Volcanoes National Park, Rwanda· Virunga Mountains
Nearest park
Volcanoes National Park
Rating
4.9 (423)
From
$2,500/ night
Singita Kwitonda Lodge represents the pinnacle of gorilla trekking luxury, situated at the edge of Volcanoes National Park in the shadow of the mist-shrouded Virunga volcanoes. Named after the silverback gorilla who led one of the park's most beloved families, Kwitonda Lodge is a contemporary architectural masterpiece that pays homage to Rwanda's volcanic landscape through its use of local volcanic stone, reclaimed timber, and hand-fired terracotta tiles. The lodge's eight spacious suites are sanctuaries of refined comfort, each featuring floor-to-ceiling windows that frame dramatic views of the bamboo-clad mountains where the world's remaining 1,000 mountain gorillas reside. Interiors blend Rwandan weaving traditions with contemporary design — bespoke furniture, organic linens, in-suite fireplaces, and deep soaking tubs are complemented by heated floors to counter the cool mountain air at 2,600 meters elevation. The heart of the property is the Plantation House, a Singita signature concept featuring a working organic farm, a wine cellar stocked with rare vintages, and an interactive cooking studio where guests learn Rwandan culinary traditions. Meals are a celebration of seasonal, hyper-local ingredients — the chef forages from the property's gardens and collaborates with neighboring farmers to source everything from passion fruit to free-range eggs. The lodge's conservation commitment extends beyond the gorilla trekking experience. Singita has planted over 100,000 indigenous trees to restore the park's buffer zone, and the adjacent Akarabo house offers a cultural immersion experience with local communities. Each guest's stay directly funds the ongoing reforestation and community development programs that are essential to the mountain gorillas' long-term survival.
Ultimate gorilla trekking base
Views of Virunga volcanoes
Plantation House with organic farm
Over 100,000 trees planted in reforestation
In-suite fireplaces and heated floors
Interactive cooking studio
Wine cellar with rare vintages
Direct gorilla conservation funding
WiFi
Heated floors
In-suite fireplace
Full-service spa
Wine cellar
Restaurant
Bar and lounge
Laundry service
Airport transfers
Gift boutique
Library
Yoga studio
The Plantation House restaurant features a farm-to-table philosophy with ingredients from the lodge's organic gardens. The interactive cooking studio offers Rwandan culinary classes. Meals are multi-course affairs paired with wines from the extensive cellar. Bush picnics and private dining can be arranged in scenic volcanic settings.
Activities include guided mountain gorilla trekking, golden monkey tracking, volcano hiking (Bisoke and Karisimbi), Dian Fossey gravesite visits, community cycling tours, Rwandan cooking classes, spa treatments, reforestation planting experiences, and cultural performances by local groups.
The Virunga volcanoes are home to approximately half of the world's remaining 1,000 mountain gorillas. Twelve habituated gorilla families can be visited daily. The park also harbors golden monkeys, forest elephants, bushbuck, black-fronted duiker, and over 200 bird species including the Rwenzori turaco and handsome francolin.
Gorilla trekking is possible year-round, though the dry seasons of June to September and December to February offer the most comfortable trekking conditions. The wet season (March–May, October–November) brings lush green landscapes and fewer visitors, though trails can be muddy.
