Kwitonda Lodge Information

Set against the backdrop of the Sabyinyo, Gahinga, and Muhabura volcanoes, Kwitonda is built from volcanic rock, river stone, handmade ceramic tiles, and oven-red clay bricks made by surrounding communities — materials that root its warm, comforting spaces in the landscape and its culture.

Mountain bamboo, ferns, giant lobelias, and trees cover the landscape and, over time, will engulf the buildings and reclaim them for the forest. Grass-roofed, stonewalled, organic cabin-like suites, set alongside cosy verandas, offer spaces to rest and reflect; a rare and richly textured experience that is true to this extraordinary place.

Please note that guests won’t be able to arrive or depart from Kwitonda on Christmas Day or New Year’s Day.

Kwitonda is open year-round.

PLEASE NOTE

We do not recommend booking experiences at Volcanoes National Park on the day of departure. This includes gorilla trekking, golden monkey treks, hikes to the volcanoes, and hikes to Dian Fossey's gravesite. There is a day room available to freshen up before transferring on, but these experiences may not allow sufficient time for this. Guests wishing to participate in these experiences on their last day should consider booking an additional night's accommodation.

The landscape of Volcanoes National Park invites exploration, opening children’s eyes to the beauty and importance of the natural world. Kwitonda welcomes children of all ages, and dedicated childminders are available to look after them while guests are on treks or hikes in Volcanoes National Park. There’s also an array of activities on offer to keep little ones engaged, including:

International flights arrive at Rwanda's capital city, Kigali. From there, you can travel to Singita Volcanoes National Park either on a 30-minute helicopter flight or a road transfer across the verdant, undulating landscape that gives the country its nickname: the land of a thousand hills. Road transfers can take up to four hours from Kigali. Guests are advised to pack motion sickness tablets if needed. It's also important to note that there's only one public rest stop on the way.

Direct flights connect Singita Grumeti to Kigali, and RwandAir links Kigali with Cape Town and Johannesburg in South Africa — making Singita Volcanoes National Park an excellent addition to a trip that includes Singita's properties in Tanzania, the Kruger National Park, and the Sabi Sand.

Please note that guests are required to book and pay for a Driver Guide and vehicle for every day of their stay at Singita Volcanoes National Park, to facilitate all experiences as well as transfers to and from Kigali. This ensures the flexibility to plan each day according to preference.

Singita Volcanoes National Park
Nyange Sector
Kinigi
Musanze
Rwanda

Rwanda is located just south of the equator. Most of the country spans a plateau, around 1,500 metres above sea level, though in the Volcanoes National Park region the altitude rises to approximately 2,600 metres.

This altitude makes for cool mornings and nights and a pleasant tropical highland climate throughout the year, with plenty of rain. Light cloud cover during the day helps moderate temperatures, though it can also bring the occasional light shower.

The long rainy season, when the rain is heavy and persistent, stretches from March to May. It’s followed by a long dry season from June to mid-September. A shorter rainy season runs from October to November, followed by a short dry season from December to February.

Rwanda can be visited at any time of the year, and gorilla trekking is a year-round activity. Singita Volcanoes National Park's covered golf carts have waterproof roller blinds, transporting guests from the main lodge to their suites in comfort when it rains.

Conditions on treks vary. It's best to be prepared for rainy and muddy conditions. Be sure to pack waterproof hiking boots with a good grip and ankle support, hiking chaps, gloves, a waterproof jacket/raincoat, hiking pants, thick socks to protect you against stinging nettles, and long-sleeved tops.

You can borrow the following from Kwitonda's Gear Room if needed:

In the Gear Room at Kwitonda, you'll also find:

PLEASE NOTE

The use of drones is strictly prohibited throughout Rwanda. Luggage is checked on arrival, and drones may be confiscated at the discretion of customs officials.

PLEASE NOTE

Requirements change from time to time. Although we endeavour to stay updated, Singita cannot be held liable for any incorrect or outdated information, and we strongly advise that you always consult your GP and/or a travel clinic regarding the latest requirements before travelling to Rwanda.

Passport Requirements
All travellers require a passport valid for six months after arrival, as well as at least two blank visa pages in their passport for travel.

Reservations
For booking enquiries, please reach out to our reservations team in Cape Town, South Africa.

Please phone our central reception, and you will be redirected to Kwitonda or Kataza House.

Tel: +27 870 942 710 or +250 252 553 700