Inspiration Itinerary | Gorilla Luxe

Singita

Kwitonda - Rwanda

Sophisticated encounters

When the thrill of a close encounter with the Gorillas in an ecologically sustainable way cuts as much weight to you as the flawless luxury and breathtaking location of where you stay to experience it, say hello to Singita Kwitonda Lodge on the border of Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park. This luxurious property honours Rwanda’s people and its fertile earth by touching lightly on the land whilst contributing significantly to conservation, community partnerships and ecotourism. The miraculous recovery of “The Land of a Thousand Hills” from its painful past is testimony to the newfound solidarity, impressive work ethic and warmth of its people. This regenerative spirit has inspired the entire guest experience at Kwitonda Lodge, where you will be enveloped in a contemplative, nurturing space in which to appreciate the transformative experience of coming face to face with the forest’s gentle giants.

Awe-inspiring views of the Virunga mountain range and volcanoes form the backdrop for a fresh, pared-back modernity coupled with splashes of colour and surprise – and the effect is startling, yet soothing; captivating, yet calming. Natural elements like mud, earth, mist, rain and lava are cleverly integrated into furniture pieces and linear art, while the vivid colour palette of black, khaki green, ‘greige’ and fiery orange echo the surrounding landscape, which flows in through large windows. It evokes an organic rawness that is inherently African, sophisticated and polished, yet earthy. When not trekking up into the mountains in search of its famous inhabitants, discovering the majestical beauty of the region’s volcanic lakes & forests or experiencing traditional life in the surrounding local villages, pamper yourself at the lodge by the indoor fireplaces or in the heated plunge pools and sample the finest wines and farm-to-table dining menu. Nothing is too much trouble if you are a guest at this remarkable Singita property.

A stopover in the country’s vibrant capital Kigali goes hand in hand with a Gorilla trek experience. Spend a night or two in Kigali before or after your trekking to see how far Rwanda has come in recent years whilst never forgetting its past. The city abounds with positivity, warm hospitality, creativity and colour with a flourishing art & music scene and an enviable number of top-quality dining experiences on offer. Allow yourself the time to take a guided tour through the city, one of Africa’s tidiest and safest.

4 UNFORGETTABLE DAYS

DAY 1 | SINGITA KWITONDA LODGE

You will be collected in Kigali by your smiling private guide, who will remain with you for the entire duration of your stay in Rwanda, for the scenic road transfer over about two and a half hours to Singita Kwitonda Lodge at the foot of Volcanoes National Park. At first glance you are bound to be taken aback by the superior quality of the lodge’s design, location and hospitality and might wish to spend the rest of the day taking full advantage of it as you see fit. Much recommended is taking a walk across to the on-site Akarabo Nursery and take a stroll amongst the many saplings being grown towards reforestation efforts in the area, or the delightful chef’s garden and local artisan project. Settle in for the evening with sunset drinks by the fire pit before sampling the delights offered by the farm-to-plate approach on the dinner menu.

DAY 2 | SINGITA KWITONDA LODGE

After a restful sleep you will be up early to experience the main reason to visit Rwanda, trekking for the mountain gorillas. The lodge will have already fitted you out with your complementary loaned backpack, hiking chaps and gators and trekking poles. You will meet at the park’s headquarters at 7am for a briefing before being allocated your trekking guide and porters. The distance of each gorilla trek is varied, so depending on which gorilla family group you are allocated to, the duration is anywhere from a couple of hours to a full day. When you have found the gorillas, you will be allowed a maximum of one hour in their presence. Refreshments are provided along with lunch.

If you find the gorillas quickly you might be back at the lodge in time for a soak in your heated pool or a massage and a nourishing lunch. The remainder of the day can be spent as you wish. If time permits it is recommended that you take a scenic drive with your guide to see the twin volcanic crater lakes Burera and Ruhondo.

DAY 3 | SINGITA KWITONDA LODGE

Take a second gorilla trek today or alternatively enjoy one of the many activities on offer such as trekking to find the rare Golden Monkeys, hike to Dian Fossey’s gravesite, visit the Musanze Caves or enjoy an interactive visit to the vibrant traditional communities and villages in the region. Or simply enjoy the sanctuary of Kwitonda Lodge.

DAY 4 | DEPARTURE

After a delicious breakfast you will return to Kigali to connect with onward arrangements.

Note:

We recommend that you have at least one overnight stay in Kigali, Rwanda’s capital, at the start or finish of your itinerary. This will allow you to recover from your long flights (or the gorilla trekking) and take some time to learn about the country’s history and experience its genuinely warm hospitality. Highly recommend is a Kigali City Tour which would include a visit to the Kigali Genocide Memorial, honouring the memory of over one million Rwandans who were killed. With more time you can also take a community walking tour or explore Kigali’s creative art, music and dining scenes.

WHERE YOU’LL STAY

A selection of the finest safari camps

Singita Kwitonda – Volcanoes National Park

Kwitonda takes its name from a great silverback gorilla who was known locally for his gentleness and was said to embody the spirit of Rwanda. Built with sustainability as its core focus, the lodge accommodates just eight luxurious, low-impact suites as part of an ambitious project to rehabilitate and maintain the biological integrity of the forest.
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