I Was Punched by a Gorilla in Rwanda — and It Was the Most Luxurious Experience of My Life.
Every traveler should make it a point to go gorilla trekking at Bisate Reserve in Rwanda. It’s an unforgettable experience.
An abrupt blow landed firmly on my left buttcheek. My little attacker ran away on foot, apparently unapologetic, before I could respond. Our tour leader finally enquired whether I was okay after I glanced up and saw that everyone in my tour group was gazing at me. I said, “I am more than OK,” as the shock wore off and the pain began to bother me. “That was the happiest time of my life.” All of this occurred because of a stay at the recently opened Bistate Reserve, a resort that is every bit as wonderful as the experiences it facilitates.
Apparently, the perpetrator of my assault was a juvenile gorilla who was three feet tall and resided in Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park, close to the Congo border. As we reached his family’s clearing, he tripped and fell, landing between my spouse and me, who is significantly taller. As if he had just fallen off his bike in front of his buddies, he appeared somewhat ashamed after his small tumble. After gathering his courage, he decided to make amends by gazing at my husband, then punching me, and then fleeing the scene as fast as he had come.
This experience occurred during my gorilla walk in the world-renowned national park, which is run by Wilderness, an African travel and tourism firm known for its conservation initiatives and luxurious accommodations. Its newest product in east-central Africa, the Bisate Reserve, debuted in September on the same grounds as its Bisate Lodge.
Manzi Kayihura, chairman of Wilderness Rwanda, shared that the development of Wilderness Bisate Reserve was a chance to “extend and enhance the positive impact that has been achieved by the existing Bisate Lodge.” This includes building on Bisate Lodge’s success in reforestation and habitat restoration, as well as employment and community upliftment opportunities.
I Was Punched by a Gorilla in Rwanda – Wilderness Bisate Reserve Review…
The team, which consisted of Nicholas Plewman Architects + Associates and Artichoke’s Câline Williams-Wynn for interior design, set out to create the reserve with the intention of “delivering a world-class product and experience,” rather than “elevating the levels of luxury over and above the current luxurious Bisate experience,” as Kayihura put it. In particular, they aimed to provide guests with the “luxury of space” by enlarging rooms to accommodate greater living area, in-room dining options, and spa services.
For the utmost in guest comfort, we have designed this intimate, exclusive offering to cater to our visitors’ needs, as many of them like to relax in the privacy of their villa after a day of gorilla trekking, according to Kayihura.
Plus, there is enough of comfort here. You are welcomed by a cordial security guard as you enter the driveway made of volcanic rock. Down the steps, you will find a helpful hotel manager and a porter who will assist you with your luggage. They will make sure you don’t have to lift a finger as they lead you to the main lodge, which is an incredibly accurate recreation of a royal Rwandan residence, right down to the towering thatched roof, crackling fireplace in the middle and emerald-green bar on the left. For the record, there is a shimmering green glass chandelier hanging over the bar; each piece is suspended with such precision that it reflects the scenery outside the window, which is a volcanic landscape. And that’s not even taking into account the most beautiful (and appropriately named) room in the hospitality industry.
Entering any one of the four villas with private bathrooms will cause your jaw to drop. After a gorilla trek, you’ll need to take a shower because you’re sure to become dirty. The enormous mudroom is the first thing you’ll see when the door opens. Another helpful employee will be waiting for you in this room to assist you with removing your hiking gear so that it may be cleaned.
Entering the main lounge area, you’ll see a fully-stocked kitchen on the left side, complete with cookies, teas, coffees and a fresh ginger drink. In the middle, facing the first fireplace, you’ll find plush chairs and to the right, you’ll find a bar.
Your bedroom follows, complete with a second, more powerful fireplace, a deep soaking tub, and an outdoor rain shower. On the rear terrace, you’ll find the pièce de résistance: a wardrobe space that’s almost the same size as my first flat. An awe-inspiring wood-burning hot tub overlooking a lush mountainside.
“Our goal is for visitors to feel as though they have been transported to a one-of-a-kind, meticulously crafted sanctuary that honours Rwandan heritage,” Kayihura stated.
What Wilderness is great at is exploring its immediate surroundings, but this is before you even do that.
The whole gorilla trek planning process was handled by the team during my stay (and yours as well). From obtaining the necessary permits to providing a detailed packing list (with additional supplies on hand in case), from meeting our guide, John, punctually in the morning to meeting us with a post-hike cocktail, the team was there every step of the way.
We hiked for what seemed like forever before we could even reach the point where we could drink that drink. We followed John, who had been a tracker and guide for almost ten years, deep into the jungle, cutting with his machete through vines, over fallen trees, and across pastoral settings while keeping an eye out for the enormous creatures. John had us all wear masks when we got there, so we could have a peaceful interaction with the gorillas (who share 98% of our DNA with humans). After the first shock wore off, it was as peaceful an experience as one can get.
