Rwanda’s Premier Luxury Gorilla Trekking Lodge
Volcanoes National Park, Rwanda
Singita Kwitonda Lodge sits directly alongside Volcanoes National Park, sharing a 1.2 km boundary with the park and placing guests within minutes of the headquarters where gorilla treks begin. With sweeping views of the Sabyinyo, Gahinga and Muhabura volcanoes, this is an exceptional base for one of Africa’s most powerful wildlife encounters: trekking Rwanda’s mountain gorillas.
Kwitonda delivers Singita’s signature style of warm, authentic and conservation-focused hospitality. Its nine one-bedroom suites and two two-bedroom suites feature private heated plunge pools, space for in-room wellness treatments and uninterrupted views of the surrounding volcanoes.
When you are not trekking, spend time in the Conservation Room, explore the Akarabo Nursery and farm-to-table garden, visit the Ellen DeGeneres Campus of the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund or enjoy fresh cuisine inspired by Rwanda’s landscapes and local ingredients.
Singita Kwitonda Lodge offers luxury with purpose, rooted in a long-term commitment to conservation, community and the restoration of this remarkable landscape.
Highlights and Activities at Kwitonda:
ROOMS: 9 one-bedroom suites • 2 two-bedroom suites
BEST FOR: Honeymooners • Couples • Private groups • Families • Conservation-minded travelers
ACTIVITIES:
- Gorilla trekking (Volcanoes National Park)
- Golden monkey trekking
- Mount Bisoke crater hike
- Dian Fossey Grave Site hike
- Community visits & cultural experiences
- Conservation Room experiences
- Wellness, spa & in-suite treatments
WHY WE LOVE SINGITA KWITONDA LODGE
Location is everything, and Kwitonda has the best in Rwanda. Sitting directly on the boundary of Volcanoes National Park, your days begin just minutes from the gorilla trekking headquarters and end with sweeping views of the Virunga Volcanoes.
What makes Kwitonda truly special is how seamlessly it blends luxury, conservation and culture. Every detail, from the architectural design and culinary program to its community partnerships and reforestation efforts, reflects Singita’s deep respect for Rwanda’s people and landscapes.
Insider’s Tip: If you enjoy meaningful cultural immersion, ask about Singita’s Community Culinary School or spend time with the chefs exploring the on-site Akarabo Nursery and vegetable garden. It offers an inspiring look at how Singita supports local talent, sustainable food production and culinary careers in the region.
 Singita Kwitonda FAQs
Is Singita Kwitonda Lodge the best place to stay for gorilla trekking?
In our opinion, it is certainly one of the top three places to stay in Rwanda. Singita Kwitonda Lodge shares a 1.2 km boundary with Volcanoes National Park and is less than a 10-minute drive from the gorilla trekking headquarters, making morning departures exceptionally seamless.
Its location means less time in the vehicle and more time enjoying the lodge, the surrounding volcano views and the experience itself. Combined with Singita’s exceptional service, conservation focus and beautifully designed suites, Kwitonda remains one of our favorite luxury bases for gorilla trekking in Rwanda.
How close is Singita Kwitonda Lodge to gorilla trekking?
Singita Kwitonda Lodge sits directly alongside Volcanoes National Park and is less than a 10-minute drive from the park headquarters, where gorilla trekking briefings and departures begin.
This proximity is one of the lodge’s biggest advantages. It keeps early-morning transfers short and allows you to return quickly after your trek, giving you more time to relax, enjoy the lodge and take in the surrounding Virunga Volcano views.
Is Singita Kwitonda Lodge suitable for families?
Yes. While Singita Kwitonda Lodge is a favorite for couples and honeymooners, it also welcomes families with children of all ages. The lodge offers thoughtful children’s activities and dedicated childminders, making it possible for parents to enjoy trekking experiences while younger children remain comfortably cared for at the lodge.
It is important to note that gorilla trekking has a strict minimum age of 15, while golden monkey trekking is available for children aged 12 and older. For this reason, we particularly recommend Kwitonda for multi-generational families or those traveling with older children and teenagers who can fully enjoy the wider Volcanoes National Park experience.
How many nights should I stay at Singita Kwitonda Lodge?
We generally recommend spending three nights at Singita Kwitonda Lodge. This gives you enough time to enjoy a gorilla trek without making the stay feel rushed, while still allowing time to experience the lodge itself.
A three-night stay also leaves room for additional activities such as golden monkey trekking, conservation experiences or simply enjoying the spa, gardens and volcanic views between excursions. For travelers planning more than one trek or a longer stay in Volcanoes National Park, four nights can work particularly well.
What is included in a stay at Singita Kwitonda Lodge?
A stay at Singita Kwitonda Lodge includes luxury suite accommodation, all meals and beverages, including premium wines, spirits and liqueurs, laundry service and Wi-Fi.
Guests also have access to the lodge’s Conservation Room, Akarabo Nursery and farm-to-table garden, while additional experiences can be arranged depending on your itinerary.
Gorilla and golden monkey trekking permits, wellness treatments and transfers are not included in the lodge rate and will be arranged separately through your Ubuntu Travel Specialist.
Are gorilla trekking permits included at Singita Kwitonda Lodge?
No. Gorilla trekking permits are not included in the Singita Kwitonda Lodge rate and need to be arranged separately in advance.
Your Ubuntu Travel specialist will organize the permits as part of your wider itinerary, making sure the trekking date works seamlessly with your stay at Kwitonda and the rest of your Rwanda journey.
Can you do gorilla trekking and golden monkey trekking on the same day?
No. Gorilla trekking and golden monkey trekking are both scheduled as morning activities in Volcanoes National Park, so they cannot be done on the same day.
Gorilla treks can also vary considerably in length depending on the location of the gorilla family, making it impossible to reliably plan another morning activity on the same day.
What makes Singita Kwitonda different from Wilderness Bisate or One&Only Gorilla’s Nest?
Kyle and Leah consider Singita Kwitonda, Wilderness Bisate and One&Only Gorilla’s Nest all exceptional places to stay in Rwanda. What sets Kwitonda apart for them is its location, sitting directly alongside Volcanoes National Park and less than a 10-minute drive from the gorilla trekking headquarters. This makes the early morning trek noticeably more convenient.
Its position on the park boundary also creates a remarkable sense of connection to the surrounding wilderness. Forest elephants occasionally move down towards the property, while the mountain gorilla habitat begins immediately beyond the lodge boundary.
The suites are another highlight, with heated plunge pools, fireplaces and expansive views across the Sabyinyo, Gahinga and Muhabura volcanoes. For Kyle and Leah, it is this combination of exceptional comfort, volcanic views and proximity to the park that makes Kwitonda particularly special.
Ready to start planning Gorilla Trekking Safari?
Reach out and let’s start talking. We’ll listen and begin to tailor an experiential, private, luxury vacation based on exactly how you want to experience Africa. From adventure to relaxation—and everything in between—let us handle every detail of your unforgettable journey.
Explore These Gorilla Trekking Safaris
Discover our expertly crafted gorilla trekking itineraries, designed to offer unforgettable wildlife adventures in both Uganda and Rwanda.
8-Day Gorilla Trekking & Big Five Safari
Embark on a transformative safari journey from Kigali to Akagera National Park, where you’ll stay at Magashi Lodge and join African Parks’ conservation efforts. Encounter the iconic mountain gorillas at Volcanoes National Park, staying at Bisate Lodge and contributing to the Volcanoes National Park expansion project with a $500 donation per trip.
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5-Day Rwanda Gorilla Trekking Tour
If you have ever dreamed of viewing mountain gorillas in the wild, this itinerary will take you there. This 5-day itinerary will take you up close and personal with primates, including trekking with the gorillas and wildlife encounters in Volcanoes National Park.
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12-Day Uganda Gorilla Trekking Tour
If you’re an off-the-beaten-path traveler, Uganda is your ideal destination. Embark on a 12-day luxury safari from Entebbe’s rare shoebill excursions to thrilling game drives and Nile cruises at Murchison Falls. Continue exploring chimpanzee habitats in Kibale and conclude with unforgettable gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.
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What Ubuntu Travelers Are Saying
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Absolute 1st class travel planning. We had the most amazing and memorable trip, and as a person who likes to travel plan myself, this trip had so many moving parts there's no way I could have tackled it. I'd give Ubuntu an 11/10 rating if I could. They made our travel seamless, relaxed, and delivered the most incredible experience. 100% we will use them again.Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
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What an incredible South Africa trip Ubuntu planned for my wife and I! Ubuntu set us up with full-day guided Peninsula and Winelands tours during our few days in Cape Town, followed by four days of Safari game drives at the Savanna Lodge within the Sabi Sands Nature Reserve. A huge thank you to Ubuntu for finding a perfect balance/mix of fun activities and relaxed downtime throughout out trip! Ubuntu took care of all the travel logistics once we got down to South Africa. Ubuntu set us up with our Guest Experience Liaison that would check-in with us ever couple of days and was available on call if we needed any sort of logistical support. We didn't end up needing to lean on our liaison since everything went so smoothly, but surely felt we had all the support we needed had something come up. We know we will be utilizing Ubuntu the next time we travel to Africa and highly recommend Ubuntu to anyone else planning a trip to Africa!Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
From the plains of the Serengeti to the shores of Zanzibar, Ubuntu Travel designed an unforgettable Tanzanian package to celebrate a milestone birthday. I was especially grateful that they embraced this solo traveler and ensured that every detail was planned out in advance, making this a trip of a lifetime.Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
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Best vacation of our lives!! My husband and I booked with Ubuntu for an unforgettable vacation to Kenya, Tanzania, and Zanzibar this past June. The experience and support of Ubuntu was beyond our wildest dreams. We had first class, 5 star luxury service from start to finish. Jenna was absolutely amazing and was always a text, email or phone call away to answer our 100s of questions we had during the planning process. Owner's, Kyle and Leah were so kind as to even share links with my husband and I from some of their favorite stores so we could look safari chic. The care and support we were given during this entire vacation were top tier. The vacation itself was so personal, intimate and beautiful. The accommodations were breathtaking. Every lodge and camp left us speechless other than uttering the word, WOW, over and over. The service and staff at the lodges and camps were first class and luxurious. I didn't know a tented camp could be so fancy. I could have never dreamed of having a hot shower in the middle of the Serengeti with fresh French pressed African coffee brought to our tent every morning, or a 3 course breakfast with fresh fruit smoothies in the Masai Mara. We felt connected and so safe throughout our 3 week journey. The safaris were breathtaking and educational. You cannot describe how incredible this vacation is, you have to experience it and Ubuntu gave us a vacation of a lifetime. I cannot recommend Ubuntu enough to anyone looking to book a luxury African vacation. They did the hard work for us all the way down to sending us our beautifully embroidered Ubuntu duffle bag. Great customer service, great company, great people!Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
We loved working with Ubuntu. From start to finish they were easy to work with. They really listened to what we wanted and planned the perfect trip. Their support in getting ready and throughout our trip was truly excellent (they really took great care of us). We had a flight cancelled and they went all out to get us back on track so we did not miss a thing. Their planning, work and local partners on the ground really allowed us to relax and be present. We had the trip of a lifetime and would absolutely use them again. Highly recommend.Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
Wow! Ubuntu Travel planned the most amazing trip to Uganda for me. I cannot say enough good things about the meticulous planning they provided. Not only were they superb in planning, they also checked in while I was on my trip. The lodges I stayed at were spectacular, my guide seemed hand picked just for me and the scenery was beautiful and the food was 5 star quality. It was the most amazing trip of a lifetime. I am hoping to go back to Uganda someday. I definitely am going back to Africa and there is no doubt that I will be using Ubuntu Travel to plan my trip! I cannot imagine ever using anyone but Ubuntu for travel to Africa.Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
Ubuntu planned our honeymoon to Tanzania recently and it was the greatest trip of our lives--and it's not even close. From start to finish, everything was taken care of. Ubuntu plans the type of trip where you don't even have to think--travel stress is off the table. After a brief call to discuss options, we had an itinerary sent to us with the perfect combination of safari and beach. If you've come across Ubuntu, you're done searching. Just do it. At the end of our trip, my wife and I agreed: "If this is the best trip we ever take for the rest of our lives, we're okay with that."Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
We cannot thank Ubuntu enough for planning such a special trip for our honeymoon. From beginning to end, the trip was so smooth. Every point of contact in South Africa was so kind, helpful, punctual, and informational. They partner with incredible companies, and they really know what they are doing. Leah, Kyle, and Jenna planned the perfect trip for us, and they were readily available for any questions we had.They selected the most stunning places for us to stay, and we experienced such a range of types of hospitality. We felt so spoiled and taken care of the entire trip. Would strongly recommend Ubuntu for anyone who was traveling to Africa. They were a dream to work with.