WHY IT RATES: The new opening will put gorilla trekking in easy reach for guests-Patrick Clarke, TravelPulse Senior Writer
Singita is extending its conservation footprint to Rwanda. An extraordinarily beautiful, small country, more than one-third of the world's remaining mountain gorillas live in the high-altitude cloud forests of the Volcanoes National Park.
Singita is honored to be opening Kwitonda Lodge during 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 in addition to 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, which is in line with the company's 100-year vision to build sustainable revenue streams that 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 more than 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.
Singita Kwitonda will offer eight suites and a villa with magnificent views of the Sabyinyo, Gahinga and Muhabura volcanoes. With sustainability being at the core of the construction project, Luke Bailes, Founder of Singita, states that an extensive framework was compiled to ensure design efficiency throughout the project. The architects and interior designers are using locally sourced and produced materials for walling, ceilings and surface finishing.
The local community is 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. Though fully inclusive, the reservation does exclude gorilla trekking permits. Reservations will open early January 2018.
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