About Kwitonda Lodge
Located in a prime position on the border of Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park, Kwitonda Lodge opened in 2019 ...
... and provides a luxurious base for travellers trekking to see the mountain gorillas.
Kwitonda is a well-appointed, highly luxurious and personable getaway in a great location for gorilla trekking. As we would expect from Singita, the service is exemplary, the staff are charming and there is a real feeling of exclusivity. The focus is on enjoying the beauty of the surrounding environment in a tranquil location, while ensuring that guest wishes are met in every way possible. It certainly meets the needs of discerning travellers, albeit with a very steep price tag.
Our view
Kwitonda is a well-appointed, highly luxurious and personable getaway in a great location for gorilla trekking. As we would expect from Singita, the service is exemplary, the staff are charming and there is a real feeling of exclusivity. The focus is on enjoying the beauty of the surrounding environment in a tranquil location, while ensuring that guest wishes are met in every way possible. It certainly meets the needs of discerning travellers, albeit with a very steep price tag.
Rwanda expert
Accommodation
9 suites
Children
Best for 15+
Open
All year
Activities
Birdwatching
Canoeing
Cultural excursion
Helicopter
Primate trekking
Traveller reviews of Kwitonda Lodge
1 real, un-edited reviews from Expert Africa's travellers.
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View galleryKwitonda Lodge: Our full report
Located in a prime position on the border of Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park, Kwitonda Lodge opened in 2019 ...
... and provides a luxurious base for travellers trekking to see the mountain gorillas.
Kwitonda Lodge is the newest offering from Singita, who are known for their high levels of luxury and personalised service. The lodge is located on 178 acres of land overlooking the southern border of the Volcanoes National Park, adding to the buffer zone between the park and adjacent agricultural land.
Kwitonda has eight spacious suites. The suites are very private, and well proportioned, each with an outdoor deck and a heated plunge-pool and floor-to-ceiling windows offering incredible views from all aspects.
Inside the suites there is a lounge area, where you will find a mini-bar and snacks, and coffee table books. This lounge is separated from the bedroom by a gas fire, which helps to keep the suite cosy in the evening. Adjacent to the large bedroom is an even bigger en-suite bathroom, complete with a massage table for in-room treatments, freestanding bathtub and an indoor and outdoor shower. Everything is thoughtfully designed, and the attention to detail is second to none.
Set slightly further away from the main lodge, the exclusive Kataza House, a private villa designed for families or small groups, has four bedrooms and a private pool. It is of similar design and style to the suites, and guests staying here have the services of a private chef and host.
The main area of the lodge is designed to blend in with the environment, with the idea of bringing the outside inside. It uses locally sourced materials with plenty of wood and dry-stone walling and, like the suites, has large windows and a neutral colour scheme to complement the surrounding forest colours.
During the development of the lodge, the team at Kwitonda planted more than 60,000 saplings throughout the grounds, to encourage wildlife, lost due to deforestation, to recolonise the area. At the time of our visit the woods still looked immature, but the lodge expects big changes as the vegetation grows.
The restaurant and bar have indoor and outdoor seating options, plus a comfy lounge space. There is a wine cellar and you can arrange tastings. Next to the bar area is a wonderful conservation hub with a library and interesting displays. It’s a space to learn about, and be inspired by, local community projects and gorilla conservation efforts. This is where you will be briefed about what to expect during your treks.
Though the lodge is designed as a tranquil oasis, with relaxation in mind, the main reason for visiting Kwitonda Lodge is to hike to see the mountain gorillas that make the Volcanoes National Park their home. Morning activities from the lodge will concentrate on treks to see the gorillas or the golden monkeys, another highlight of this area.
Kwitonda has an extensive equipment room, where you can borrow trekking equipment from the lodge, including rucksacks, gaiters and waterproofs. The lodge is located a short drive from the park headquarters where all trekking groups are assigned and briefed. Permit costs for primate trekking are not included in the accommodation rates. You can find details on the costs of the trekking permits on our gorilla trekking page.
Kwitonda’s sister camps run by Singita in Tanzania offer high levels of service in equally luxurious settings. These include Singita Mara River Tented Camp in Lamai, and Faru Faru, Sasakwa and Sabora in their Grumeti Reserve. A direct flight from Kigali into the Serengeti makes it easy to combine Kwitonda with one or more of these sister camps.
Geographics
- Location
- Volcanoes National Park, Rwanda
- Ideal length of stay
- We recommend a stay or three or four nights at Kwitonda, though this will depend on the activities you wish to take part in.
- Directions
- Kwitonda is a two-to-three–hour drive from central Kigali. Helicopter transfers to and from the lodge, which include a scenic tour, are available – chat to us to find out more.
- Accessible by
- Fly-and-Transfer
Food & drink
- Usual board basis
- Full Board
- Food quality
- As to be expected from Singita, the quality, presentation and variety of food at Kwitonda is very high.
There are no set meal times, and guests are encouraged to be as relaxed as they wish. With advance notice special diets and requests can be catered.
Breakfast is a selection of granola, yoghurt, fruits and muffins, with eggs cooked to order, this is served early to accommodate those trekking to see the gorillas. Guests who have a more leisurely start, can choose from a selection of hot dishes cooked to order, from the à la carte menu.
Lunch is typically a set menu consisting of a selection of salads, breads and light fish of meat dishes.
Dinner is typically three-course and is chosen from an à la carte menu, with a couple of options for each course. During our stay we enjoyed delicately cooked talapia on a bed of lentils and gently wilted spinach.
Singita is one of Africa’s most influential collectors of wine, and so you can expect a good selection of well paired wine with lunch and dinner. - Dining style
- Individual Tables
- Dining locations
- Indoor and Outdoor Dining
- Further dining info, including room service
- Room service is available.
- Drinks included
- Drinks are included with the exception of connoisseur wines and French champagne.
Special interests
- Solo safaris
- Kwitonda definitely isn’t a low-cost option but, with no single supplement, it’s a more affordable option for high-end solo travel in Rwanda.
- See ideas for Solo safaris in Rwanda
- Photography holidays
- The majority of guests come to Kwitonda to trek, and photograph, the mountain gorillas. As such the lodge has dedicated photography room with a number of computers and photography software for guests to edit and enhance their photos.
- See ideas for Photography holidays in Rwanda
- Wildlife safaris
- Located on the border of Volcanoes National Park, Kwitonda is a great base for trekking on a wildlife safari to see Rwanda’s mountain gorillas.
- See ideas for Wildlife safaris in Rwanda
- Luxury
- Kwitonda is a highly luxurious and personable getaway, in a wonderful location for gorilla trekking. You can expect private hot tubs, fine wines and dining and top-level service. There is a real feeling of exclusivity here.
- See ideas for Luxury in Rwanda
Children
- Attitude towards children
- Children are welcome at the lodge on request, provided they will be accompanied by a childminder or a non-trekking member of the party.
- Property’s age restrictions
- Children under 15 are welcome on request.
- Special activities & services
- None provided.
- Equipment
- None provided.
- Generally recommended for children
- Since the minimum age for gorilla trekking is 15 years, we'd recommend staying here only with children over the age of 15. Having said that, Kataza House is a suitable option for family groups looking for a high-end property.
- Notes
- Children should be supervised at all times. Whilst younger guests will be made to feel welcome, this is a very smart lodge, with a mature atmosphere, and some families with young children might not feel comfortable here.
Communications
- Power supply notes
- Back up generator.
- Communications
- WiFi is available in all areas.
- TV & radio
- There is a TV screen and computer in the conservation hub.
- Water supply
- Mains
- Water supply notes
- Fully plumbed.
Health & safety
- Malarial protection recommended
- Yes
- Medical care
- Staff are trained in basic first aid, and the closest doctor is based in the local clinic in Musanze, a 30 minute drive away. In an emergency,
- Dangerous animals
- Moderate Risk
- Security measures
- There are security guards on site 24 hours.
- Fire safety
- Fire extinguishers are located in all suites and around the lodge.
Activities
Birdwatching
Canoeing
Cultural excursion
Helicopter
Primate trekking
Extras
- Disabled access
- In Place
- Laundry facilities
- Daily laundry service included.
- Money
- Electronic safe in suites. Small amounts of USD can be exchnaged for Rwandan franc.
- Accepted payment on location
- All major credit cards and currencies are accepted.
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Kwitonda Lodge's location
Look closer at the environment and surroundings of Kwitonda Lodge.
Excursions from Kwitonda Lodge
Optional extra day-trips and excursions possible whilst you're staying at Kwitonda Lodge. Talk to us: these are usually best arranged before you go.
Canoeing in Rwanda
Half day - approx. 3 hours on the water
This half-day adventure takes place through lush farmland, on the meandering Mukungwa River near Musanze town. Discovering Rwanda’s countryside in a canoe is great fun: the launch spot is just half an hour from Volcanoes National Park and you'll be guided along the shallow waterway by an expert local canoeist. Your driver-guide from Kigali will operate your transfers and introduce you to your canoe group and guide.
More about Canoeing
Golden Monkey Trekking
Half day; one hour with the monkeys
Spend a morning trekking to find the golden monkeys in the Volcanoes National Park. These endangered monkeys are endemic to the Albertine Rift area and are characterised by their golden-orange fur. You’ll be able to enjoy an hour watching them jump through the bamboo and hunker down to chew bamboo leaves, curiously watching you, as you watch them. Your driver-guide from Kigali will operate your transfers to the park headquarters and introduce you to your trekking group and parks guide.
More about Golden Monkey Trekking
Gorilla Trekking Safari
Half day: one hour with the gorillas
Gorilla trekking in Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park is a magical experience, transcending any other wildlife encounter we know. Meeting a gorilla family in their forest home, led by a dominant male silverback and a cluster of females and young, is a natural adventure that fully repays the cost in unforgettable memories and images. Your driver-guide from Kigali will operate your transfers to the park headquarters and introduce you to your trekking group and parks guide.
More about Gorilla Trekking
Mount Bisoke Trek
Full day
For something a little different, set out on a one-day hike to the summit of Mt Bisoke in the Volcanoes National Park, home to Rwanda’s famous mountain gorillas. Discover the beautiful scenery of the Virunga Mountains, spot birds and wildlife, and enjoy spectacular views from the crater lake.
More about Mount Bisoke Trek
Mount Karisimbi Trek - 2 day trek
Two days - overnight on Mt Karisimbi
Set out on a two-day hike to the summit of Mount Karisimbi, which at over 4,507m is one of the highest in Africa. This is a challenge for the adventurous! With a local guide, you’ll traverse bamboo forests and rugged terrain, then camp on the slopes of this dormant volcano before enjoying sunrise from the summit.
More about Mount Karisimbi Trek
Trek to Dian Fossey’s Grave
Half day, usually five hours
Dian Fossey is best known for her research and conservation work with the mountain gorillas in Rwanda. She dedicated her life to researching and protecting these ‘gentle giants’ from harm, however she was tragically found murdered at her research camp in 1985. Today visitors can join a local guide to trek through the tropical forest to visit her grave, and learn about the impact of her work.
More about Dian Fossey TrekOther lodges in Volcanoes National Park
Alternative places to stay in this same area.
Mountain Gorilla View
With superb views of the volcanoes, the relaxed Mountain Gorilla View Lodge on the slopes of Mount Sabyinyo is well-placed for gorilla trekking.
Sabyinyo Silverback
In a fine location close to Volcanoes National Park, Sabyinyo Silverback Lodge is a very comfortable lodge with wonderful views.
Virunga Lodge
Virunga Lodge is a consciously environmental lodge in a stunning location, about an hour's drive from Volcanoes National Park headquarters.
Gorilla's Nest
Gorilla's Nest is a very high-end lodge in a great location near the Volcanoes National Park headquarters, from where all gorilla trips start.
Bisate Lodge
The exclusive and luxurious Bisate Lodge, close to Volcanoes National Park, is one of the best places to stay in the area.
Bishops House
In the town of Musanze, a half-hour drive from the Volcanoes National Park headquarters, Bishop's House is well placed for gorilla trekking.
Tiloreza Eco Lodge
Five Volcanoes offers mid-range hotel accommodation around 15 minutes' drive from Volcanoes National Park headquarters.
When to go to Volcanoes National Park
Our month by month guide: What it's like to visit Kwitonda Lodge in Volcanoes National Park
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Rwanda in January
January falls into the shorter dry season in Rwanda and conditions can be good, however expect some showers during your stay. Christmas and New Year can be a very popular time of year to travel and lodges book up early. The high demand and favourable conditions lead to high prices for the more luxurious lodges.
Travellers spending at least two nights in another of Rwanda’s national parks, in addition to the Volcanoes National Park, can take advantage of lower prices for one gorilla permit. This makes it great-value to do a longer trip to Rwanda, taking time to explore Nyungwe Forest and Akagera National Park. January can be fantastic for birding too, with plenty of migrant species found in the forests.
- Generally good weather although with some rainy spells.
- Popular time of year to travel, particularly around New Year.
- Advance booking advised, particularly for high-end trips.
- Good for birding with migrant species present.
- Special offers are great for exploring the other national parks.
Our view
A very good time to visit
Weather in January
Rwanda in February
As February progresses the likelihood of more rain increases as Rwanda heads towards the heavy rains in March and April. This can still be a good time of year to visit, particularly at the start of the month, and you are a likely to experience a mix of dry days and rainy spells. Your days are likely to be warm, however as with the rest of the year nights can be cold. This is particularly true of the Volcanoes National Park which is at higher altitude.
February can be a good time of year to combine gorilla trekking in Rwanda with seeing the wildebeest migration in Tanzania as the vast herds gather in February on the southern Serengeti plains for the calving season.
- Transitional month, with the chance of rain increasing towards March.
- Warm days and cold nights, particularly in Volcanoes NP.
- High-end lodges are expensive, although demand is lower.
- Migrant birds present with great birding to be had.
- Good time of year to combine with the wildebeest migration.
Our view
A good time to visit, with pros & cons
Weather in February
Rwanda in March
The heavy rains typically start in March, often continuing through to early May. This is generally not a great time to visit Rwanda and conditions are likely to be fairly wet and muddy underfoot. Many people still visit at this time, taking advantage of lower prices at the more luxurious lodges and good availability of gorilla permits. The rain clears the air and it is likely to be far less hazy at this time, making it very good for photography.
The green season can be particularly good for bird watching with many migrant species visiting Rwanda at this time. This can also be a good time of year for chimpanzee trekking, as their food is plentiful in March and troops are not likely to travel as far.
- Heavy rains make gorilla trekking conditions not ideal.
- Lower prices and good availability for gorilla permits.
- Good for bird watching with plenty of migrant species present.
- Typically shorter distances to walk for chimpanzee trekking.
Our view
This is not a great time to visit
Weather in March
Rwanda in April
April is typically one of the wettest months in Rwanda, with an average rainfall of around 150mm. It is still possible to visit during April, however be prepared for heavy rain and muddy conditions in the mountains. April is the low season for high-end lodges and prices can be significantly cheaper at this time.
Comparatively few people choose to visit during April, meaning that it is likely to be fairly quiet and relatively easy to secure gorilla permits. The 7th of April marks ‘Kwibuka’, an annual ceremony which begins three months of remembrance for the victims of the genocide. During this time the whole nation enters a period of reflection, with a number of events being held in commemoration.
- Expect heavy rains throughout the month.
- Few visitors means it is fairly easy to secure gorilla permits.
- It is the green season for luxury lodges, with much lower prices.
- Good time of year for birding.
- Kwibuka remembrance ceremony on 7th April.
Our view
This is not a great time to visit
Weather in April
Rwanda in May
May is often a transitional season in Rwanda, following on from the rains in April. Heavy bursts of rain can be expected at times, however it will often start to dry up as the month progresses. Any rainy spells are likely to last a few hours rather than all day. With the heavy rain earlier in the year it can often remain muddy underfoot when trekking the gorillas and chimpanzees and it’s advisable to wear gaiters.
Following the rains the air can be clear, without any haziness, and this leads to great photographic opportunities at this time of year. For many of the high-end lodges May is classed as the low season, which can make this month great value for money, with fairly good weather and comparatively low prices.
- Weather can be variable, mostly dry with some rainy spells.
- Be prepared for muddy conditions when trekking the gorillas.
- Good air clarity leads to great photographic opportunities.
- Can be good value for money if you’re looking at a high-end trip.
Our view
A good time to visit, with pros & cons
Weather in May
Rwanda in June
The weather in June can be fantastic and this is one of the best times of year to visit Rwanda. This is the start of the main dry season in Rwanda and the rainfall in June typically averages only around 20mm. It is likely to be warm and dry during the day, however the odd rainy shower remains possible. Conditions for gorilla trekking can be very good, although you are still likely to experience mud underfoot in parts.
This is the peak season for the high-end lodges and prices rise significantly. Rwanda is exceptionally popular between June and September and the luxurious lodges regularly fill up well over a year in advance, so we advise planning early.
- Dry weather can lead to excellent conditions for gorilla trekking.
- High-end lodges increase their prices and trips can be costly.
- Very popular time of year, advance booking is strongly recommended.
Our view
Fantastic: the very best time to visit
Weather in June
Rwanda in July
July is a great time of year to visit Rwanda, this is in the middle of the longer dry period and conditions for gorilla trekking can be excellent. Expect long dry days, although always with the off-chance of rain at some point during your stay. As with the rest of the year, temperatures are likely to average around 20-25ºC during the day, though nights can be chilly.
July is a very popular time of year to travel to Rwanda and we advise booking at least 12 months ahead, particularly if you’re looking for a high-end trip. Prices at the top end of the market can be very high in July, however many of the mid-range lodges have the same prices throughout the year, making these options great value at this time.
- Excellent conditions with dry weather for much of the month.
- Very popular time to travel with a limited number of gorilla permits.
- Advance booking is required to for the best choice of accommodation.
- High-end trips can be expensive at this time of year.
- Many mid-range lodges have the same price throughout the year.
Our view
Fantastic: the very best time to visit
Weather in July
Rwanda in August
August is one of the most popular times of year to visit Rwanda. This is the middle of the longer dry season and conditions can be very good. While it can still be muddy underfoot this is unlikely to impact your trek. Our top advice for travel in August is to plan early as many of the more popular lodges will regularly book up well over a year in advance at this time.
Many people visiting Rwanda will choose to combine this with a safari in the Serengeti and August is one of the best months for this. The wildebeest migration is in full swing, with the vast herds being up near the Mara River and river crossings likely.
- Fantastic time to visit with dry weather and great conditions.
- Very popular time to travel, we advise booking early.
- Lodges book up and gorilla permits can be hard to secure.
- Higher prices for the top-end lodges.
- Great time of year to combine with a safari in the Serengeti.
Our view
Fantastic: the very best time to visit
Weather in August
Rwanda in September
The dry season comes to an end in September, with the rains increasing towards the end of the month. For the most part you are likely to experience dry conditions, but be prepared for rainy showers and cold nights. September remains a popular time to travel, especially for those combining the gorillas with the wildebeest migration.
The Kwita Izina festival (the official naming ceremony for all baby gorillas born in the past year) takes place ever year, usually in September. It’s a time of celebration for everyone involved in their conservation. The exact date varies. Chat to us if you’d like to plan your trip around this event.
- Conditions typically good but expect some rain.
- Popular time to travel and early booking is advised.
- Great time of year to combine gorillas and the wildebeest migration.
- The Kwita Izina festival, usually in September, names baby gorillas.
Our view
A very good time to visit
Weather in September
Rwanda in October
The short rains have typically started by October with the month’s rainfall averaging around 110mm. This rain normally falls in short, heavy bursts and you’re likely to have plenty of dry spells too. As with the rest of the year, days can be warm, although nights can be cold, and this is especially true around the Volcanoes National Park where lodges set log fires to keep you warm in the evening.
Lots of people choose to visit Rwanda at this time and prices remain high for the top-end lodges. Booking early is recommended, particularly if you plan to stay at one of the smaller, more exclusive lodges around the Volcanoes park.
- Good time of year to travel although with an increased amount of rain.
- Days are warm however nights can get cold.
- October is popular, particularly for the high-end lodges.
- Prices remain high at the top end of the spectrum.
Our view
A good time to visit, with pros & cons
Weather in October
Rwanda in November
The rains typically continue into November and this can be one of the wetter months of the year. This can still be a good time to travel, as there are still likely to be plenty of dry periods and the gorillas can still be trekked. However, expect quite a bit of mud. The high-end lodges drop their prices in November, making it much more affordable for luxury accommodation.
Between November and April there is also a special offer from the parks authorities, providing a discount on your first gorilla permit if you spend at least two nights in one other national park. This special offer combined with lower prices for luxury lodges makes Rwanda great value for money in November.
- One of the wetter months however gorilla trekking is still possible.
- Far less busy, making it easier to secure gorilla permits.
- Reduced prices for high-end accommodation.
- Special offers to encourage travel to multiple national parks.
Our view
A good time to visit, with pros & cons
Weather in November
Rwanda in December
Rwanda has a second short dry season which typically runs from December to January. Conditions at this time can typically be fairly good, although not as ideal as June – August, and you can still expect rain at this time. Many of the forest tracks can be muddy and nights can be cold.
Many people choose to travel to Rwanda over Christmas and New Year and we advise booking early, particularly if you have preferred lodges in mind. The special offer for a your first gorilla permit at a reduced price remains in place for all travellers spending at least two nights in another park, making Rwanda excellent value for money in December.
- Short dry season, however rain is still possible.
- Conditions for gorilla trekking can be good, but expect mud.
- Cold at night, warm clothes are recommended.
- Very popular over Christmas and New Year, early booking advised.
- Special offers make December good value for money.
Our view
A good time to visit, with pros & cons
Weather in December
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