A new safari resort, offering a holistic wellness experience in the heart of “gorilla country” in Rwanda, is preparing to launch to the public.

Due to open on 21 June, Bisate Lodge is owned and operated by South Africa-based Wilderness Safaris and will combine a focus on wellness with active outdoor adventures – such as gorilla and golden monkey trekking – and luxurious accommodation.

Located 2,650m (8,700ft) above sea level, the resort features six forest villas whose design has been inspired by the traditional architecture of one of Rwanda’s famous landmarks – the King’s Palace at Nyanza.

Each villa has been fitted with its own spa space – including a massage table – as well as private observation decks overlooking the jungle.

The resort’s spa team will offer guests a full range of massage treatments, which guests can enjoy in the privacy of the villas.

Bisate’s signature massage is Intonga Amasatchi – a full-body, deep-tissue massage designed to relieve stress. The treatment makes use of different-sized wooden sticks to stretch tight muscles and ease toxic overload from daily pressures.

According to Ingrid Baas, general manager of Bisate Lodge, there is a cultural significance to the yellowwood rods used in Amasatchi. “Symbolically, they represent wisdom and direction to the traditional healer, who uses the energy of the earth as a valuable tool,” she said.

“A special blend of orange, geranium, lemon and lemongrass essential oils is also used as part of the very warm in-villa massage offering. With the massage bed placed in front of the fireplace, candles and essence will be added to create the right ambience for true relaxation.”

In-villa gym and yoga equipment will also be offered.

Bisate Lodge is the latest luxury resort to open in Rwanda – a country which is quickly developing into one of Africa’s most quickly developing tourism hotspots.

Spa and luxury resort are playing a major role in the revitalisation of the country’s travel industry, which is still recovering from the devastating civil war in the early 1990s.

In April, resort operator One&Only announced it was entering Rwanda with two luxury properties, due to the country's booming economy.


Last year, Carlson Rezidor opened a Radisson Blu hotel and Amani spa in the Rwandan capital Kigali.