Now is the time to visit Rwanda – Africa’s ‘land of a thousand hills’ – where two prestigious safari operators are opening their doors.

Wilderness Safaris and One&Only will both provide an exceptional base from which to explore Rwanda. This is a country that offers a life-changing, transformative escape, with unparalleled encounters with highly threatened mountain gorillas in their lush rainforest habitat. Rwandans will give you a sincerely warm welcome and an introduction into the rich culture of this tiny landlocked country, which has come a long way since the dark days of the 1990s.

Gorilla encounters

Tracking mountain gorillas, chimpanzees and other primates in the thick rainforests that blanket the rolling mountains is a rare privilege that may not be available in future decades. The mountain gorilla is listed as critically endangered by the IUCN and, as of September 2016, the estimated number of mountain gorillas is only about 880. These individuals can be divided roughly into two populations. The first population occupies the volcanic Virunga mountains within national parks across three countries, Rwanda, Uganda and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). The second population lives in the Bwindi Inpenetrable National Park in Uganda. Gorilla treks in Rwanda visit one of 10 groups of habituated mountain gorillas. Conservation efforts are funded by a very limited number of permits, and funds are allocated to anti-poaching efforts and local communities’ businesses.

Wilderness Safaris Bisate Lodge

Superbly located for a holistic gorilla experience in Rwanda, Bisate Lodge is located in the natural amphitheatre of an eroded volcanic cone. The area has dramatic views of the peaks of the volcanoes Bisoke and Karisimbi rearing up through the Afro-alpine forests of nearby Volcanoes National Park. With just six sumptuous en-suite rooms – each with glorious views – Bisate Lodge promises an intimate, personal experience.

Bisate is within easy driving distance of Park Headquarters, from where gorilla treks depart daily. Its vision of reforestation and rehabilitation means that each guest is invited to participate in its biodiversity conservation efforts, as well as engage with the local community – in addition to learning about and making a far-reaching positive impact on an iconic endangered species: the mountain gorilla.

Aside from tracking one of the 10 habituated gorilla groups, other attractions include Iby’wacu cultural village, the Twin Lakes of Ruhondo and Burera, the lava tunnels of the Musanze Caves, Dian Fossey’s grave, and even seeing the endemic golden monkey. Walks on the extensive property offer birding and participation in the reforestation programme. Nearly 300 bird species have been recorded on the Virunga Massif, of which 18 are Albertine Rift endemics. Sought-after species include Archer’s robin chat, mountain black boubou, strange weaver, Rwenzori batis, mountain masked apalis and Rwenzori (collared) apalis.

One&Only Nyungwe House & Gorilla’s Nest

One&Only is expanding its horizons into Rwanda with two new offerings that together will give you a complete Rwanda experience. Set in a working tea plantation on the edge of the Nyungwe Forest in Rwanda’s mountainous southwest, One&Only Nyungwe House will open its doors in the next few months. This is a wonderful base from which to track threatened primates like chimpanzees and Colobus monkeys, although guests may find it hard to leave the comfort of the hotel itself, where the open-air spa and gourmet food are just a couple of the enticing luxuries that make a stay here so special.

The 22 luxury rooms and suites situated in six beautiful wooden villas are all designed to frame nature, with exceptional views of the forest. Private decks offer all guests extraordinary private spaces to watch the surrounding wildlife. At this elevation early mornings and evening are chilly and so open fireplaces in every room are thoughtful and necessary comforts.

One&Only Gorilla’s Nest is in the pipeline. Situated in the foothills of the Virunga Volcano range, Gorilla’s Nest will be spectacular base for rare encounters with mountain gorillas in their natural habitat. In addition to the gorilla trek, guests will also be able to discover golden monkeys, as well as visit Dian Fossey’s Karisoke Camp. Watch this space as Ashworth Africa will let you know when this special location is ready to welcome its first visitors.