Singita Kwitonda Lodge to Open in Rwanda in August 2019

Singita is honored to be opening Kwitonda Lodge in late 2019 on 178 acres on the edge of Volcanoes National Park. The presence of Singita Kwitonda Lodge on the park border will help to create a natural space between agricultural plots and the habitat of the estimated 320 mountain gorillas that find sanctuary here. From a guest perspective, the opening of the new property puts gorilla trekking within easy reach and in combination with a classic safari at Singita’s private concessions on the Serengeti plains in Tanzania. Besides gorillas, there is much to see and explore, from the Afro montane forests of Nyungwe National Park to the vibrant and sophisticated capital city, Kigali.

Working in close partnership with the Rwandan Development Board and local communities, Singita will be taking a measured, long-term approach to conservation on the edge of the Volcanoes National Park, in line with the company’s established 100-year vision to build sustainable revenue streams to fund the preservation of African wilderness for future generations. Reforestation of land heavily impacted by farming is vital, and will initially include the establishment of a nursery and the planting of over 60,000 tree saplings in and around the new lodge. Ultimately, Singita hopes to be able to support the Rwandan government in finding ways to increase gorilla habitat while remaining sensitive in assisting neighboring communities to thrive economically and socially.

Singita Kwitonda Lodge will be built to embody the spirit of Rwanda and offer a tribute to the lodge’s namesake – Kwitonda – a great silverback gorilla whose legend lives on in Rwanda and was known for his humility and gentleness. Fundamental to the design is treading lightly on the land. Singita Kwitonda will offer 8 suites and a villa with magnificent views of the Sabyinyo, Gahinga and Muhabura volcanoes and sustainability is at the core of the construction project. Luke Bailes, Founder of Singita, states that an extensive sustainability framework was compiled in the design stage to ensure design efficiency throughout the project. The architects and interior designers are selecting locally sourced and produced materials for walling, ceilings and surface finishing. The local community has been engaged in building traditional dry stone walling on site for specialist areas within the landscape. "We believe this project will set a new standard for construction and landscape design in Rwanda," notes Bailes.

Rates for suites range between $1500 – $1750 per person per night, fully inclusive but excluding gorilla trekking permits. Reservations will open early January 2018.

Singita is a conservation company that has been preserving African wilderness for the past two decades. Through an exceptional safari experience with 12 award-winning lodges and camps across South Africa, Tanzania and Zimbabwe, Singita is able to partially fund the protection and preservation of pristine land and existing wildlife populations, not to mention help create economic independence within local communities surrounding the reserves.