Volcanoes National Park
Singita Kwitonda Lodge
Eagerly awaited conservation-driven luxury lodge
The much anticipated Kwitonda Lodge opened in August 2019, and is Singita’s first foray into Rwanda, bringing with it their celebrated philosophy of sustainable luxury.
Located in a prized 178-acre parcel of lush meadows and wetlands right on the edge of Volcanoes National Park with magnificent views of the Sabyinyo, Gahinga and Muhabura volcanoes, there are eight suites and a four-bedroom villa, Kataza House. Architects and interior designers are selecting locally sourced and produced materials while the local community has been engaged in building using traditional techniques. A light footprint is central to the project, embodying the gentleness and humility of the great silverback from which the lodge takes its name. Singita has a long-term approach to conservation, and part of the plan is to plant thousands of trees around the lodge.
As well as treks into the park to spend time with the gorillas, for which the Kwitonda Lodge is ideally located, you will be able explore the montane forests of Nyungwe National Park, see the rare Golden Monkey and visit the local community. Guests will also have the chance to expand the gorillas’ habitat by helping out with the lodge’s tree planting and habitat restoration project. And, with Tanzania’s Serengeti just a short hop across Lake Victoria to the east, Kwitonda Lodge brings the opportunity for a ‘Singita only’ safari experience combining gorillas and the astounding Grumeti Reserve.
Highlights
Gorilla treks
Trips to Nyungwe National Park
Community visits
Tree planting
Eight suites
Four-bedroom villa
Main lodge
Trip inspiration
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Places to combine Singita Kwitonda Lodge with
Volcanoes National Park
Utterly unique in its design, six sumptuous forest villas are luxurious while retaining environmental principles and reflecting the culture of the Rwanda. 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. In The Sanctuary, a grounding wellness space complete with spa and exercise spaces, you can take the time to relax after days in the forest. Choose from their signature menu of wellness and beauty treatments to reinvigorate body and mind.
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.
