The Bishop’s House Rwanda

The Bishop’s House is an exclusive facility situated in the Northern Province of Rwanda, in Musanze Town. Thanks to the Lodge’s extraordinary location in the verdant and calm suburbs of Musanze, visitors have the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to embark on a thrilling adventure with gorilla trekking in Rwanda as well as a visit to Musanze Caves, and the Twin Lakes of Bulera and Ruhondo.

Guests to the Bishop’s House Rwanda are guaranteed to relish comfort and luxury, with airy Guestrooms as well as state-of-the-art amenities that will exceed expectations. From the ravishing beddings to breathtaking views, this Lodge has everything that promises an unforgettable stay and experience.

The Bishop’s House rooms and amenities

The Bishop’s House Rwanda has 10 rooms (1 Superior room, 6 deluxe rooms, 1 Junior Suite, 1 Suite, and 1 Executive Suite) in configurations of single and double/twin. Interestingly, there’s an option of adding an extra bed in the deluxe rooms as well as the Executive Suite. Additionally, the exclusive use of the Lodge is also possible, whereby the entire House can be blocked for guests thus perfect for groups.

On the ground floor is where you will find the Executive Suite, which exudes ultimate luxury. Featuring a King-size bed, this room type also has a private bathroom (with a sparking bathtub, two sinks, and a ceiling showerhead). It also has a separate sitting area/lobby, a lobby washroom, a kitchenette, and a secluded courtyard hence making it ideal for guests looking to stay longer.

Other special facilities and services provided to guests staying in the Executive Suite include a 30-minute complimentary couple massage, complimentary butler service, a complimentary fruit basket on check-in, a mini-bar stocked with assorted spirits, wines, and beers, a kettle, a telephone, flat-screen Television with satellite channels, complimentary Wi-Fi, and a digital safety deposit box.

The other room category is the Suite, known for providing luxury at its finest. Besides comfort, guests occupying the Suite are provided jaw-dropping panoramic views of the verdant gardens as well as the Virunga Volcanoes. It features a classic handcrafted King-size bed, an airy sitting area that embodies luxury, and hammock chairs on the private balcony for relaxing while getting immersed in Mother Nature’s serenity.

Also present in the Suite is a vanity room with wall-to-wall wardrobes, and a luxurious bathroom (with velvety bathrobes, shower and bath facilities, as well as sinks. Guests are normally treated to VIP Check-in as well as a free bottle of house wine, and fruit basket on arrival. Also expect to enjoy free Wi-Fi, assorted drinks at the stocked mini-bar, as well as the coffee/tea maker among others.

The Junior Suite at the Bishop’s House also provides total luxury, extraordinary handmade decorations, and stunning hardwood wardrobes. Featuring a King-size bed, guests who stay in this room will always feel pampered and relaxed in the stupendous bathroom which is complete with his and her sinks, as well as a sparkling white bathtub for relaxing after a long day. While staying in the Junior Suite, be prepared to immerse yourself in the untouched beauty of Mother Nature with the secluded courtyard fringed by verdant banana trees and a chance to listen to the chirping birds. Amenities in the Junior Suite include a flat-screen TV, a stocked mini-bar, complimentary Wi-Fi, a digital safety deposit box, and a kettle.

Each of the 6 deluxe rooms allows guests to indulge in comfort and luxury, right from the time they step feet at the property. Expect a warm welcome that comes with a complimentary bottle of wine and fruit basket, followed by an unforgettable stay which is made easy by the stunningly decorated rooms. The sitting area opens to the pristine gardens and other amenities include a stocked mini-bar, a telephone, a kettle for hot beverages, a digital safety deposit box, and complimentary Wi-Fi.

Other facilities/services offered at the Bishop’s House

There is a restaurant that opens between 5:30 am and 10:00 pm. Delicious meals are prepared from fresh and organic on-site gardens and served directly from the kitchen.

There’s a heated swimming pool that makes it possible for guests to dive and relish a refreshing swim after an eventful day in Volcanoes National Park.

The on-site Yoga grounds allow guests to discover their inner harmony while embracing the tranquility of the surroundings.

You can energize yourself in the refreshing gym environment while maintaining your active lifestyle.

Activities to enjoy while staying at the Bishop’s House in Rwanda

This property is only 25 minutes’ drive from Volcanoes National Park hence perfect for visitors looking to undertake gorilla trekking, Musanze Cave Tours, visits to the Ellen DeGeneres Campus, Mount Karisimbi and Bisoke Hikes, birding, tours of the Twin Lakes, golden monkey tracking, and the Dian Fossey Gravesite Hike.

How to Book a Gorilla Safari 2025

Have you been asking yourself how to book a gorilla safari in Uganda and Rwanda? Knowing how you can book a gorilla safari is essential for anyone who plans to engage in a gorilla trekking adventure in Rwanda or Uganda in 2025. Booking gorilla safaris in Uganda and Rwanda starts with securing a valid gorilla permit from the respective destination you intend to embark on a gorilla trekking adventure.

The two alternatives for you to book a gorilla safari include; through a registered and recognized safari company or you can plan an independent safari. However, all visitors are encouraged to book their gorilla safaris in Rwanda or Uganda through a recognized tour company.

Essential steps to book a gorilla safari in Uganda or Rwanda

The useful steps any primate enthusiast should consider when planning a gorilla tour in Rwanda and Uganda include;

Contact the local tour company/operator

Before you even think of taking a flight to any of the gorilla trekking destinations, you should contact the local registered company to book a gorilla safari and permits. A registered tour company or tour operator usually falls under their membership umbrellas like the Association of Uganda Tour Operators (for the case of Uganda) or Rwanda Tours and Travel Association.

Booking a gorilla safari through the tour company with a membership association in the respective destinations is essential. It proves the eligibility of such safari company or tour operator whom you plan to deal with to book your gorilla safari. Scenic Luxury Vacation is a true and eligible safari company to trust in your gorilla safari 2025.

How to contact the local tour operator or company. All active tour operators/companies have email addresses for you to send your inquiry or you can talk to the reservation team directly by calling. There is also the option of chatting with the expert via their active WhatsApp contacts. Visitors already in the country and nearby the company can walk in and talk to the reservation to book a gorilla safari.

Check availability in line with your desired dates.

The important step of booking a gorilla safari is ensuring that you cross-check availability if the dates you plan to visit Uganda or Rwanda for gorilla trekking are available. Your local tour company or tour operator is in a position to contact the Uganda Wildlife Authority or Rwanda Development Board to check available dates, months, years, and destinations you want to embark on the gorilla trek. This should be done in advance about 2-6 months before taking a flight up to Rwanda/Uganda to track mountain gorillas.

Book a gorilla permit.

A valid gorilla permit must be booked in advance through the registered local tour operator or company. Gorilla permits are issued by the Uganda Wildlife Authority or Rwanda Tourism/Development Board. The advantage of dealing with a registered local tour operator is that everything is made easier and quicker for you to have your permit secured without necessary traveling to go through the tedious process.

Pay for the gorilla permit.

A valid gorilla permit must be paid for first for it to be reserved for you. Booking a gorilla permit is usually based on first come first served and remember the permits are limited. In Uganda, about 192 permits represent the 24 habituated gorilla groups that are available for trekking in Bwindi National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. In Rwanda, the 13 groups of mountain gorillas translate to about 104 permits that can be available for booking by visitors on Rwanda gorilla tours. Every gorilla group is trekked by a maximum of 8 guests and each destination conducts only single gorilla treks per day.

Prepare adequately for your trip.

The easiest way to plan and prepare for your gorilla trip is by dealing with the local tour operators. When you deal with the local tour operator, you can get essential travel recommendations, guidance, and travel advice early. You can be guided on when not and when to travel for gorilla trekking. The ground tour operators are better informed on the weather changes and gorilla groups to be trekked.

Where to go for a gorilla safari

There are very few places to consider for gorilla safaris in Africa. To be specific, visitors with plans to visit mountain gorillas have only 4 National Parks to engage in a gorilla trekking adventure. These include Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park in Uganda, Volcanoes National Park Ruhengeri in Rwanda, and the Virunga National Park in the Eastern Democratic Republic of Congo. Each of the 4 gorilla safari parks in Africa has already habituated gorilla groups.

When to book a gorilla safari

Gorilla safaris can be booked at any time of the month or a year. However, it is safe to have your gorilla safari booked at least 2-6 months in advance and interestingly, bookings can also be made even a year or 2 before the actual gorilla trekking. Considering early booking for your gorilla safari is essential because it presents you with a higher chance of securing a gorilla permit.

The best time to visit Uganda and Rwanda for a gorilla safari is during the dry season. The dry months of the year run from June, July, August, to September, then December, January, to February. These months are characterized by less rainfall and drier forest floor thus making it easier to engage in a gorilla trek.

How much is a gorilla permit

Tourists on gorilla safari can book their permits at USD 800 per person in Uganda and USD 1500 per person in Rwanda. The cost of Rwanda and Uganda permits covers the park entrance fees, gorilla trekking experience, and guide fees.

A normal and successful gorilla safari requires visitors to pack right. The essentials one can have for a gorilla safari include waterproof hiking boots, a pair of gardening gloves, a first aid kit, insect repellents, a pair of long-sleeved shirts, long trousers, a waterproof daypack, a sweater, and valid gorilla permits. The additional items to have for your gorilla trip include a waterproof rain jacket or poncho, anti-malaria tablets, visas, passports, safari hat, adequate water bottles, snacks to keep you fit, and others.