What a gem Bisate is! Bisate would absolutely be my first choice, assuming you have no budgetary constraints. It is high up in the mountains and comprises of only 6 suites so it is very intimate. The “birds nest” suites are ultra-stylish. And yet warm and comforting at the same time. (This is not always accomplished in many top-end lodges). I think the organic design and the lovely use of varying textures really works.
Bisate Lodge is very involved with the local community. And many of the staff are local. Jean Pierre, our community guide, had started in security, before moving to housekeeping and then training as a guide. Each guest can visit the community during their stay on an informal basis.
The well-trained staff are very friendly and intuitively helpful. The food was excellent with plenty of choice, and superb presentation. But not overloading you with large portions. (However there is no shortage of snacks and extra food in between meals for those with large appetites.)
Activities at Bisate Lodge
As well as the gorilla trekking which is the drawcard for most visitors, there are plentiful activities at the lodge. This includes two nature trails which are theoretically 30 mins or 60 mins. But in reality probably only 20 or 40 mins. These have a stunning panoramic view over the whole region as far as the twin lakes. Each guest is also encourage to plant a tree (with the holes already dug and the tree supplied by the lodge). And you can visit the community for a very relaxed visit where you can ask questions and they will ask you questions back. There are also in room massages.
Finally you can curl up in their private lounge/wine cellar and watch Gorillas in the Mist in the early evening.Dian Fossey’s research base was only 5km from Bisate.
Quite simply there was nothing we didn’t like!
Bisate Tip: It is very steep. The main lodge is between suites 3 and 4, with suite 1 being the lowest and suite 6 being the highest, Older people will appreciate rooms 1 or 2. I suspect they put honeymoon couples in rooms 5 and 6 so if you are a relatively unfit honeymoon couple, beware! (On the plus side, the nature trail will be much easier from there as there is not much more distance to the summit from the hill.)
