Singita Kwitonda Lodge
Highlights
- Mountain gorilla treks in Volcanoes National Park
- Treks to see golden monkeys
- Other hikes: mountain summits, Dian Fossey's grave
- Friendly locals and spectacular scenery
Location
- Bordering Volcanoes National Park
- Virunga Mountains
- Northwest Rwanda
Singita Kwitonda Lodge offers upscale and exclusive accommodation on 178 acres of land bordering Volcanoes National Park.
The lodge is located on reclaimed farmland, with lush meadows and wetlands leading to the edge of the national park. Views from the lodge and guests suites are dominated by three nearby volcanoes (Sabyinyo, Gahinga and Muhabura), which are covered in lush forest and tower high above the lodge grounds.
The buildings are constructed using locally sourced volcanic rock, river stone, ceramic tiles, and handmade clay bricks fashioned by local artisans. These elements are combined to create a contemporary architectural design and layout that melds into the dramatic natural surroundings.
Mountain bamboo, ferns, giant lobelias, and other forest trees provide a natural backdrop that over time will engulf the buildings and reclaim them back into the forest.
Kwitonda Lodge bar and dining area.
The lodge offers 8 lavish guest suites (one of which is a two-bedroom double suite) and all are well spaced from each other and are accessed via a network of volcanic rock pathways. Like all of Singita's safari camps and lodges throughout Africa, the service and attention to detail at Kwitonda Lodge are at the highest level.
The interiors focus on handcrafted décor, with natural colors and textures that include handmade tiles, woven panels, clay pots and colorful art. The main area includes beautiful indoor and outdoor living spaces with lounges, dining areas, an interactive kitchen, a bar and deli, wine cellar, and outdoor campfire area.
The main activity for guests at Kwitonda is of course the exciting treks to spend time with the mountain gorillas. Other volcano-based activities include treks to see the endangered golden monkeys, as well as hikes to the grave of Dian Fossey and summit treks of some of the volcanos. Shorter activities include mountain biking on the lodge grounds and visits to one of the local villages to shop the markets. Spa treatments are offered at the lodge.
Kwitonda Lodge guest suite and view.
The lodge is named in memory of a longstanding dominant 'silverback' gorilla that lived in the park. Kwitonda's group was one of the most popular amongst tourists and guides due to the silverback's relaxed demeanor around humans and his many babies. Kwitonda passed away in 2012, at which time his age was estimated to be 40 years.
Like all of Singita's safari camps and lodges throughout Africa, the service and attention to detail at Kwitonda Lodge are at the highest level. Strict eco-friendly environmental standards are maintained so that no harmful chemicals or waste is allowed to enter the pristine ecosystem of the Volcanoes National Park and surrounding farmland.
ABOUT Volcanoes National Park
Volcanoes National Park (also known by its French name, Parc National des Volcans) is one of three contiguous national parks (the other two being Virunga National Park in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Mgahinga National Park in Uganda) that protect a chain of eight forested volcanoes forming the Virunga Mountains.
The lush montane forests on the slopes of these volcanoes are home to around 550 endangered mountain gorillas. The Virunga population represents roughly one-half of the world's remaining mountain gorilla population. The other population lives in Uganda's Bwindi National Park, which lies only 31 miles (50 kms) away and was once connected to the Virungas before humans deforested the area between the two parks.
During the 1970s, Diana Fossey lived and conducted gorilla research in the Virunga Mountains. In 1983, Fossey's book Gorillas in the Mist was released, which brought global attention to the serious threat mountain gorillas faced due to widespread poaching. After Fossey's untimely death, her books was released as a major motion picture in 1988, which generated even more global interest to the gorillas and resulting in a huge surge in ecotourism to the Virungas (especially to Volcanoes National Park.
Mountain gorillas are the main attraction in Volcanoes National Park.
GORILLA TREKKING
Mountain gorillas live in family groups consisting of 5-30 individuals (the average group size is 10-15) and there are numerous groups living in Volcanoes National Park. Researchers and national park staff have habituated around a dozen family groups, so that the gorillas do not fear humans. The habituated gorilla groups are visited by one group of trekkers each day.
Gorilla treks are limited to eight people, each of whom must purchase a gorilla trekking permit for that specific day. With around 12 groups of habituated gorillas and eight people maximum visiting a group, this means only 96 permits available for a specific day. Trekking to the see the gorillas is an amazing experience and those that have the stamina and the budget should consider trekking two or even three days.
Depending on which group of gorillas you are assigned to (this process takes place on the morning of the trek at the national park headquarters), the duration of the trek can vary widely, but the experience starts around 8:00am and most trekkers are back at their lodge by mid- to late-afternoon.
Click to learn more about the Volcanoes National Park, mountain gorillas, and gorilla trekking.
The Ellen DeGeneres Campus of the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund
Located adjacent to Volcanoes National Park, the Ellen DeGeneres Campus recently opened its doors to the public and this extensive facility vividly depicts the story of mountain gorilla research and conservation from Dian Fossey’s time to today.
The campus is located a few minutes’ drive from Kwitonda Lodge and features original artifacts that had never been previously displayed, including items recovered from Dian Fossey’s almost two decades of living among the gorillas. Visitors can immerse themselves in a stunning visual effects experience, augmented by virtual reality and other highly engaging edutainment opportunities.
ROOMS INCLUDES & EXCLUDES CHILDREN FACILITIES ACTIVITIES
Accommodation
8 guest accommodations in total comprising:
- 7 one-bedroom suites (sleeps 2), each with indoor and outdoor showers, an indoor bath, a sitting area, covered veranda, dressing room, mini-bar, in-room massage area, indoor and outdoor fireplaces, and a heated plunge pool.
- 1 two-bedroom suite (sleeps 4) with two identical bedrooms featuring indoor baths, indoor and outdoor showers, in-room massage areas, and dressing rooms. The suite also includes indoor and outdoor fireplaces, a more spacious sitting area, mini-bar, covered veranda and a heated plunge pool.
All the suites offer the ultimate luxury in a truly Rawandan setting. The spacious en-suite bathrooms include a double vanity, bath tub, indoor shower, glass-enclosed outdoor shower, and separate toilet.
The suites are connected to the main camp area by a network of volcanic rock footpaths on the ground.
Guest suite bedroom.
Kataza House
Singita Kataza House is an exclusive-use four-bedroom villa located within walking distance of Kwitonda Lodge. Kataza House sleeps up to 8 guests and features 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.
All of the suites have uninterrupted views of the mountainous, forested national park. Each suite has been designed as a luxurious refuge for post-trek relaxation with a cosy sitting area warmed by a fireplace. Thoughtful in-room conveniences include a well-stocked pantry, minibar, and a private dining space.
The bedrooms (configured as a super-king double or twins) have a lounge area, dressing room, private terrace with a fireplace, and heated plunge pool.
Other items and features in the guest suites include:
- Air-conditioning.
- Minibar and fridge.
- Tea and coffee station.
- Hairdryer.
- Mosquito netting around the bed.
- Bathroom amenities.
- Complimentary Wi-Fi access.
- In-room massage treatments.
Kwitonda Lodge can accommodate a maximum of 18 guests in total: 2 persons in each of the 7 one-bedroom suites and 4 persons in the two-bedroom suite.
Singita Kataza House is an exclusive-use, four-bedroom villa located within walking distance of Kwitonda Lodge House and is designed for a group or family traveling together. Kataza House sleeps up to 8 guests.
Includes & Excludes
Includes:
- All meals and beverages including premium wines, spirits and liqueurs, but excluding French Champagne.
- Laundry service.
- WiFi access.
Excludes:
- Purchases from the Singita Boutique & Gallery.
- French Champagne.
- Any day trips.
- Any transfers to and from the lodge.
- 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).
- Tourism development levy.
- Any applicable wildlife fee, park fee, reserve fee, concession fee, other land-use fee.
* Guests wishing to check in before 13h00 and/or check out after 11h00 are required to book an additional night at the day-use rate.
Children
Children of any age are welcome at Kwitonda Lodge and all activities are specifically tailored for each family. The minimum age requirement for gorilla trekking is 15 years, but the lodge offers child-minding services and an array of activities to keep youngsters entertained.
Activities offered include:
- 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).
Facilities
A central hub with beautiful indoor and outdoor living spaces serves as the heart of Singita Kwitonda Lodge.
Kwitonda is designed to integrate with the landscape of the Virunga Mountains. The design elements include hand-fired terracotta bricks created by local craftsmen, stone, woven wood, and large windows that provide views to the volcanos and high-elevation forests. Indoor and outdoor fireplaces keep guests warm and comfortable in the cool mountain air.
Main guest area facilities include:
- Bar and lounge areas.
- Interactive kitchen.
- In-room massage treatments.
- Central fireplace.
- The on-site Akarabo Nursery and Vegetable Garden.
- Wine cellar and tastings.
- A dedicated Gear Room.
- Two Boutique & Gallery cabinets in the main area of Kwitonda Lodge.
- Conservation Room.
- Heli pad.
- Complimentary WiFi throughout the lodge.
- Electricity/power available: 220V. Converters are available and hairdryers are supplied in each suite.
Activities
Activities not included in nightly rate:
- The main activity for visitors is of course gorilla trekking. Gorilla treks generally take up the majority of a day, with guests arriving back to the lodge sometime during the afternoon. For full information on gorilla trekking, visit our Volcanoes Region page.
- The other popular activity involving wildlife is a trek to see a troop of golden monkeys (Cercopithecus kandti), an endangered species that lives in the lower-elevation bamboo forests in Volcanoes National Park. Golden monkey treks are shorter in duration so guests are typically back by lunch time.
- Other treks in the national park are also possible, including a day-hike to the grave of Dian Fossey, which starts early (7:00 am check-in) and takes around 4-6 hours, depending on how much time is spent at the site, which also includes the remains of her old camp.
- Treks to the summit and crater of Mount Bisoke take a full day and is a demanding hike.
- The lodge offers guided visits to a nearby village and market.
- Spa treatments are offered for those who want to have some pampering during their stay.
Activities included in the rate:
- Biking on the lodge grounds and surrounding roads (mountain bikes and helmets are provided).
- Guided tours of the Akarabo Nursery and Vegetable Garden.
- Presentations in the Conservation Room.
- Birding on the lodge grounds.
- Family safaris are a wonderful way to connect with each other and an unforgettable learning experience for children of all ages. Families with children of any age are welcome at Singita Kwitonda Lodge (the minimum age for gorilla trekking is 15 years). The staff will design a special program of activities and adventures tailored to suit each family's interests that will result in lasting memories.
Activities on Day of Departure
Activities at Volcanoes National Park cannot be booked for the day of departure from Singita Kwitonda Lodge. This includes gorilla trekking, golden monkey treks, hikes to the volcanoes and the hike to Dian Fossey’s gravesite. These activities don’t allow sufficient time for guests to return to the lodge to freshen up before their departure.
Singita Volcanoes National Park doesn’t offer day-use facilities. Guests wishing to participate in national park activities on their last day need to book an additional night's accommodation.
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Climate
The montane climate in Volcanoes National Park is defined by regular rains throughout most of the year, mist, and chilly air. Air temperatures are fairly static all year in the mountains, with daytime temps averaging 58-63°F (14-17°C) and overnight/early mornings dropping to 40-45°F (4-7°C).
Be advised that temperatures drop as you ascend the mountains and sudden weather changes, like rain or cloud cover, can impact air temperatures. For this reason, dressing in layers and brining rain gear is suggested regardless of the timing of your visit.
Gorilla Treks
Gorilla trekking is a year-round activity and even rainy days can be productive for trekking, although mud makes the hiking more difficult and the gorillas may be less active during a rain shower.
Dry Season: June-September and January-February are the driest months and offer the best gorilla trekking conditions, but be prepared for afternoon rain at any time. Clear, sunny days are the norm at this time.
Rainy Season: Most rainy days occur from March to mid-May and in October-November.
The high season for gorilla trekking is during the drier winter months of June, July, August, and into early September. If you plan to do gorilla treks during this time of year, it is strongly advised to book far in advance and don't forget to purchase your gorilla trekking permits.
For much of the year, rain is common in Volcanoes National Park, but is not usually an all-day event. March through May receive the most rains, with April the wettest month. Recent rainfall will mean the trails will potentially be muddy and slippery in places.
Please read the detailed information on our Volcanoes Region page to learn more about the gorilla trekking experience, how to prepare for a trek ahead of time, what to bring on your trip, and more.
Singita Kwitonda Lodge is open year-round.
