Sustainability is key to the future of preserving and protecting large tracts of land in Africa. It is a combination of guests staying at our lodges, together with partnerships on various different levels, that enables us to pursue our vision.
– Luke Bailes, Founder & Executive Chairman, Singita
Singita is committed to saving Africa’s wilderness 3
Conservation as a way of life 4
Rwanda’s magical charm 5
Welcome to Singita Kwitonda Lodge 6
The Kwitonda Lodge experience 7
A life-changing opportunity: gorilla-trekking 8
Unique experiences in the heart of Africa 9
Preparing for your journey 10
Our location 11
Getting to Singita Kwitonda Lodge 12
Weather and temperature 13
The finer details 14
An experience in excellence 15
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SINGITA IS COMMITTED TO SAVING AFRICA’S WILDERNESS
We’ve been preserving African wilderness for the past two decades. Through an exceptional safari experience with 14 award-winning lodges and camps across South Africa, Tanzania, Zimbabwe and Rwanda, Singita is able to partially fund the protection andpreservation of over a million acres of pristine land and existing wildlife populations, as well as helping to create economic independencewithin local communities surrounding the reserves.
Travellers choose to stay at Singita because of the expansive space and beauty of the reserves, limited guest and vehicle numbers, extraordinarily consistent game viewing and the exceptional care that is taken of each guest during their stay. When guests depart after a Singita safari, they are transformed for life, satisfied in the knowledge that they’ve made a contribution to the legacy of Africa.
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CONSERVATION AS A WAY OF LIFE
Built upon a 100-year purpose to preserve and protect African wilderness for future generations, Singita has been championing conservation in Africa from the very beginning. We achieve this with large-scale projects in wildlife management and protection, reserve and ecosystem integrity, sustainable tourism practices and community development.
Through a sustainable conservation model that helps balance tourism with conservation in all regions in which we operate, Singita’s ethos of “touching the earth lightly” is no longer just a forward-thinking principle; it is imperative to our survival, and that of the land, wildlife and communities under our care.
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DISCOVER RWANDA’S MAGICAL CHARM
Affectionately known as “The land of a Thousand Hills”, this tiny East African gem might be small, but with its unspoilt forests, lush meadows and picture-perfect lakes, it’s anatural wonderworld with plenty to offer.
Perched on its northwestern border, Volcanoes National Park is home to more than one third of the remaining mountain gorillas in the world. It is here, surrounded by 178 acres of verdant forest land, that the latest addition to Singita’s fold of luxury wilderness retreats is opening its doors in August 2019.
As the perfect springboard for gorilla-trekking experiences, Singita Kwitonda Lodge is also ideally located to discover the rest of Rwanda’s offerings – from the sights and sounds of the vibrant capital, Kigali, to Nyungwe National Park with its suspended canopy walk.
The country’s miraculous recovery from its painful past is testimony to the newfound solidary, impressive work ethic and warmth of its people. This regenerative spirit has inspired the entire guest experience at Kwitonda, where guests are enveloped in a contemplative, nurturing space in which to appreciate the transformative experience of coming face to face with the forest’s gentle giants.
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WELCOME TO SINGITA KWITONDA LODGE
Boasting breathtaking views of the Sabyinyo, Gahinga and Muhabura volcanoes and surrounded by high-altitude forests, Singita Kwitonda Lodge offers an experience unlike any of Singita’s otherdestinations.
With its exceptional natural beauty, environmentally conscious luxury and transformative, purpose-driven experiences, the lodge was designed in response to this remarkable location, and the eight contemporary suites (as well as the private four-bedroom villa – Kataza House) are linked by volcanic rock pathways to the central lodge.
The interiors emphasise local design and handcrafted details adorn the carefully planned spaces. Layered textures and colours enhance the reflective quality of this tranquil haven and an experiential enclave offers free-flowing indoor and outdoor areas. A convivial fire pit, interactive kitchen, bar-deli and wine cellar complete the picture.
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THE SINGITA KWITONDA LODGE EXPERIENCE
Accommodation • 7 x 1-bedroom suites• 1 x 2-bedroom suite
A luxury experience in the heart of AfricaEvery creature comfort is taken care of with these great amenities:
• Private heated pools outside every suite• Gear room• In room spa-treatments• Complimentary WiFi internet• Each suite has an iPad and media suite• Guest mini bars or fridges• Children of all ages are welcome. There are
tailormade activities available – please refer to thepage listing our on-site activities.
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A LIFE-CHANGING OPPORTUNITY:GORILLA-TREKKING
Singita Kwitonda Lodge provides a contemplative, nurturing space in which to appreciate the transformative experience of coming face to face with the forest’s gentle giants.
For most guests, a gorilla trek is at the top of their list when they visit Rwanda and a stay at Singita Kwitonda Lodge allows them the privilege to encounter one of Africa’s most majestic and gentle creatures in the wild, while immersed in the beauty of their pristine natural habitat.
Setting off early in the morning for the 7am briefing atVolcanoes National Park’s headquarters, a short drive from Singita Kwitonda Lodge, guests are matched with a guide before starting their hike into the dense cloud forest.
The distance of each gorilla trek is varied, so depending on which family group guests are allocated, the duration isanywhere from a couple of hours to a full day. Meals and lodge activities are flexible around each trek.
As children under the age of 15 are unable to participate in gorilla-treks, they will be cared for at the lodge with a variety of supervised activities and educational opportunities on offer.
* See ‘THE FINER DETAILS’ for more information on permitsand costs.
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UNIQUE EXPERIENCES IN THEHEART OF AFRICA
Apart from gorilla-trekking, the Afro montane forests of Nyungwe National Park, primordial Lake Kivu and sophisticated capital Kigali all add to the considerable appeal of this enchanting country. Using Singita Kwitonda Lodge as aspringboard, guests are privy to a whole host of unforgettable encounters.
On-site• A dedicated conservation lounge for pre- and post-gorilla-trekking briefings
and information talks, maps, movies, books and photography.• The Kwitonda Nursery tour, featuring our farm-to-table journey, is a sensory
experience filled with informative, interactive elements that’s all about asustainable approach that benefits the community and celebrates seasonalproduce.
• Photography – including state-of-the-art photo-editing facilities.• World-class wine tasting.• Various exercise options, including walking and yoga.• Birding.• In-room massage treatments.• Cookery classes by expert chefs.• Kids’ activities, including golden monkey treks, nursery tours, cooking
classes, arts & crafts, village tours, games, movies, birding and an explorerprogramme.
Off-site• Gorilla-trekking in Volcanoes National Park• Golden monkey treks• Local market tours• Day tours exploring Kigali, including visits to the Genocide Memorial• The Dian Fossey Trek at the original Karisoke site: a two-hour hike to her
gravesite, house and research site• The Musanze caves, comprising 2km of 32 underground caves• Cycling tours, on arrangement.• Chef’s tours to the local village.
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PREPARING FOR YOUR JOURNEY
We recommend packing the followingFor the lodge:Pants, long-sleeved tops, T-shirts, a warm layer for the evenings. Cotton clothing in neutral colours isrecommended for bush walks. It’s advisable to avoid white and dark colours as they tend to attract bugs.No formal wear is required at any of our lodges.
For trekking:Boots with a good grip, hiking chaps, gloves, a waterproof jacket/raincoat, thick socks to protect you against stinging nettles, long-sleeved tops are suggested.
Singita Kwitonda Lodge provides:Complimentary comfort kits, containing items such as sun cream, a sweat towel, tissues, a buff (required by Rwandan parks) and brown sanitary/toilet eco bags. Guests will receive a loaned backpack containing a lunch-box, snacks and a water bottle.
Technical trekking gear:• Raincoats, quick-dry pants, hiking chaps and hiking sticks are available for guests during their stay.To ensure a comfortable experience, we recommend bringing the following:• Comfortable walking shoes/track shoes/hiking boots for walks and sandals to wear around the lodge.• Swimming costume/bathing suits, sun block, sun hat, sunglasses, lip balm, mosquito repellent. (The latter
two items are provided, but you are welcome to bring along your favourite brand if you prefer.)• Video camera, camera, binoculars. Spare memory cards.
Health requirementsSingita Kwitonda Lodge is situated nearby malaria-risk areas and we recommend that you adhere to the advice of your doctor the use of prophylactics. Insect repellent (spray or wipes) are provided.
A yellow fever certificate is required if traveling from a yellow fever endemic area.
Guests are strongly advised to check the latest information regarding vaccination for travel to Rwanda with their local travel clinic or travel agent.
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Location of Singita Kruger National Park [A]Singita Kruger National Park is found on the south easternreaches of the Kruger National Park, on South Africa’sborder with Mozambique. Situated on 33,000 acres,this exclusive concession is one of the most incredibleterritories in the park and is home to exquisite selectionsof flora and fauna in four different eco-zones. This is whereyou will find Singita Sweni Lodge.
LOCATION Location of Singita Sweni Lodge [B]Resting lightly upon the ground within a 33,000 acre,private concession in the Kruger National Park, on SouthAfrica’s border with Mozambique, Singita Sweni Lodge isbeautifully concealed by hundreds of trees and is nestledat the edge of the Sweni River. With idyllic proximity tothe river, guests are treated to up-close sightings of anincredible number of wildlife that wander down to drink orwallow in the river below the lodge.
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KILOMETRES
SINGITA PAMUSHANA SINGITA SERENGETI SINGITA SABI SAND & KRUGER NATIONAL PARK
Tarime
Musoma
Mwanza
Shinyanga
Bunda
Karatu
Namanga
Narok
Moshi
Mount Meru
Nairobi
Arusha
K E N Y A
T A N Z A N I A
M A A S A I M A R A N A T I O N A L
R E S E R V E
S E R E N G E T IN A T I O N A L P A R K
S I N G I T A G R U M E T I
S I N G I T A L A M A I
Manyara AirstripArusha Airstrip
Kilimanjaro Airstrip
Ndutu Airstrip
Kusini Airstrip
Seronera AirstripMwanza International Airport
Lobo Airstrip
Sasakwa Airstrip
Kogatende Airstrip
Tarime Airstrip
Lamai Airstrip
Mwiba Lodge
Ngorongoro Crater LodgeLegendary Lodge
Little Chem Chem
Chem Chem Safari Lodge
Seronera
Four Seasons Lodge
Cottars 1920’s Safari Camp
Bateleur Camp
Gira�e Manor
The Norfolk
Mara Plains Camp
Little Governors
Governors CampAngama Mara
Singita Sabora Tented Camp
Singita Mara River Tented Camp
Singita Sasakwa LodgeSingita Faru Faru Lodge
Singita Serengeti House
N G O R O N G O R O
K I L I M A N J A R O
A R U S H A
M A N Y A R A
LakeVictoria
Mara River
Grumeti RiverLake
Victoria
LakeEyasi
Lake Manyara
LakeNatron
Mara River
KrugerMpumalangaInternational
Numbi Gate
Shaws Gate
Orpen Gate
Malelane Gate
Newington Gate
Phalaborwa Gate
Paul Kruger Gate
Punda Maria Gate
Crocodile Bridge Gate
Pafuri Gate
GiriyondoBorder Post
Satara
Balule
Skukuza
Tsendze
Malelane
Roodewal
Bateleur
Olifants
Shimuweni
Lower Sabi
Shingwedzi
Berg-en-dal
Pretoriuskop
Mopani
Sirheni
Punda Maria
Singita Ebony LodgeSingita Boulders Lodge
Singita Castleton
Singita Lebombo LodgeSingita Sweni Lodge
L I M P O P ON A T I O N A L P A R K
K R U G E R N A T I O N A L P A R K
K A R I N G A N IG A M E
R E S E R V E
S I N G I T A K R U G E R N A T I O N A L P A R K
M A N Y E L E T I
B A L U L E
S E L A T I
L E T A B A
M A S S I N G I R
M A P U L A N G U E N E
K L A S E R I E
S A B I S A N D
M A K A L A L I
G R E A T E RL E B O M B O
C O N S E R V A N C Y
T I M B A V A T I
K A P A M A
S I N G I T A S A B I S A N D
K R U G E R N A T I O N A L P A R K
M O Z A M B I Q U E
S O U T H A F R I C A
SabieHazyview
Nelspruit
Hoedspruit
Phalaborwa
Graskop
Limpopo River
MassingirDam
Olifants
White River
M O Z A M B I Q U E
Z I M B A B W E
Chiredzi
Bu�alo RangeLonestar AirstripInternational Airport
G O N A R E Z H O UN A T I O N A L P A R K
M A L I L A N G W E W I L D L I F E R E S E R V E
Singita Pamushana Lodge
Skukuza Airport
Eastgate AirportK R U G E R
N A T I O N A L P A R K
K R U G E RN A T I O N A L
P A R K
S I N G I T AS A B I S A N D
Leopard Hills
SkukuzaHazyview
Acornhoek
Hoedspruit
Bushbuckridge
SAVANNA
NOTTENS
SABISABI
LIONSANDS
KIRKMAN’SKAMP
LONDOLOZISABISABI
LONDOLOZI
GALAGO
NKORHODJUMA
DULI
NI
ULUS
ABA
EXET
ERLD
UBE
INYATI
SIMBAMBILI
CHITWACHITWACHITWA
DJUMAELEPHANT
PLAINS
MANYELETI
T I M B A V A T I
K L A S E R I E
K A P A M A
Singita Ebony LodgeSingita Boulders Lodge
Singita Castleton
Camp Jabulani
Rattray's
Mala Mala Sable
Royal Malewane
Cape TownInternational
False Bay
Walker Bay
Table Bay
Cape Town
D A N G E R P O I N T
K O G E L B E R G
K L E I N R I V I E R S B E R G
T A B L EM O U N T A I N
C A P E P O I N T
K I R S T E N B O S C HH O T T E N T O T S
H O L L A N D
R O B B E NI S L A N D
Hout Bay
Simon's Town
Somerset West
Grabouw
Caledon
StanfordHermanus
Gansbaai
Muizenberg
Milnerton
Kleinmond
Camps Bay
Botrivier
Betty’s Bay
Green Point
Gordons Bay
Franschhoek
Paarl
Villiersdorp
Stellenbosch
La Residence
Grootbos
Birkenhead House
Babylonstoren
Delaire Gra� Estate
One&Only
The SiloCape Grace
Ellerman House
SINGITA PAMUSHANA
SABI SAND
SINGITA SERENGETI
SINGITA SABI SAND & KRUGER NATIONAL PARK
CAPE TOWN AND WINELANDS D
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Country Border
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Singita Lodge/Camp
Road
National Park
Private Game Reserve
Singita Concession
Country Border
Key
Front
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LOCATION
RWANDA
UGANDA
DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF CONGO GAHINGA
MUSANZE
KIGALI (100KM)
VOLCANOES NATIONAL PARK
Volcanoes National Park Headquarters
SABYINYO
MGAHINGA GORILLANATIONAL PARK
BISOKE
KARISIMBI
MIKENO
MUHABURA
Singita Kwitonda Lodge
4 437m
4 507m
3 711m
4 127m
3 645m
3 474m
Location of Volcanoes National Park [A]
Singita Kwitonda is set on 178 acres (72 hectares) on the edge of Volcanoes National Park, in northwestern Rwanda on the border of Virunga National Park in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Relative to the population of the country and the intensive use of land for farming food crops, a 178-acre pocket of land in a country the size of Rwanda is highly prized.
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GETTING TO SINGITA KWITONDA LODGE
International flights arrive at Rwanda’s capital city, Kigali. From there, Singita Kwitonda Lodge is approximately 2 hours 30 minutes by road.
Alternatively, helicopter transfers are available from Kigali, followed by a short road transfer to the lodge.
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WEATHER AND TEMPERATURE
Rwanda is known as the land of a thousand hills and is situated just south of the equator. Most of the country is situated on a plateau, around 1,500 metres above sea level.Rwanda’s relatively high altitude provides it with cool nights and a pleasant tropicalhighland climate throughout the yearalthough there is also plenty of rain. The rainfall is often during the night or the early morning hours. Light cloud cover during the day helps to moderate the temperatures, but also occasionally brings light rain showers.
Rwanda has two rainy seasons per year with its long rainy season lasting from about March to May, when the rain is heavy and persistent, usually in the form of downpours orthunderstorms. June to mid-September (sometimes October) is the long dry season. It’s followed by a short dryer season from December to February.
Rwanda can be visited at any time of the year and gorilla-trekking is a year-round activity. The average temperature at Singita Kwitonda Lodge is approximately 15 degrees Celsius, and the humidity can be quite high.
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THE FINER DETAILS
Tariffs at Singita Kwitonda Lodge include• Luxurious en suite accommodation, breakfast, lunch and dinner daily, all drinks
(including premium wines, spirits and liqueurs, but excluding French Champagne).• Laundry services.
Tariffs exclude• Telephone calls.• Tourism Development Levy.• French Champagne.• Spa treatments.• Certain special meal requests.• Transport to and from Singita Kwitonda Lodge.• Any day trips or transfers to and from Singita Kwitonda Lodge.• Permits for gorilla trekking.
Check-in/check-out times and lodge closure• The lodge is open year-round.• Check-in time: 13h00.• Check-out time: 10h00.• Please note that guests wishing to check in before 13h00 and/or checking out after
10h00 are required to book an additional night at the Day Use Rate.
Payment optionsWe accept Visa, MasterCard and American Express cards
Other T&Cs• There is a minimum stay requirement of two nights year-round.• The minimum age requirement for gorilla-trekking is 15.• Permits cost $1500 per person per trek, subject to change without prior notice.
Permits are subject to availability at the time of booking.• If Singita is securing a permit on your behalf, proof of payment for the permit needs
to be received within 24 hours, and the guest’s passport details no later than 60days prior to travel.
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With sustainability at its core, Singita Kwitonda Lodge is in step with Singita’s key focus to create
low-impact tourism to help preserve areas of pristine African wilderness for future generations.
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Tel +44 1367 [email protected]
Singita lodges and camps across 6 regions in Africa South Africa • Kruger National Park: Singita Lebombo and Sweni Lodges• Sabi Sand: Singita Castleton, Boulders and Ebony LodgesTanzania• Grumeti: Singita Sasakwa Lodge, Sabora Tented Camp, Faru Faru Lodge, Serengeti House and Explore• Lamai: Singita Mara River Tented CampZimbabwe• Malilangwe Wildlife Reserve: Singita Pamushana Lodge and Malilangwe HouseRwanda• Volcanoes National Park: Singita Kwitonda Lodge and Kataza House