Singita Kwitonda Lodge

In an effort to bridge the gap between world-class hospitality and a deep commitment to nature conservation, Kwitonda Lodge provides many meaningful opportunities for guests to learn about its impactful wildlife initiatives and partnerships.

Interactive Education:
The Conservation Room at Kwitonda Lodge serves as an interactive learning space for guests and features an extensive digital library accessible via iMac computers, as well as a large screen television for multimedia presentations. This educational hub also displays the private photographic collection of Robert Ian Martin (“Bob”) Campbell, whose historic work documenting primatologist Dian Fossey’s mountain gorilla research gives profound insight into the ongoing conservation legacy of Rwanda.

The 4C Sustainability Framework:
As a proud member of ‘The Long Run’ global initiative that promotes conservation through sustainable, nature based tourism, Singita operates under the “4C” philosophy. This sustainability framework prioritizes Conservation, Community, Culture and Commerce and, unlike standard eco-initiatives, is built on delivering a positive 100-year impact on the region. Impactful 4C initiatives include large scale habitat protection and restoration, as well as ongoing cultural preservation and economic development of the Rwandan people.

Akarabo, translated from Kinyarwanda to mean “little flower”, is the heart of the region’s reforestation efforts. However, beyond reforestation and conservation education, this botanical haven also serves as a vibrant cultural village that reveals Rwanda’s living artisanal and wellness traditions.

Artisanal Heritage:
Akarabo Nursery provides a workspace for local master crafters such as traditional basket weavers, seamstresses and stick carvers. Here, guests are invited to engage with and observe these artisans, gaining firsthand appreciation for the creativity and intricacy behind this beloved Rwandan heritage.

For a more hands-on experience, the on-site pottery studio also offers guests the unique opportunity to practise wheel-throwing under the expert guidance of a local Rwandan potter.

Wellness & Reflection:
The boutique Akarabo Teahouse warmly serves a curated selection of fresh herbal infusions. These teas are often brewed from herbs grown right within the nursery to help create a truly authentic “garden-to-cup” experience that centers travelers within the lush, volcanic landscape.

Yes. At Singita Kwitonda Lodge, wellness and restoration are always an integral part of the stay, with the lodge providing opportunities for in-suite practice or outdoor exploration, depending on your preference.

• Yoga Facilities: Each luxury suite comes equipped with its own yoga mat together with instructional cards for private practice at your discretion. Alternatively, if you’d prefer guided sessions, a dedicated instructor is available on-site to lead Yin, Vinyasa, or Restorative yoga classes, tailored to experience level.
• Outdoor Trails: During the drier months (June to September and December to February), guests are free to explore the nearby 2.2km (1.4 mile) unguided walking and running trail. This path winds through a fragrant eucalyptus forest as a peaceful, immersive way to start the day.
• Cycling: The lodge also provides eight mountain bikes specifically for guests to use during their stay. The signature 8km return ride to the Volcanoes National Park HQ is the perfect way to engage with the local terrain while enjoying the crisp mountain air at your leisure.

The official check-in time for all guests at Singita Kwitonda Lodge is from 13:00 in the afternoon, with check-out being at 10:00 or 11:00 in the morning, depending on departure arrangements.

As with all of our Premier Africa luxury accommodation packages, stays at Singita Kwitonda Lodge are generally fully inclusive for the duration of your visit and thoughtfully curated to provide the most comprehensive, world class safari experience possible.

Amenities included in the quoted accommodation rate:

• Guests’ pre-booked luxury en-suite accommodations
• Three gourmet meals per day (breakfast, lunch, and dinner) plus high tea or snacks
• A curated selection of local beverages (including soft drinks, waters, teas, specialty coffees, and curated local house beers and wines)
• Twice-daily wilderness game drives in open 4×4 vehicles (morning and afternoon / evening)
• Guided interpretive bush walks led by professional rangers and trackers

Amenities exclusive to Singita Lodge:

• Access to the dedicated ‘Gear Room’ for high altitude trekking equipment and gaiters
• Farm-to-table produce from the on-site nursery and vegetable garden
• Involvement in reforestation at the Akarabo Nursery

Guests should kindly note that mandatory Gorilla and Golden Monkey trekking permits are specialized conservation requirements not included in the lodge’s accommodation rate and will be required at USD 1,500 per person per hike.

To make the journey into Rwanda and the trek itself as smooth as possible, Kwitonda recommends the following logistics and packing guidelines for all guests to take note of.

• Entry Regulations: Rwanda adheres to strict conservation laws, hence the use of drones is strictly prohibited within the reserve, and devices may be confiscated at customs. Yellow Fever certification will also be mandatory for travelers arriving from endemic countries.
• The Trekking Experience: To maintain a relaxed experience throughout, gorilla and golden monkey trekking cannot be scheduled on the day of departure, as there is insufficient time to return to the lodge before onward travel.
• The Gear Room: The lodge boasts a fully equipped “Gear Room” stocked with hiking chaps (gators), trekking poles, waterproof jackets, and water-resistant pants, so there’s no need to overpack for the journey. Participants are also conveniently provided with a loaned backpack, packed lunch, and a reusable Singita water bottle on the morning of the trek.
• What to Pack: It is best to choose neutral toned clothing when packing, making sure to avoid white or very dark clothing (such as black or dark blue), as these colors tend to attract insects.