Singita Kwitonda Lodge (Volcanoes NP)

Singita Kwitonda Lodge and it’s private villa, Kataza House, shares a 1.2km border with Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda. Making it the closest lodge to the gorillas in Rwanda. Putting life changing gorilla trekking experiences within easy reach. Volcanoes National Park is home to more than one third of the remaining mountain gorillas in the world.

As the perfect springboard for these encounters, Singita Kwitonda Lodge is also ideally located to discover the rest of Rwanda’s offerings. From the sights and sounds of the vibrant capital, Kigali, to Nyungwe National Park with its suspended canopy walk.

Boasting breathtaking views of the Sabyinyo, Gahinga and Muhabura volcanoes. And surrounded by high-altitude forests, Singita Kwitonda Lodge offers an experience unlike any of Singita’s other destinations. The lodge has been created in response to its dramatic setting and the gentle, yet strong spirit of Rwanda’s endangered mountain gorillas. Elements such as woven ceilings and hand-fired terracotta brickwork crafted by local artisans. 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.

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An overview of Singita Kwitonda Lodge and it’s private villa, Kataza House

Singita Kwitonda Lodge Accommodation

Private, self-contained bedroom suites and amenities lead off of the main lodge via a network of volcanic rock pathways.

Each of the eight luxurious suites have indoor baths, indoor and outdoor showers, in-room massage areas and dressing rooms. The suites also offer indoor and outdoor fireplaces. Large timber-framed windows that welcome breathtaking scenery and volcano views inside. All have a covered veranda and private heated plunge pool.

Each suite is equipped with a pair of binoculars to use during your stay. Of course, you’re welcome to also pack your own.

Singita Kwitonda Lodge has 7 x one bedroom suites that sleep 2 people. There is also 1 x two-bedroom suite (sleeps 4) with 2 identical bedrooms. And a more spacious sitting/rest area.

Singita Kataza House

Singita Kataza House offers families or friends an exclusive African home. Right on the edge of Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda. Putting gorilla-trekking experiences within easy reach.  The exclusive-use four bedroom villa sleeps 8 people. It includes a full staff complement and every conceivable comfort. From heated plunge pools* and spacious dining areas to an interactive kitchen. As well as a wine cellar, fitness center, cinema and farm-to-table food journey.

*Larger heated pool and smaller heated pool off master bedroom.

While completely private, the villa is set alongside Singita Kwitonda Lodge. Guests at Kataza House enjoy access to all facilities and amenities at the lodge. Which offers additional spaces for convivial relaxing, entertaining and dining.

Family Safari

Children of all ages are welcome at both the lodge and the villa. Encountering the untamed wilderness and magnificent wildlife of Africa is a truly life changing experience. No matter what one’s age. Time spent at Singita Kwitonda Lodge makes for an unforgettable family holiday. It’s a destination that is sure to open a child’s eye 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 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. Donning kids’ aprons and little chefs’ hats, kids can cook up a storm with one of the expertly trained chefs.
• Board games, and playing cards.
• Stargazing
• Activity booklets with a variety of games, quizzes and games
• Arts & crafts. Paint sets, art pads and coloring-in pencils are provided.
• Movies
• Swimming
• Birding
• Cycling and nature walks
• Akarabo Nursery and garden tour. Kids can explore the garden and also help to pick vegetables and plant new plants. There are gardening tools, gloves and nursery baskets for this activity.
• Golden monkey treks (for children over 12 years)

Singita Kwitonda Lodge Activities

Most people visit Volcanoes National Park to trek with the mountain gorillas. But there is so much more to see and do.

Singita Kwitonda Lodge provides guests with complimentary comfort kits for most activities. These contain items such as sun cream, a sweat towel, tissues, a buff (required by Rwandan Parks) and toilet Eco-bags.

More Information on activities at Singita Kwitonda Lodge ↓

Gorilla Trek

Venturing into Rwanda’s misty mountains to meet East Africa’s mountain gorillas up close is one of the most cherished adventures for travelers. The entire trekking experience is tailored to make the most of every moment. From the pre-trek briefing sessions in the lodge the night before, complimentary kit received from the on-site Gear Room*, to the morning of the trek.

Conditions on treks vary and it’s best to be prepared for rainy and muddy conditions. Be sure to pack waterproof hiking boots with a good grip and ankle support. Its also handy to bring gloves, a waterproof jacket/raincoat, hiking pants, and long-sleeved tops.

*The following items for outdoor hiking and wet weather are available in the Gear Room at the main lodge. Guests can borrow these during their stay:
Hiking chaps/gators. These are worn over shoes to just under the knee. Protecting you against stinging nettles.
A backpack (including a lunchbox) and rain cover.
Trekking poles. Guests can also borrow or purchase locally made and carved poles from porters in Volcanoes National Park.

Golden Monkey Trekking

Golden monkey trekking is a rare and delightful experience. Not to be missed. These primates are highly endangered. And are only found in this part of the world, living in the Virunga mountain ranges.

Encountering golden monkeys in the Volcanoes National Park is a highly immersive experience. Trekkers are surrounded by up to one hundred monkeys foraging in the forest. And jumping from tree to tree. The monkeys live in bamboo vegetation close to the base of the volcanoes. So the hike to find them is on fairly flat terrain and the distance is not far. Making this an activity that is easily accessible to most.

Bird watching

Singita Volcanoes National Park is home to an extraordinary array of bird species. Conservationists are on call to share their extensive knowledge with guests. From sightings of the endemic Rwenzori double-collared sunbirds to the migratory Barn Swallows and Black Cuckoo-shrike.

Wellness and Yoga

Opportunities to retreat, relax and reflect are plentiful at Kwitonda and Kataza House. The lodge breathes a sense of peace, quiet and tranquility into its visitors. Warm fires, restful spaces, healthy food, yoga, meditation, massages, soft lighting and warm baths. All serve to nurture, comfort and rejuvenate guests as they connect with nature in a way they never have before.

All treatments are offered in the comfort of guests’ suites. Or in the tranquility of their private outdoor deck.

You will find a dedicated yoga mat in your suite. As well as a card to guide you through a relaxing sequence in the privacy of your room. Or on your deck. All Singita lodges also offer Vinyasa and Yin yoga practices with trained practitioners. Simply ask the front-of-house staff to book and join a session.

Known for seamlessly synchronizing movement with breath, Vinyasa is a flowing style of yoga. That moves from one posture to the next using muscular engagement. Yin is a meditative practice focusing on passive, long-held poses. Often with the support of props like blocks and bolsters. It helps to improve flexibility, reduce stress, quieten the mind and foster mindfulness.

Cycling

One of the highlights of a stay at Singita Volcanoes National Park (SVNP) is the opportunity to cycle around the lodge area. The beautiful gardens and scenery that surround it. And to explore some scenic cycling routes through the Rwandan countryside.

Singita’s Conservationist accompanies guests on every cycling activity. Depending on their fitness levels and interests, each route varies in distance and duration.

From short outings within the lodge’s perimeter to exploring the surrounding villages and picturesque farm roads. Guests also have the option to head to Volcanoes National Park’s headquarters. An 8km return trip that includes a challenging hill on the way back. Serious cyclists could opt for a tour with Team Africa Rising, which is located just down the road from SVNP.

There are currently 8 mountain bikes available. These are suitable for adults and children older than 10. Cycling helmets are also supplied.

Walking and Running Trail

This scenic 2.2km (1.4mi) walking/running trail runs behind the lodge. It starts at the main entrance, ascending hilly terrain and meandering through a fragrant eucalyptus forest. Before finishing at the on-site Akarabo Nursery. The beautiful vistas and sounds of nature are a highlight. On a clear day, one can see the distant city of Musanze nestled below.

The trail is open and unguided. This allows guests the freedom to explore. However, as the lodge shares its surroundings with buffalo and other wildlife, we advise some caution while running or walking. Although buffalo primarily roam during the evenings. Moving towards the park during the day. We encourage guests to exercise their judgment when utilizing the trail.

This trail offers a sanctuary for keen walkers and runners. Where guests can reconnect with nature, find solace, and create lasting memories in the breathtaking “The Land of a Thousand Hills.”

*This walking/running trail is seasonal and is best utilized during the drier months. This is June to September and December to February.

Community Visits

Guests at Singita Volcanoes National Park have the unique opportunity to visit the small village of Gasura in the Kinigi sector. It is 30 minutes from the lodge. The interactive tour takes approximately two hours. Offering guests a range of authentic Rwandese cultural experiences.

Taking guests from house to house in the village. This involves everything from meeting local crafters weaving baskets and carving gorilla-trekking sticks. To learning how to process locally produced staples. Such as stomping cassava roots and grinding sorghum for flour. It also includes visiting families in their homes to get a glimpse of the local lifestyle.

Farm to Table dining

Raising the bar on sustainable luxury ecotourism, Kwitonda’s farm-to-table food journey celebrates Rwandese cuisine and fresh produce from the on-site garden/nursery. It is named Akarabo which means ‘little flower’ in Kinyarwanda, Rwanda’s national language. This on-site nursery was borne from Singita’s commitment to help reforest, rehabilitate and maintain the habitat of Rwanda’s endangered mountain gorillas. The reforestation efforts in the area continue. Creating a lasting, living legacy.

Whether you opt for a gentle stroll along the rows of new trees. Past the glorious fragrances of flourishing herbs. Or through the farm-to-table chef’s garden filled with fresh vegetables. It is bound to inspire and delight in equal measure.

Providing an authentic taste of Rwanda’s offerings, the garden includes a tea house with fresh herbal brews. As well as local artisans such as a basket weaver, seamstress and stick carver showcasing the intricacies of their craft.

The Singita wine list has received numerous awards of excellence. And the top Diners’ Club Wine List accolade. As well as recognition from countless other local and international organizations.

Weather and When to Go

Rwanda can be visited at any time of the year. Gorilla trekking is a year-round activity. Covered golf carts have waterproof roller blinds and transport guests seamlessly from the main lodge to their suites when it rains.

Rwanda has a temperate tropical highland climate. With lower temperatures than are typical for equatorial countries due to its high elevation. Although there is also plenty of rain. The rainfall is often during the night or the early morning hours. Light cloud cover during the day helps to moderate the temperatures. But also occasionally brings light rain showers.

Singita Volcanoes National Park is situated approximately 2,600 meters above sea level. On the foothills of the Virunga Mountains and experiences chillier temperatures compared to lower-lying areas. The average temperature is approximately 15°C (59°F). And the humidity can be quite high.

The long rainy season lasts from March to May, when the rain is heavy and persistent. The long dry season is from June to mid-September. October to November is a shorter rainy season. Followed by a short dry season from December to February.

Getting to Singita Kwitonda Lodge

International flights arrive at Rwanda’s capital city, Kigali. Singita Volcanoes National Park can either be accessed by a 30-minute helicopter flight. Or a 3-hour road transfer from Kigali.

The drive is wonderfully scenic, but quite winding and hilly. Guests are therefore advised to pack motion sickness tablets, if needed.
It’s also important to note that there’s only one public rest stop on the way.

Direct flights from Singita Grumeti in Tanzania to Kigali are available.

There are also good connections on Rwanda Air between Kigali and Cape Town/Johannesburg in South Africa. This makes Singita Volcanoes National Park an excellent destination in combination with other wilderness destinations in Africa.

Please note that guests are required to book and pay for a Driver Guide and vehicle for every day of their stay at Singita Volcanoes National Park. This is to facilitate all activities as well as transfers to and from Kigali. Having a Driver Guide and vehicle ensures flexibility so that guests can plan their days according to preference.

*Additional adults or children in the two-bedroom suite pay the normal suite rates (per adult or per child).

Single Supplement

A single supplement will apply if three or more single suites are booked in a reservation. A supplement of 25% of the adult rate will be added from the third single room onward.

Accommodation at Singita Kwitonda Lodge and Kataza House includes:
Accommodation
All meals and beverages (including premium wines, spirits and liqueurs, but excluding French Champagne)
Laundry service
WiFi access where applicable

Excludes:
Tourism Development Levy
Purchases from the Singita Boutique & Gallery
French Champagne
Massage treatments
Any day trips (including transfers) or transfers to and from Singita Volcanoes National Park
Any additional activities not mentioned above
Permits for gorilla trekking, golden monkey treks. Or any other activities not mentioned above (rates are subject to change)

Singita Kwitonda Lodge and Singita Kataza House Accommodation Special Offers

Long Stay Promotion Stay 10, Pay 8

Book a combination of 10 nights at any 3 Singita Lodges in any 2 regions and receive 1 night per region FREE!

Valid until 14th December 2023 and 6th January to 14th December 2024
The complimentary nights apply to the lowest rated night per region

A minimum 3 nights required per lodge in any of the following properties:
Singita Castleton Exclusive Use Lodge, Singita Ebony or Boulders Lodges (Sabi Sand), Singita Sweni or Lebombo Lodge (Kruger National Park),
Singita Pamushana Lodge or Malilangwe House in Malilangwe Wildlife Reserve in Zimbabwe OR
Serengeti (Tanzania):
Singita Faru Faru and Sasakwa Lodges, Mara River Tented Camp, Sabora Tented Camp, Singita Explore Mobile Tented Camp and exclusive-use villas, Serengeti House and Singita Milele.

A minimum 4 nights required at Singita Kwitonda Lodge and Singita Kataza House (Volcanoes National Park) in Rwanda
The complimentary nights apply to the lowest rated night per region