Kwitonda Lodge: Information from the owner

1-Bedroom Suite

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 and minibar and a private dining space. The bedrooms (configured as a super king double or twin) have a rest area, dressing room with double vanity, and a spacious bathroom with a bath, separate toilet, indoor shower and glass-enclosed outdoor shower. A private terrace with a fireplace and heated plunge pool encourages closer engagement with the surrounding landscape.

2-Bedroom Suite

All of the suites have uninterrupted views of the volcanoes and 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 and minibar and a private dining space. The bedrooms (configured as a super king double or twin), have a rest area, dressing room with double vanity, and a spacious bathroom with a bath, separate toilet, indoor shower and glass-enclosed outdoor shower. A private terrace with a fireplace and heated plunge pool encourages closer engagement with the surrounding landscape.

Akarabo Nursery

Named Akarabo – which means ‘little flower’ in Kinyarwanda – our on-site nursery was borne from our commitment to help reforest, rehabilitate and maintain the habitat of Rwanda’s endangered mountain gorillas. Initially, 60,000 saplings were bought from local growers and earmarked for the 178 acres of land Singita Volcanoes National Park sits on. This number quickly grew to 250,000 saplings, even before the lodge opened, and continues to increase as we keep expanding our reforestation efforts in the area.

It’s a privilege to share this lush diversity of plants with our guests. 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’s bound to inspire and delight in equal measure.

Providing an authentic taste of Rwanda’s offerings, our garden includes a teahouse serving fresh herbal brews, as well as local artisans such as a basket weaver, seamstress and stick carver showcasing the intricacies of their craft. Echoing our passion for treading lightly on the land, living sustainably and empowering communities, Akarabo is growing – just like the saplings being planted – into a lasting, living legacy.

Community Tour

Guests at Singita Volcanoes National Park have the unique opportunity to visit the small village of Gasura in the Kinigi sector, which is located 30 minutes from the lodge. The interactive tour takes approximately two hours and includes 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.

Cost: $60 per person
Duration: +- 2 hours
Time: Flexible (Suggested - 9am or 2pm)

Cooking classes

Guests have the option to explore the local cuisine by participating in cookery classes that are conducted by expert chefs. Both adults and children are welcome to participate in cooking classes.

Golden Monkey Trekking

Singita Kwitonda Lodge and Kataza House provides guests, including children, the opportunity to participate in the Golden monkey treks as children under the age of 15 are unable to participate in gorilla-treks.

Gorilla Trekking

Singita Kwitonda Lodge and Kataza House provide a contemplative, nurturing space in which to appreciate the transformative experience of coming face to face with the forest’s gentle giants.

For most guests, a gorilla trek is at the top of their list when they visit Rwanda and a stay at Singita Kwitonda Lodge or Kataza House allows them the privilege to encounter one of Africa’s most majestic and gentle creatures in the wild, while immersed in the beauty of their pristine natural habitat.

The distance of each gorilla trek is varied, so depending on which family group guests are allocated, the duration is anywhere from a couple of hours to a full day. Meals and lodge activities are flexible around each trek.

As children under the age of 15 are unable to participate in gorilla-treks, they will be cared for at the lodge with a variety of supervised activities and educational opportunities on offer.

Rwanda can be visited at any time of the year and gorilla trekking is a year-round activity. The average temperature at Singita Kwitonda Lodge and Kataza House is approximately 15 degrees Celsius, although humidity can be high.

Suggested Clothing and Gear:

- For trekking one should have: boots with good grip, gators, gloves, waterproof jacket, thick socks, thick pants to protect against stinging nettles, long sleeved tops.
- For the lodge one should have: pants, long sleeve tops, t-shirts, a warm layer for the evenings, closed shoes, a swimming costume.
- Comfortable walking shoes/track shoes/hiking boots for walks.

Clothing and Gear Available for Use:

We have a variety of technical gear and clothing for our guests to use during their stay at Singita Kwitonda and Kataza House. The items are all designed for outdoor hiking and wet weather, perfectly suited for trekking to see gorillas or other animals in Rwanda. Backpacks including a waterproof rain cover for backpack (camera equip)

- Mens and ladies waterproof jackets with a removable inner fleece lining and hood
- Mens and ladies water-resistant hiking pants
- Hiking chaps in two sizes (gators)
- Hiking poles with extendable options and grips
- Gloves for use during hiking to protect hands from thorns and mud
- Trekking lunch boxes which will hold freshly made lunches chosen by the guests – all eco-friendly packaging
- Singita water bottle

Kigali City Tour

The Kigali Genocide Memorial is the final resting place for more than 250,000 victims of the genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda in 1994. Through education and peace-building it honours the memory of the more than one million Rwandans killed. Visitors can take a tour with a guide, or opt for a self-guided audio tour while exploring the memorial and reflecting at their own pace.

Genocide Memorial in Kigali

Nestled along picturesque hilltops, Kigali is a thriving African city immediately notable for its cleanliness, orderliness, and warm hospitality. Kigali, located in the geographic center of the country, is a great place to begin or end any Rwandan adventure. The capital city is vibrant and energetic, and its people are extremely welcoming. Here, travelers can enjoy a number of cultural activities including several award-winning museums, a burgeoning music scene and some of East Africa’s most memorable dining experiences.

Singita Community Culinary School

Guests can visit the Singita Community Culinary School (SCCS) at the MIPC campus in Musanze on special request, and subject to availability, cooking classes with graduates could be arranged for a $100 donation per guest.

*All funds raised are used to support the ongoing work of the Singita Community Culinary School.

The Pottery Studio

The tranquil and peaceful surroundings of the on-site Akarabo Nursery provide the perfect backdrop for creative expression and pure relaxation. Our nursery is home to a unique pottery wheel-throwing experience, offering our guests a delightful combination of therapy and art.

The pottery studio provides a peaceful space allowing our guests to explore their creativity in addition to an ancient art form as they create beautiful, sculptural and functional pieces with their hands.

In preference, guests will have their pick of bisque items created by skilled local Rwandan potters and can be personalised through glazing and painting.

Accompanied by two well-trained studio staff members committed to ensuring our guests feel welcome and supported, potters can feel at ease as they embark on their pottery-making journey.

Walking & 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, and on a clear day, one can see the distant city of Musanze nestled below.

The trail is open and unguided, allowing guests the freedom to explore. However, as the lodge shares its surroundings with buffalo and other wildlife, we advise caution while running or walking. Although buffalo primarily roam during the evenings and move towards the park during the day, we encourage guests to exercise their judgment when utilising the trail, always being mindful of their surroundings and undertaking the experience at their own risk.
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 - June to September and December to February.

Wine experience

Singita is recognised as one of Africa’s most influential collectors of wine, with an extensive cellar showcasing a premium selection of wines, including some of the continent’s most sought-after private reserves, including exclusive release, limited single vineyard and rare auction wines. It’s safe to say that wine is a key ingredient of the unique Singita experience.

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

François Rautenbach is responsible for this excellence as the director of Singita Premier Wine, he manages the selection, purchase, storage, and service of all the wines at Singita’s lodges. François also manages Singita Premier Wine Direct which allows guests to order their favourite wines from their safari to enjoy at home. With the Singita Premier Wine Direct service, wines can either be specially packed for guests as checked luggage or shipped directly to a guest’s home.

Personalised wine tastings within the unique ambience of each lodge’s own temperature-controlled cellar are a true guest favourite, for connoisseurs and casual tasters alike. Singita’s experienced sommeliers are able to guide guests through a variety of wine styles, years and cultivars to find the wines most suited to their individual tastes.

As with all that Singita does, community upliftment is central to the Singita wine programme as well. François Rautenbach has created a special training programme for enthusiastic young wine lovers, developing the next generation of sommeliers for Africa. The training provides educational assistance, personal mentoring, formal wine training and access to Africa’s finest wine programme.