Singita Kwitonda Lodge is located in the north western ranches of Rwanda at the edge of volcanoes national park, it’s a new facility in the place, the first and only gorilla lodge by the Singita luxurious hospitality and conservation group of eastern and southern Africa taking its name from a very calm silver back gorilla called kwitonda, a Kinyarwanda word meaning humble. Volcanoes National Park protects the Rwandan portion of the Virunga mountains a conservation area that cuts across Uganda and the democratic republic of Congo, it includes Rwanda’s highest point mount Karisimbi and two active volcanoes Nyirangongo and Nyamuragira. The park is popular for the mountain gorillas and its thick vegetative cover, it is the nearest of Rwanda’s national parks from Kigali.
Kwitonda lodge comprises of 8 suites and 4 bedroom private villas for use (Kataza house), its newest of the luxury facilities in Volcanoes National Park with magnificent views of the Virunga volcanoes overlooking Sabinyo, Ghahinga and Muhabura, the lodge is situated on an isolated 178 acres of land, the cottages have superb views of both the forest and the mountains, large and cozy rooms with a relaxing place, well stocked pantry, work space, minibar, and a private dining area. Its composed of a double or king size bed an en-suite bathroom, a glass enclosed out door shower and a private balcony accompanied with afire place and a plunge pool. The kataza house is an exclusive house that comes with a private chef and host a swimming pool, an open living room and a dinning space a media room a gym fit for large groups or families.
The build of the lodge was from local materials such as milestones and weavers, material for ceiling and walling was got from the locals with a nature conscious art and the nearby town its design takes from the modern furnishings brick work and house plants with picture large windows at ground levels bringing out the best surrounding views, the restaurant is planned with indoor and outdoor dining areas with comfortable space around the lounge area it serves Rwandan and international cuisines some of the ingredients gotten on-site.
The major reason of visiting the lodge is trekking mountain gorillas, morning drive to the national park from the lodge, it offers complementary needs for tracking however it is wise to come along with yours for safety for example waterproof covers for phones and cameras, rain gears , warm clothes in case of rainfall, boots and insect repellants, nature walks around the lodge, tracking golden monkeys one of the rare species of the volcanoes national park, during this activity look out for more primates and birds it is home to over 165 species 17 of which are endemic to the area.
Rwanda is a beautiful country a land of a thousand hills, with favorable climatic conditions, the park is accessible all year round but best during the months of long dry season of June to mid-September and the short one of December to February with awaiting Singita Kwitonda Lodge to offer you the best luxurious accommodation during your African gorilla safaris.