Singita Kwitonda Lodge: A nurturing sanctuary on the edge of Volcanoes National Park
Set right on the edge of Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda, where more than a third of the world’s remaining mountain gorillas live. Singita Kwitonda Lodge’s unrivalled position puts life changing gorilla trekking experiences within easy reach. Each of the eight luxurious suites features a private heated plunge pool, wellness treatment area, in-and outdoor fireplace and large timber-framed windows that welcome breathtaking scenery and volcano views inside.
Kwitonda Lodge, named after a legendary silverback gorilla is located on 178 acres and shares a 1.2km border with Volcanoes National Park – the only lodge within such close proximity of the park.
Kwitonda Lodge was created in response to its dramatic setting, it includes elements such as woven ceilings and hand-fired terracotta brickwork crafted by local artisans, while a dedicated Conservation Room and on-site nursery and vegetable garden- which provides fresh produce for Kwitonda’s farm-to-table-food journey- further enhances the experience. Offering guests a nurturing space within which to contemplate their encounters with the remarkable “gentle giants of the forest”, the lodge envelopes them in a sanctuary of warmth, stillness & solitude.
This luxury lodge boasts breathtaking views of the Sabyinyo, Gahinga and Muhabura Volcanoes and surrounded by high-altitude forests, the interiors emphasize local design and handcrafted details adorn the carefully planned spaces.
Accommodation & Amenities
Singita Kwitinda Lodge is set within a landscape of wetlands and lush meadows with magnificent views of the Sabyinyo, Gahinga and Muhabura volcanoes. Designed around local materials, the buildings have been crafted using volcanic rock, river stone, handmade ceramic tiles and oven –red clay bricks made by surrounding communities, connecting the structure to the landscape and its culture. These influences, interpreted in a contemporary stile come together in a current, authentic and entirely unique architectural layout that is sensitive to its context and enjoys the privilege of remarkable views.
The interiors have been carefully curated with a focus on handcrafted details. By layering texture and color and introducing detail through artisanal and handmade pieces like woven panels, handmade tiles, and clay feature pots, the space is both reflective and interactive. All elements combine to create a rare and richly textured experience that is true to the extraordinary place.
A central hub with beautiful indoor and outdoor living spaces services as the heart of Singita Kwitonda Lodge. This space forms an experiential enclave with lounges, dining areas, an outdoor fire pit, an interactive kitchen, bar deli and a wine cellar for guests to enjoy.
Private, self-contained bedroom suites and amenities lead off of the main lodge via a network of volcanic rock pathways.
Singita Kwitonda Lodge offers
- 7 one-bedroom suites (accommodates 2), each with indoor and outdoor showers, an indoor bath, a sitting/rest area, covered veranda, dressing room, mini bar, an in-room massage area, indoor and outdoor fireplaces and a heated plunge pool.
- A two bedroom suite (accommodates 4) with two identical bedrooms featuring indoor baths, indoor and outdoor showers, in-room massage areas and dressing rooms. The suite offers indoor and outdoor fireplaces, a more spacious sitting/rest area, a mini bar, covered veranda and a heated plunge pool.
- Singita Volcanoes National Park also includes an exclusive-use four-bedroom villa, Kataza House (sleeps 80), featuring indoor baths and showers, indoor and outdoor fireplaces, informal living and dining areas, an interactive kitchen, covered veranda, heated plunge pools, cinema room, massage treatment room, fitness centre and small cellar.
Amenities
- In-room massage treatments
- Central fireplaces in suites and the main lodge
- Private outdoor heated plunge pools
- The on-site Akarabo Nursery and garden
- Wine cellar and tastings
- A dedicated Gear Room
- Singita Boutique & Gallery store
- Conservation Room
- Complimentary WiFi throughout the lodge
- Electricity/power available: 220V. Converters are also available and hairdryers are supplied in each suite
- Children of all ages are welcome at the lodge, but please note that the minimum age for gorilla trekking is 15
Children Activities at Singita Kwitonda Lodge
Encountering the untamed wilderness and magnificent wildlife of Africa is a truly lifechanging experience, no matter what one’s age, and time spent at Singita Kwitonda Lodge makes for an unforgettable family holiday. It is a destination that is sure to open a child’s eyes to the beauty and wonders of the continent and the natural world.
All activities at the lodge are tailored to specifically suit the interests of each gorilla family. The minimum age requirement for gorilla trekking is 15, but the lodge offers childminding services, as well as an array of activities to keep little ones engaged and entertained.
Children’s activities offered
- Cooking interactions
- Board games
- Stargazing
- Activity booklets with a variety of games, quizzes and games
- Arts & crafts
- Movies
- Swimming
- Birding
- Cycling
- Akarabo Nursery and garden tour
- Golden monkey treks (for children over 12 years)
What to see and do at Kwitonda Lodge
- Akarabo Nursery
- Farm–to–Table Garden
- Gorilla Trekking
- Golden Monkey Trekking
- Hiking and Walking
- Wellness
- Yoga
- Cycling
- Community Visits
- Kigali City Tour
- Wine Experience
- Conservation Room
- The Ellen DeGeneres Campus of the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund
- Boutique & Gallery
- Singita Community Culinary School
- Pottery
- Bird watching
- Walking and Running Trail