Singita Kwitonda Lodge

Location: Singita Kwitonda Lodge sits on the edge of Volcanoes National Park in north-west Rwanda, a spectacular and deeply atmospheric setting. The lodge is one of only a handful properties with direct access to the park boundary, which means you are just moments away from the starting point for gorilla trekking. The surrounding landscape is a tapestry of rolling farmland, wild rainforest and soaring volcanic peaks, with Mount Sabyinyo, Mount Gahinga and Mount Muhabura dominating the skyline. It feels peaceful and remote, but it's surprisingly accessible - around 2.5 hours' drive from Kigali on a newly paved road, or just 30 minutes by helicopter. The location was chosen with deep respect for its natural and cultural significance, and it genuinely enhances the experience: immersive, emotional, and beautifully connected to the environment.

Rooms: There are just eight suites at Singita Kwitonda Lodge - including one with two bedrooms - plus a private four-bedroom villa called Kataza House, offering exclusivity and comfort on a rare level. Each suite is positioned for privacy and mountain views, with warm Rwandan design elements throughout: handwoven textiles, volcanic stone, and local timber paired with sleek modern touches. Floor-to-ceiling glass doors open onto a covered terrace with a heated plunge pool and firepit, perfect for misty mornings and starlit evenings. Inside, you'll find a fireplace, a generous lounge, and a bedroom that feels more like a retreat than a hotel room. Thoughtful extras like in-room massage space, stocked mini-bar, and indoor and outdoor showers make the rooms a pleasure to return to after a day in the forest.

Amenities: The lodge has been designed to complement the surrounding landscape while offering world-class luxury. The main lodge building is open and elegant, with large fireplaces, cosy nooks, and sweeping views of the volcanoes. The wine cellar is one of the best in the region, curated by Singita's expert sommeliers, and meals are exceptional - fresh, seasonal, and often made using produce from the on-site kitchen garden. There's a small but serene spa treatment room, a gear room for pre-trek briefings and boot-cleaning, and beautifully landscaped gardens dotted with quiet seating areas. Service is warm, intuitive, and deeply personal, with every detail taken care of so you can focus on the experience itself.

Activities: Gorilla trekking is the main reason people come here, and it's every bit as powerful and humbling as you'd hope. With park permits arranged by the lodge, experienced guides, and your gear prepared in advance, everything is tailored to make the experience smooth and memorable. But there is more to explore here too: golden monkey tracking, hikes to Dian Fossey's research site, community visits, birdwatching, and longer walks through the surrounding landscape. Singita can also arrange conservation-focused experiences with local experts, giving you the chance to understand more about gorilla protection, reforestation, and the region's remarkable biodiversity. It's an itinerary that balances adventure and insight, with time to relax and reflect built in.

Sustainability: Singita Kwitonda Lodge was designed from the outset to tread as lightly as possible on the land. The architecture blends seamlessly into the environment, using volcanic rock, local bricks and sustainable timber, and the entire lodge operates with a strong emphasis on renewable energy and water conservation. One of the most impressive elements is the large-scale reforestation project: over 60,000 indigenous trees have been planted on the site, helping to restore natural wildlife corridors and reduce erosion around the park boundary. Singita also works closely with local communities to support education, livelihoods and conservation awareness - ensuring the benefits of tourism are genuinely shared. This isn't sustainability for show. It's embedded in everything that the lodge does, from its supply chain to its long-term vision.