, while retaining environmental principles and reflecting the culture of rural Rwanda. Each guest contributes to Bisate’s biodiversity conservation and local community projects – making a far-reaching impact on an iconic endangered species: the mountain gorilla.
Aside from tracking one of the several habituated gorilla groups, activities include visiting nearby natural attractions, hiking to Dian Fossey’s burial site, and observing the Park’s group of endangered endemic golden monkey. Walks on Bisate’s property offer birding and participation in the reforestation programme.
INSIDER’S TIP: Wilderness Bisate is within easy driving distance of Volcanoes National Park Headquarters, from where gorilla treks depart daily.
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Video
Rooms
Facilities
Activities and Services
Wilderness BisateCredit: The Forest Villas at Bisate took their design cues from Rwandan royalty.The six luxurious Forest Villas maximise comfort, warmth and views.
Wilderness BisateCredit: CrookesAndJacksonWilderness Bisate looks over to Mount Bisoke, one of the active volcanoes in the Virunga Mountains.
Wilderness BisateThe Bisate Kwanda day lounge is located in the organic vegetable garden, and is the perfect space to gather yourself before your next adventure.
Wilderness BisateCredit: CrookesAndJacksonPensive mountain gorilla in Volcanoes National Park.
Wilderness BisateCredit: Dana AllenWilderness Bisate's richly detailed interiors use surfaces and screens made from a variety of woven materials with strong resonance in Rwandan culture.
Wilderness BisateBisate Kwanda's hand-built vegetable garden is the ideal spot to wind down after an intense morning gorilla trek.
Wilderness BisateBisate Kwanda's menu comprises seasonal ingredients for freshness, with the majority sourced from our own garden.
Wilderness BisateCredit: Dana AllenView of Bisoke from Wilderness Bisate.
Wilderness BisateCredit: CrookesAndJacksonWilderness Bisate's sophisticated architectural design is rooted in Rwandan building tradition.
Wilderness BisateCredit: Dana AllenTrekking through community land en route to Volcanoes National Park.
Wilderness BisateCredit: Dana AllenAlthough strong and powerful, mountain gorillas are also gentle and shy.
Wilderness BisateCredit: Dana AllenStately silverback.
Wilderness BisateCredit: Dana AllenMost males, and about 60% of females, will eventually leave their natal group.
Wilderness BisateThe dominant silverback determines the movements of his group.
Wilderness BisateCredit: Dana AllenView towards Volcanoes National Park from the hill behind Wilderness Bisate.
Wilderness BisateCredit: Dana AllenGolden monkeys live in social groups of up to 30 individuals.
Wilderness BisateCredit: Dana AllenThe trail to Dian Fossey's tomb takes trekkers through impressive rainforest vegetation.
Wilderness BisateCredit: Dana AllenDian Fossey is buried alongside the gravesite of her beloved gorillas.
Wilderness BisateCredit: Dana AllenDian Fossey established her research centre at Karisoke between Karisimbe and Bisoke volcanoes.
Wilderness BisateCredit: Dana AllenWilderness Bisate offers guests the opportunity to engage with local community members.
Wilderness BisateCredit: Dana AllenMore than 70,000 saplings have already been planted through Wilderness Bisate's reforestation project.
Wilderness BisateWilderness Bisate provides gaiters for your rainforest treks.
Wilderness BisateCredit: Dana AllenThe dining area at Wilderness Bisate.
Wilderness BisateCredit: Dana AllenEn-suite bathroom in a Forest Villa.
Wilderness BisateCredit: Dana AllenForest Villa bedroom.
Wilderness BisateCredit: CrookesAndJacksonCosy fireplaces are standard in each Forest Villa.
Wilderness BisateCredit: CrookesAndJacksonWilderness Bisate is committed to habitat restoration on our 43-hectare property.
Wilderness BisateCredit: Dana AllenDine under rainforest-inspired lighting.
Wilderness BisateCredit: CrookesAndJacksonDining area at Wilderness Bisate.
Wilderness BisateCredit: CrookesAndJacksonThe design concept for Wilderness Bisate pays tribute to Rwandan royalty.
Wilderness BisateCredit: CrookesAndJacksonCommunity members make a living introducing visitors to Rwanda's inspiring culture.
Wilderness BisateCredit: CrookesAndJacksonYoung mountain gorillas stay close to their mothers up to the age of eight when they become more independent.
Wilderness BisateCredit: Dana AllenSplashes of emerald green throughout the lodge are redolent of the surrounding rainforest.
Wilderness BisateCredit: Dana AllenTake in the views over Volcanoes National Park.
Wilderness BisateCredit: CrookesAndJacksonWilderness Bisate's pioneering reforestation project has already seen some 70,000 indigenous trees planted.
Wilderness BisateWilderness Bisate is located in the natural amphitheatre of an eroded volcanic cone.
Wilderness BisateCredit: CrookesAndJacksonEvery guest has the opportunity to contribute to Wilderness Bisate's reforestation project.
Wilderness BisateCredit: Dana AllenWilderness Bisate enjoys dramatic views of Bisoke and Karisimbi volcanoes.
Wilderness BisateCredit: CrookesAndJacksonMother and infant, Titus Group.
Wilderness BisateCredit: CrookesAndJacksonTraditional dancers stir the mood.
Wilderness Bisate"You are, each one of you, an amazing reflection of the beauty, kindness and generosity of Rwanda, and you have all contributed to each of us falling hopelessly in love with this spectacular country". - Guest comment
Wilderness BisateCredit: CrookesAndJacksonTuck in to hearty, wholesome fare.
Wilderness BisateCredit: Dana AllenWelcome to Wilderness Bisate.
Wilderness BisateCredit: CrookesAndJacksonDelicious meals are created from locally sourced ingredients.
Wilderness BisateCredit: CrookesAndJacksonLunch is served on the deck.
Wilderness BisateCredit: CrookesAndJacksonGaiters are provided for trekking and hikes in the national park
Wilderness BisateCredit: CrookesAndJacksonInfant mountain gorillas stay with their mothers for several years.
Wilderness BisateCredit: CrookesAndJacksonBisate is in the best location for a holistic gorilla experience in Rwanda
Although spacious (each villa measures 91 square metres), the Forest Villas feel warm and intimate, thanks to the carefully designed layout which includes a reception area, luxury bedroom and en-suite bathroom – all warmed by a generous central fireplace.
With only six villas, the true luxury lies in the exclusivity and privacy that surrounds Bisate and the rare, raw beauty of its setting, tucked into the phenomenal abundance of Albertine Rift biodiversity with glorious views in every direction.
Property Facilities
Bar
Room Facilities
Electrical Outlets, En-Suite, Fireplace, Hair Dryer, Heated Towel Rails, Internet Access (Complimentary), Laundry Service (Complimentary), Mini Bar, Safe, Tea / Coffee, Verandah
Services
Credit Card
The legendary Virunga Mountains in the north-east are home to volcanoes, swathes of cloud forest and half the world’s total population of endangered mountain gorillas. The primates of Rwanda are unparalleled, and Wilderness Bisate is the perfect base for mountain gorilla trekking. This thrilling excursion takes place from Volcanoes National Park headquarters where guests are allocated to one of the twelve habituated gorilla families for a one-hour awe-inspiring encounter.
* Gorilla Trekking Permits, per person, at an additional cost.
View this beautifully-coloured primate, which is endemic to the area and lives in groups of between 30 to 80 individuals in the Park’s bamboo forest.
Set on the edge of Volcanoes National Park, and an easy drive to the park gate, Wilderness Bisate is located in a vantage point that feels part of the park, offering breathtaking views of six volcanoes, including Bisoke, Karisimbi and Mikeno.
A full-day guided hike to the summit of Mount Bisoke (3 711 metres) can be strenuous, however, is well worth the effort, offering sweeping views of the rainforest and crater lake. Explore the diversity of habitats, and visibly discover the flourishing wildlife.
One of the Wilderness Bisate agronomists will show you around the tree nursery and help you plant a sapling as part of our visionary reforestation project. Includes a visit to the Bamboo Greenhouse to see our greater indigenous tree nursery efforts.
Guided visit to the nearby community and members of the cooperative, including the farmers who cultivate and sell their vegetables to Wilderness Bisate.
A spectacular, challenging hike to Dian Fossey’s burial site and the ruins of her Karisoke Research Centre, set in the saddle of Bisoke and Karisimbi volcanoes at an elevation of some 3 000 metres.
Bisate Kwanda accommodates early arrivals and later departures, providing more flexibility with transfers in and out of the lodge. Further enhancing our guest experience, the offering at Bisate Kwanda will allow guests to shower, change, have a light meal, visit the Wilderness Bisate Boutique stocked with items from Rwanda (purchases at an additional cost), have a massage (treatments at an additional cost), or simply relax in the informal lounge with fireplace, while enjoying the sweeping views overlooking the organic vegetable garden and the reforestation efforts towards Volcanoes National Park.
Kwanda is a Kinyarwanda word meaning growth or expansion; a place to gather; a gift – all three of which perfectly sum up the day lounge’s unique offering. Located close to the main lodge, tucked out of sight, Bisate Kwanda has local craftspeople to thank for its uniquely Rwandan flavour. From hand-tooled wooden utensils and food boards to delicate crockery, striking entrance floors and hallways, volcanic rock walls and facings, hand-woven baskets and placemats, and garden pots, everything has been designed and hand-crafted by Rwandans to create a truly authentic ambience.
* All Volcanoes National Park activities require permits (per person) at additional cost. The private gorilla trek is at a further additional cost.
Wilderness and Olympus have joined forces to use their high-end services and combined passion for wildlife photography to ensure the ongoing conservation and protection of Africa’s remote wilderness areas, whilst contributing to the empowerment of local people through conservation education.
We are proud to partner with a like-minded company like Olympus. Together we not only share a love of wildlife photography, we hold a similar set of values and ideals about making a bigger, positive impact on the world and our place in it.
The Olympus Tough TG-5 camera is the ultimate partner for the most challenging adventures, like gorilla trekking or any other activities in Volcanoes National Park. The Olympus Tough! Camera is waterproof, shockproof, crushproof, freeze proof, and dustproof for adventure travels. It features 4K video and RAW capture for the perfect pictures, and videos, whilst exploring. The waterproof performance allows one to take the best pictures in the rainforest, and the camera is robust with an interior protective structure. The cameras ability to deal with low light is key to a great image of the gorillas, and other wildlife in their natural habitat. The camera is lightweight and easy to operate, ideal for hiking or to use during a community village visit at Bisate.
* Olympus Photo Hub experience dependent on camera availability.
Established in 1967, the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund works to protect and study gorillas, and their habitats, as well as to empower people who live near their forest home. With a team of hundreds working in Rwanda and the DRC, the Fossey Fund is the world’s longest-running and largest organisation dedicated entirely to gorilla conservation.
In 2022, the organisation moved to its first permanent, purpose built home, the Ellen DeGeneres Campus of the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund. Nestled in a beautiful, reforested landscape near the Volcanoes National Park it is worth visiting, with a stop at the campus easy to add during a stay at Wilderness Bisate or Wilderness Sabyinyo.