Wilderness Bisate Concession newsletter – June 2026

The month also saw our mature Bisate indigenous trees flowering, and the team is very excited for seed collection in September. These seeds are carefully collected and placed on seed racks to prepare them for planting when the rainy season returns. 

Our garden is looking really beautiful thanks to the tremendous efforts of the agronomists during the rainy season. They have worked diligently to ensure the garden is healthy and well-prepared before the dry season begins. A wide variety of vegetables were planted and carefully nurtured throughout the wet season, resulting in this thriving and productive garden now.

A walk through our Bisate vegetable garden is one of the wonderful afternoon activities that our guests enjoy. It offers them an opportunity to experience the freshness of the garden, learn about the different vegetables being grown, and appreciate the dedication and hard work that go into maintaining this vibrant space.

Not everyone has the opportunity to encounter mountain gorillas in their natural habitat, but thanks to the amazing generosity of a guest who donated her permit, one of our staff members, Jackie, was fortunate enough to experience this unforgettable adventure. On 22 June, she embarked on an incredible gorilla trek and had the privilege of meeting the Titus family. In her own words, she described it as ‘the best day of my life’.

The trek was truly phenomenal, and meeting the Titus family was an unforgettable experience. However, the highlight of the encounter came when the playful blackback, Ndizeye, suddenly appeared from nowhere, showing off and entertaining everyone with his mischievous behaviour. This is typical of young blackbacks as they mature and begin developing the confidence and skills they will one day need to lead a gorilla family. 

The Titus family is one of the gorilla families studied by Dian Fossey during her time of reserach in Volcanoes National Park from 1967 until her untimely passing in 1985. The family was named after the silverback Titus, who led the family at the time – he was a gentle silverback who easily earned the respect and affection of all those who lived with him. 

Our Kitchen team remains committed to maintaining the high standards they have become known for, consistently serving exceptional and delicious meals to our guests. During June, the team had the valuable opportunity to participate in some training from Regional Development Chef Nathalie, and Training and East Africa Standards Chef, Gordon. Over a couple of days with them, they shared their expertise, helping to sharpen the team's culinary skills, introduce new techniques, and inspire fresh ideas. This experience has elevated the team's confidence and creativity, enabling them to deliver even more memorable dining experiences for our guests. 

The team was tasked with the creation of new dishes, and some of our existing favourites were thoughtfully refreshed. The plating techniques were also refined to enhancee presentation and ensure that every meal is not only delicious but also beautifully served. The knowledge and the skills gained will continue to enrich exceptional dining experiences at both Wilderness Bisate Lodge and Reserve. 

Mental health awareness is an important priority for everyone these days. There are many ways to support mental wellbeing, including regular exercise, staying hydrated, getting enough rest, and maintaining a healthy diet.

At Bisate, we are grateful to have a staff gym equipped with basic homemade equipment. Whenever team members have a free moment during the day, many take the opportunity to enjoy a quick workout.

June was a record-breaking month at Bisate, with more staff than ever taking time to care for their physical and mental wellbeing. It was encouraging to see so many team members making healthy choices and prioritising self-care, setting a positive example for others.

The gym is not the only option for staying active. Staff can also go for a jog on the paved volcanic rock pathways in the early morning before work or in the evening after their shift. These simple activities help promote both physical fitness and mental wellbeing, contributing to a healthier and happier workplace.

Absolutely everything. Bisate staff were incredible, so welcoming and totally dedicated to making our stay delightful. Bisate is so beautiful with its architecture and location. To be able to spend our final day at Kwanda and the Sanctuary and plant our family trees was phenomenal, such a brilliant way to end our once in a lifetime holiday. Cannot thank everyone enough memories for life – will miss you all. 

Bisate Guests – Angela & Darren

It is not the facilities (although they are all superb!), it is the people! You were able to assemble a group with a culture to please, excel, and do it happily! That will stay with us! Congrats!

Bisate Guests – Marcio & Taciana

Everything was perfect: the staff, food and accomodation! The experience was extraordinary and we wish we had more time here. Thanks for the best honeymoon we could have asked for!                     

Bisate Reserve Guests – Renato and Mariana