Going deeper & staying longer in Rwanda

The impact of Rwanda’s restorative and inspiring energy increases the longer you’re there. It’s gentle and quiet, but powerful, a place that moves you with its warmth and the strength of its spirit.

Allowing yourself more time here creates the space to simply be as a counterbalance to the adventure of a gorilla trek, and gives you room for unscheduled exploration and relaxation – meaning each day at Kwitonda will leave a deeper imprint than you could have imagined.

The journey from Kigali to Singita Volcanoes National Park is a reminder of the richness of the country’s natural, cultural, and culinary heritage. There are a multitude of experiences to be found along the way, and all around you here.

Gorilla and golden monkey treks take you into the forests that line the Virunga Mountains to observe the region's endemic residents up close. Community visits offer a different kind of encounter, uncovering Rwandan culture and traditions or cooking alongside students at the Singita Community Culinary School. At the Ellen DeGeneres Campus of the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund and the Karisoke Research Center beyond it, you can learn about Dian Fossey's research and the history of gorilla conservation in the region.

Once in the embrace of the lodge, there is much still to be explored. Since its opening, the property has been rewilded, allowing the forest and buffer zone to merge and endemic birds and wildlife – buffaloes, antelope, and even forest elephants, from time to time – to venture closer.

Nature walks and birdwatching on the grounds with our conservationists are a gentle, contemplative way to learn about this landscape, and just one of the many ways to engage with your surroundings. Tree planting reminds you of the importance of reforestation, while running trails and cycling allow you to explore the property and neighbouring villages in a different frame of mind.

The on-site Akarabo Nursery, where much of the produce used in our properties’ kitchens is grown, alongside saplings that will one day join the forest, provides a peaceful space for meals or sundowners, hosts a local carver, seamstress, and weaver, and offers space for pottery lessons.

Each of Kwitonda and Kataza House’s spaces encourages both connection and peaceful moments alone. The walls of Kwitonda’s conservation lounge are lined with books, stories, and photographs outlining the region’s rich heritage and the conservation efforts currently underway here, leading to a deeper understanding of where you are.

A new fitness space and tranquil dayroom have recently been built at Kwitonda. Offering sweeping views over the volcanoes, the dayroom is designed to create more seamless transitions for guests both coming and going. Those arriving early can take some time to soak in their surroundings and enjoy a drink before checking in, and those trekking on their last day, or leaving late, can reflect and relax at leisure before the next stage of their journey.

Wellness isn’t something that you can schedule; it comes about when your body, mind, and spirit are all rested, inspired, and cared for. When you’re able to feed your creativity, connect with others, and spend time in nature. Each space and moment here is designed to care for and cocoon guests – to create a sense of comfort and an environment that fosters deep rest and considers all aspects of well-being.

Fresh, nourishing, seasonal meals, punctuated with locally inspired dishes, are made each day in our open kitchens, and wellness treatments that draw from the landscape and regional heritage are available in the comfort of your suite. You can enjoy yoga sessions on your veranda, overlooking the volcanoes, and days are unstructured, offering the time to simply be.

All of this makes for an experience that resonates deeply. At Singita Volcanoes National Park, there is a sense of both comfort and curiosity, and the senses are enlivened as well as soothed. It’s a physical journey as well as one that goes inward. One would do well to stay longer, so as not to miss it all.