A warm, earthy space designed for reflection and restoration, this private haven connects guests with the Rwandan forest landscape in a remarkable and meaningful way. The layered space lives in harmony with its surroundings, reflecting both strength and gentleness.
The tranquil 4BR villa is set within a landscape of wetlands and lush meadows, boasting magnificent views of the Sabyinyo, Gahinga, and Muhabura volcanoes. Huge picture windows frame green vistas dominated by mist-covered volcanic peaks, beckoning guests outdoors to soak in …
A warm, earthy space designed for reflection and restoration, this private haven connects guests with the Rwandan forest landscape in a remarkable and meaningful way. The layered space lives in harmony with its surroundings, reflecting both strength and gentleness.
The tranquil 4BR villa is set within a landscape of wetlands and lush meadows, boasting magnificent views of the Sabyinyo, Gahinga, and Muhabura volcanoes. Huge picture windows frame green vistas dominated by mist-covered volcanic peaks, beckoning guests outdoors to soak in the splendor of the magnificent landscape.
While completely private, the villa is set alongside Kwitonda Lodge, where guests can explore additional dining and lounging spaces, plus join in conservation activities.
The villa consists of individual pavilions grouped around a central cluster of living spaces, with self-contained bedroom suites accessed via landscaped forest walkways. The villa's contemporary interior has been carefully curated with a focus on handcrafted details. Woven panels and curvaceous clay pots soften bold stone walls and locally crafted tiles, resulting in a richly textured and soothing atmosphere.
Large timber-framed windows continuously welcome the breathtaking scenery inside, encouraging daily reflection. Common rooms feature sumptuous leather seating areas and a fireside dining table, setting the scene for meaningful family time, and thoughtful details like a massage room, gym, and home theater cater to your every need.
Four generous bedrooms sleep eight guests, and all suites offer well-appointed ensuite bathrooms, private outdoor sitting areas, and fabulous volcano views. The lavish primary suite boasts its own heated plunge pool, plus a dressing room and office.
Mountain bamboo, ferns, and giant lobelias accent the villa's vast outdoor spaces. Taste the garden's bounty with an alfresco dinner before sharing the day's memorable moments around the outdoor fireplace. A second outdoor plunge pool adds to the luxurious experience.
Highlighted Villa Amenities
Included Villa Perks
Designed in a thoughtful response to its dramatic setting, the main lodge incorporates woven ceilings, locally fired terracotta brickwork, and timber-framed glass walls into its aesthetic. A dedicated conservation room and on-site gardens enhance the immersive and enlightening experience. The lodge envelops guests in warmth and tranquility, creating serene spaces to contemplate the remarkable encounters with “gentle giants" of the forest.
Beautifully understated indoor and outdoor gathering spaces serve as the heart of the lodge. This central hub forms an experiential enclave with lounges, dining areas, and an outdoor fire pit. The lodge's garden supplies fresh fare to the interactive kitchen, while the stylish bar and well-stocked wine cellar add to the convivial atmosphere.
Lodge Amenities
Gorilla Trekking
Spending time tracking and sitting with mountain gorillas is the ultimate wildlife experience and the reason why most guests visit Rwanda on holiday. The location of Kwitonda Lodge puts gorilla trekking within easy reach, and daily hikes to observe gorilla groups in their natural habitat in Volcanoes National Park are led by expert guides. Gorilla trekking permits need to be secured in advance. The minimum age for gorilla trekking is age 15 years.
Golden Monkey Trekking
Golden monkey trekking is a rare and delightful experience, not to be missed. These primates are highly endangered and are only found in this part of the world, living in the Virunga mountain ranges. Encountering golden monkeys in Volcanoes National Park is a highly immersive experience, as trekkers are surrounded by up to 100 monkeys foraging in the forest and jumping from tree to tree. The monkeys live in bamboo vegetation close to the base of the volcanoes, so the hike to find them is on fairly flat terrain and the distance is not far, making this an activity that is easily accessible to most guests. The minimum age for golden monkey trekking is age 12 years.
Village Visit
A visit to the Iby’Iwacu Cultural Village in nearby Kinigi gives guests the chance to spend time with exceptionally welcoming local communities and experience their traditional lifestyle and culture. Ancient roots of honor and hospitality run deep here, and anybody who takes the time to discover Rwandan culture for themselves will find a proud and unique people, happy to welcome you into their lives and introduce you to their traditions. Here guests can enjoy guided walks and home visits, traditional dance and song, and fascinating stories told by proud and enthusiastic folk. Visitors can engage in pottery lessons and shouldn’t leave the village without tasting the locally brewed banana beer.
Akarabo Nursery
Whether you opt for a gentle stroll along the rows of new trees, past the glorious fragrances of flourishing herbs, or through the farm-to-table chef’s garden filled with fresh vegetables, the rich plant diversity is bound to inspire and delight in equal measure. Providing an authentic taste of Rwanda’s offerings, the garden hosts a teahouse serving fresh herbal brews, as well as local artisans showcasing the intricacies of their crafts.
Wine Tasting
Enjoy an extensive cellar showcasing a premium selection of wines, including some of the continent’s most sought-after private reserves. It’s safe to say that wine is a key ingredient of the unique villa experience. Personalized wine tasting savored in the unique ambience of the lodge’s temperature-controlled cellar is a highlight for connoisseurs and casual tasters alike. Experienced sommeliers guide guests through a variety of wine styles, vintages, and cultivars to find the best-suited wines.
Children's Activities
Encountering the untamed wilderness and magnificent wildlife of Africa is a life-changing experience, no matter what age, and a stay at this property creates an unforgettable family holiday. This exceptional destination will unlock a new world of beauty and natural wonder for both you and your children. All activities at the villa are customized for the interests of each group. Babysitting services and an array of activities are available to keep little ones engaged and entertained.
Please inquire about activities and services of interest. Additional fees may apply.
Set on the edge of Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda where more than a third of the world’s remaining mountain gorillas dwell, Kwitonda Lodge’s unrivaled position puts life-changing gorilla trekking experiences within easy reach. Kwitonda Lodge is named after a legendary silverback gorilla and is located on 178 acres. The property shares a 1.2 km border with Volcanoes National Park—the only lodge within such close proximity of the park.
Rwanda is a landlocked country in the heart of Africa bordered by Uganda, Tanzania, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and Burundi. It’s one of the smallest countries in Africa and located a few degrees south of the Equator. Affectionately known as “The Land of a Thousand Hills,” this East African gem may be tiny, but it has plenty of natural wonders, from unspoilt forests to rolling green hills, lush meadows, and picture-perfect lakes. With Volcanoes National Park in the northwest, Nyungwe National Park in the southwest, and Akagera National Park in the east, as well as the bustling capital of Kigali, Rwanda is a sought-after travel destination.
International guests arrive at Kigali International Airport in Rwanda’s capital city. Transfer takes 3 hours by car, or Volcanoes National Park can be accessed by a 30-minute helicopter flight.
Our dedicated concierge team will be pleased to assist you in tailoring your one-of-a-kind stay. You can request services, experiences, and local area recommendations after booking. Please note that options will be subject to availability for your destination and travel dates.
Upon booking, seamlessly customize your stay with our expert selection of services & experiences.
Discover a new standard for residential stays with havens bringing together the best of hospitality and home. Every reservation is backed by our signature triple-diamond Haven Guarantee, offering enhanced booking flexibility, professional 24/7 guest and emergency support, and an industry-leading Peace of Mind Guarantee.
Flexible Booking Guarantee - A New Standard for Our Industry. With havens, we are committed to offering the most flexible and guest-friendly terms in the industry for residential stays. That’s why we always extend at least a 24-hour grace period for bookings placed more than 30 days before check-in, and after that strive to provide the most flexible cancellation and modification policies that meet or exceed what local property managers are able to offer on their own.
Professional Service Guarantee - Professionally Managed from Booking Through Stay. We believe in the magic that is possible when professionals come together to create one-of-a-kind stays that combine the best of hospitality & home. That’s why every haven experience is professionally managed by a local hospitality company with boots on the ground and comes with an expert trip designer to provide personalized options tailored just for you. Every reservation also comes with a dedicated 24/7 emergency hotline operated by our in-house travel experience specialists, available during your stay and in the 72 hours prior to check-in as an extra layer of service and support.
Peace of Mind Guarantee - Here for You When it Counts. While it’s rare, we recognize that sometimes things don’t always go according to plan - especially in a category where every property is unique. That’s why we stand behind our valued clients and guests with our industry-first Peace of Mind Guarantee. If a property manager cancels your original booked reservation prior to check-in for any reason (e.g. the home was unexpectedly sold, irreparably damaged, or double-booked), we will find you an alternative accommodation of equal or better value, or else provide you with 100% of your money back.
Enjoy a 24-Hour Risk Free Guarantee for bookings placed more than 30 days prior to check-in. Beyond that, we'll make every effort to work with property management to find options if your plans change, but refunds cannot be guaranteed and are on a best-effort basis. Cancellation fees may apply. Please note that any reservation overlapping with the week of major holidays, including Christmas and/or New Year’s, is fully non-refundable upon submission. We strongly recommend securing travel insurance, including Cancel For Any Reason (CFAR) coverage, to protect against unexpected changes to your plans.
Translated as "Place of Miracles," Singita lives up to its name. Known as both a conservation and an ecotourism group, Singita specializes in exceptional safari experiences at its award-winning lodges and camps. Set in four different countries, these sanctuaries offer extraordinary encounters in nature, enabling travelers to truly slow down and awaken their senses.
Singita's commitment to its host regions runs deep and focuses on biodiversity, conservation, and sustainability. In addition to restoring and safeguarding land and wildlife, Singita strives to build robust community partnerships, assisting neighboring villages to thrive economically and socially. This mission and abiding devotion enhances all aspects of Singita's magnificent destinations. From rugged volcanic stone and hand-woven ceilings to locally spun pottery and artisan furnishings, each lodge voices its version of sustainable luxury through thoughtful and elegant design. Attentive and gracious service combine with unrivaled amenities to nurture once-in-a-lifetime adventures. From gorilla trekking on misty Rwandan mountainsides to witnessing waves of wildebeest crash over the Serengeti, your curated African journey awaits.
On-site hospitality provided by Singita. Reservations serviced by HVN.
Please feel free to contact our concierge if you need help.