Singita opens in Rwanda supporting gorilla conservation

Singita has officially opened Singita Kwitonda Lodge and Kataza House in Rwanda, working to further conserve the rare mountain gorillas.

Singita has operated iconic ecotourism lodges and camps in Africa for the past 26 years. The brand’s expansion into Rwanda supports the company’s 100-year purpose to preserve and protect large areas of African wilderness for future generations.

To this end, Singita has committed to extensive reforestation initiatives in Rwanda, helping to increase the range and numbers of endangered mountain gorillas in Volcanoes National Park. The opening of Singita Volcanoes National Park also brings much-needed attention to the plight of the gorillas and the urgent need to expand and protect their habitat.

The warm and welcoming spirit of the people of Rwanda embodies a sense of goodwill that encapsulates their remarkable recovery from a painful past. The gentle energy that drives them forward in their country’s rebirth is truly inspiring.

It is within this context that Singita is privileged to open Singita Volcanoes National Park, contributing significantly to conservation, community partnerships and ecotourism.  To honour Rwanda’s people and its fertile land, Singita has built one of the most sustainable lodges in Africa.

Singita Kwitonda Lodge, named after a legendary silverback gorilla known for his humility and gentle nature, is made up of a collection of small buildings laid out along the natural contours of the ground. Set on 178 acres (72 hectares) on the edge of Volcanoes National Park, Kwitonda Lodge boasts eight luxurious suites, while Kataza House, an exclusive-use villa, features four spacious suites.

The design and construction of the lodge and villa followed Singita’s stringent sustainability principles which informed everything from site design and materials used to energy and water systems and interior design.

The design team worked tirelessly with the local community to source most building materials in the immediate Musanze district, and a majority of the elements selected by interior designers, Cécile & Boyd and Hesse Kleinloog (HK) Studio, are made in Africa.

The lodge’s on-site nursery, Akarabo (which means “little flower” in Kinyarwanda) has to date provided approximately 250,000 indigenous forest shrubs, bamboo shoots and trees for an extensive reforestation initiative.

For guests, gorilla trekking is a major drawcard, and Singita situated less than ten minutes from Volcanoes National Park headquarters, makes this life-changing experience incredibly accessible. A variety of technical gear and clothing for the hike is housed in the Gear Room at Kwitonda Lodge and Kataza House. On return, guests have ample time to enjoy a soothing massage in the sanctuary of their suites, purposefully designed for nurturing, reflection and comfort.

Apart from thrilling gorilla treks, other activities include golden monkey walks, day tours to the vibrant capital city, Kigali – including a visit to the Genocide Memorial – trips to the Musanze Caves, Nyungwe National Park, Lake Kivu or a local community tour.

Singita Volcanoes National Park is a comfortable 2.5-hour road transfer from Kigali International Airport alternatively helicopters transfers are available to the lodge. Rates for suites at Singita Kwitonda Lodge range between $1,495-$1,750 per person per night; or from $6,877 per night for the exclusive-use Kataza House villa in Green Season. Rates are fully inclusive, however excludes in-room massages, gorilla-trekking permits and extras, which Singita can book prior to travel.

For more visit www.singita.com