Singita Kwitonda Lodge is open now take a look inside

The much-anticipated opening of the Singita Kwitonda Lodge and exclusive-use Kataza House on 1 August marks the next exciting chapter in Singita's ongoing conservation journey in Africa.

Now that the excitement and dust of opening day at Singita Volcanoes National Park has settled, do you want to step inside and have a look at what this amazing new establishment looks like and what it has to offer?

Kwitonda Lodge has eight luxury suites and Kataza House is an exclusive-use villa, located on the edge of Volcanoes National Park, where a third of the world's mountain gorillas find refuge.

Singita Volcanoes National Park is all about sustainability

Singital Volcanoes National Park honours Rwanda's people and the fertile land by only touching lightly on it, with conservation, community partnerships and ecotourism as their major focus.

The team and the vision

The concept was designed by GAPP Architects in collaboration with the interior design teams from Cécile & Boyd and HK Studio. The vision was simple yet powerful, create a lodge and villa that take their cue from Rwanda's rich cultural heritage and the great responsibility of protecting the strong, yet vulnerable mountain gorillas. The décor reflects the gorilla's plight with ease and simplicity, which has resulted in spaces that are bold and embracing.

Setting and Amenities at Kwitonda Lodge and Kataza House

The setting at Kwitonda Lodge and Kataza House can simply be described as dramatic guest suites were in created in reflect this with private heated pools and massage areas, as well as in- and outdoor fireplaces.

A dedicated Conservation Room, Gear Room, on-site nursery and vegetable garden providing fresh produce for the lodge’s farm-to-table food journey further enhances this unique offering in Rwanda.

Awe-inspiring views of the Virunga mountains and volcanoes form the backdrop for a fresh, yet modern interior with splashes of colour and surprise – the effect is startling yet soothing, captivating and calming all in the same breath.

Natural elements like mud, earth, mist, rain and lava are cleverly integrated into most furniture pieces and linear art, while the vivid colour palette of black, khaki green, also known as ‘greige’ and fiery orange echo the surrounding landscape, which flows in through large windows. It highlights an organic rawness that’s inherently African, sophisticated and polished, but remains earthy.

Textural and decorative themes include hand-tooled geometric pieces and the Rwandese tradition of Imigongo, which entails decorating walls with striking patterns. More than 500 local creatives, artisans and builders were involved in crafting features like lava rock walks, exquisite woven ceilings and hand-fired terracotta brickwork, ensuring an authentic feel of local culture in the design of the lodge and villa, while boosting local employment and business.

The finishes are naturalm with raw and burnished timbers, along with hand-fired terracotta tiles typically found on Rwandese rooftops in the countryside, with furniture pieces set to create a sense of groundedness. This ties in perfectly with the serious, soul-centering experience of meeting the gorillas up close on treks – creating a sense of place, purpose and perspective.

Why Singita chose Rwanda & Volcanoes National Park

The primary motivation for Singita operating in Rwanda is to play a key role on the conservation of gorillas in the Volcanoes National Park. The first step to this end is the extensive reforestation initiatives, helping to increase the gorilla's range and numbers.

The lodge also puts gorilla trekking experiences within easy reach and is situated less than ten minutes from the Park’s headquarters.

Luke Bailes, Singita’s Founder and Executive Chairman says: “It’s such a privilege to expand our conservation footprint into Africa and we are thrilled with the elegant and sustainable lodge and villa that we’ve created here. They allow our guests to connect deeply with nature in the heart of Africa, after humbling encounters with the gentle giants of the forest.”

Step inside and discover Singita Kwitonda Lodge & Kataza House

Singita Kwitonda Lodge comprises:

• 7 one-bedroom suites (sleeps 2) with an indoor bath, in- and outdoor showers, in- and outdoor fireplaces, covered veranda, a sitting/lounge area, dressing room, mini bar, heated plunge pool, and in-room massage treatment area.
• 1 two-bedroom suite (sleeps 4) with an indoor bath, in- and outdoor showers, in- and outdoor fireplaces, a sitting/lounge area, dressing room, mini bar, covered veranda, heated plunge pool off the main lounge area, outdoor shower and in-room massage treatment area.

Singita Kataza House comprises:

• A four-bedroom villa (sleeps 8) with indoor baths and showers, outdoor showers, in- and outdoor fireplaces, a cinema room, fitness centre, gear-up area for trekking, informal living, ‘bar-deli’ and dining areas, interactive kitchen, covered veranda, heated plunge pools off the main lounge area and master suite, a fire pit with outdoor seating, a massage treatment room and a two-bedroom staff residence.

To find out more or book your stay enquire now by clicking here

PROMOTION: Singita Serengeti & Singita Volcanoes National Park Combo

Combine three nights at Singita Volcanoes National Park (Singita Kwitonda Lodge or Kataza House) with four nights at any combination of Singita Serengeti lodges and receive 50% off one night at Singita Volcanoes National Park and a complimentary night at Singita Serengeti, as well as 50% off a private vehicle.

* Valid: 6 January – 31 May & 1 September – 14 December 2020