Watch Gorillas Play From This Rustic Forest Retreat off a Rwandan Volcano

Bistae Lodge Eco-Travel in Rwanda

Residing anywhere near a volcano might seem like a crazy proposition, but as the 103-acre Bistae Lodge in northern Rwanda shows, it’s not as scary as it sounds. Developed by eco-tourism group Wilderness Safaris, they’ve created six forest villas that are nestled into an eroded volcanic cone on the edge of the country’s Volcanoes National Park. Surrounded by a forest of leafy trees, the design of the thatched-roof accommodations are a stunning example of eco-travel; they’re intended to pay tribute to both the the Rwandan culture as well as its landscape.

It was important to create a feeling of authenticity within the villas and ensure they accurately reflect the local aesthetic. Architect Nick Plewman and his team took inspiration from the Royal Palace at Nyanza while also working collaboratively with organizations like the National Ethnographic Museum and Teta Isibo, a local fashion entrepreneur. As a result, the interiors boast colors and textures you’ll find within the community at large. They’re also made with sustainability in mind; chandeliers, for instance, are crafted with area glass and the fire places volcanic stone. Some objects are decorated with a process called Imigongo, in which cow dung is mixed with different-colored soil and used as paint.

While the spaces inside of the villas are certainly cozy, it’s the exterior views that really steal the show. From them, three volcanoes are visible, and being part of the national park, you’ll witness some truly spectacular sights—like daily gorilla treks. Going beyond typical sightseeing however, you can also help plant trees and engage with local community members.

If you’re interested in staying at the Bistae Lodge, reservations can be made through Wilderness Safaris.

Nestled into an eroded volcanic cone in northern Rwanda is the Bistae Lodge.

Bistae Lodge Eco-Travel in Rwanda

It's comprised of six forest villas that pay tribute to the landscape and local culture.

Bistae Lodge Eco-Travel in Rwanda

Bistae Lodge Eco-Travel in Rwanda

Bistae Lodge Eco-Tourism

Visit the Bistae Lodge and you'll witness amazing views as well as the opportunity to improve local biodiversity.

Bistae Lodge Eco-Tourism

Bistae Lodge Eco-Tourism

The eco-tourism aspect allows you to help plant trees and meet local residents to learn about their culture.

Bistae Lodge Eco-Tourism

Bistae Lodge Eco-Tourism

Luxury Eco-Travel Lodge is Nestled in an Eroded Volcano in Rwanda

Bistae Lodge: Website
h/t: [Inhabitat]

All images via Bistae Lodge.

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Sara Barnes

Sara Barnes is a Staff Editor at My Modern Met, Manager of My Modern Met Store, and co-host of the My Modern Met Top Artist Podcast. As an illustrator and writer living in Seattle, she chronicles illustration, embroidery, and beyond through her blog Brown Paper Bag and Instagram @brwnpaperbag. She wrote a book about embroidery artist Sarah K. Benning titled 'Embroidered Life' that was published by Chronicle Books in 2019. Sara is a graduate of the Maryland Institute College of Art. She earned her BFA in Illustration in 2008 and MFA in Illustration Practice in 2013.
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