Luxury Safaris in Volcanoes National Park

The much anticipated Kwitonda Lodge opened in August 2019, and is Singita’s first foray into...

Utterly unique in its design, six sumptuous forest villas are luxurious while retaining environmental principles and reflecting the culture of the surrounding country. Each has a generous yet intimate combination of bedroom, reception space and bathroom, heated by a central fireplace and a private deck looking out to Mount Bisoke. The spherical stone and thatch architecture, said to be inspired by the Royal Palace of traditional monarchs, continues through to the communal areas such as the dining room, bar and spa, detailed with a variety of woven materials, local crafts and more modern touches. Wilderness Bisate is a short drive to the national park’s headquarters, from where gorilla treks depart daily, and you can also embark upon forest hikes to see rare Golden Monkeys and other wildlife. Visit the site of Dian Fossey’s research camp and grave, meet the community on guided village walks, plant a tree as part of the Wilderness Bisate’s reforestation project or perhaps tag along with the chef to the local market to buy ingredients for dinner.

Seated in the foothills of the Virunga mountains there are three things to look forward to...

The lodge sits atop a 2,300-metre hilltop with panoramas of the ‘twin lakes’ of Ruhondo and Bulera and the string of Virunga volcanoes laid out in front of you. Eight ‘naturally’ stylish banda cottages (4 double, 4 twin) are set out in this property’s beautiful terraced gardens, affording each a share of the superb views and a good helping of privacy too. En suite bathrooms and running solar hot water allow you to enjoy luxurious comfort with always a minimal environmental impact too. Paved pathways converge on the property’s main lodge for dining, massages, the curio shop, bar and lounge, and all with stunning views. Apart from the truly personable level of luxury and staff hospitality here at Virunga the lodge also excels in a wonderfully diverse and extensive menu of daily activities and local cultural excursions.

Embraced by a warren of eucalyptus trees and resting at the base of the Virunga Volcano Range, this secluded pocket of exceptional bliss and natural beauty is set in the depths of a protected haven – one where the majestic mountain gorilla still resides. An outstanding addition to One&Only’s collection, this cradle of meticulously curated design blends into the ethereal backcloth of mist-laden jungle and blue-hued peaks, presenting 21 lodges and suites. The luxurious accommodation, balanced on wooden poles above the botanical garden, places you in the midst of the Virunga rainforest, with sprawling viewing decks, outdoor tubs and floor-to-ceiling windows. Tasteful interiors draw on varied wooden features, warm colour schemes, patterned materials, and some options offer fire-pits and private pools. Maintaining the same soothing theme and merging the peripheral environment with the internal, the on-site restaurant, Nest, draws on seasonal, local produce from the surrounding organic gardens to create Rwandan-inspired dishes. The connected bar features a charming lounge, looking out onto the grounds, complete with a fireplace for the cooler months. Witnessing an endangered Rwandan mountain gorilla during your stay is the ultimate highlight, and Gorilla’s Nest can arrange permits and guided treks to see them amidst bamboo forests along with endemic golden monkeys and an affluence of bird species. Additionally, you can gain insight into the local culture, with visits to nearby villages, sample coffee from the region and dabble in a restoring treatment, yoga class or meditation session at the sublime spa and wellness centre.