Rwanda, often referred to as the “Land of a Thousand Hills,” offers a wealth of unique and breathtaking destinations and rich biodiversity. Rwanda has made significant strides in development and conservation over the past few decades.
Rwanda is characterized by its mountainous terrain, with rolling hills, valleys, and numerous lakes. The country features a mix of savannahs, forests, and wetlands.
Extraordinary places to consider visiting Rwanda:
1 Volcanoes National Park: Home to the endangered mountain gorillas, this park allows for incredible trekking experiences. You’ll have the opportunity to observe these magnificent creatures in their natural habitat.
Hiking Mount Bisoke: A dormant volcano located in Volcanoes National Park, Mount Bisoke offers stunning views from its summit. The hike rewards you with beautiful landscapes and an optional crater lake at the top.
2 Nyungwe Forest National Park: This pristine rain forest is one of the oldest in Africa and is rich in biodiversity. You can embark on canopy walks, explore hiking trails, and spot various primates, including chimpanzees.
Umushinga Trail in Nyungwe: This lesser-known trail takes you through lush landscapes and is excellent for birdwatching and appreciating the unique flora and fauna of the area.
3 Akagera National Park: A distinct Savannah ecosystem, Akagera is known for its diverse wildlife, including elephants, lions, and rhinos. Enjoy game drives, boat safaris on Lake Ihema, and stunning views of the rolling hills.
4 Lake Kivu: This beautiful freshwater lake borders Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo. The lakeside towns of Gisenyi, Kibuye, and Cyangugu offer picturesque views, water activities, and relaxing beaches.
5 Gisenyi: Known for its beautiful beaches along Lake Kivu, Gisenyi is a perfect spot to unwind, enjoy water sports, or take leisurely walks along the shoreline. The town has a vibrant atmosphere with local markets and cafes.
6 Kigali Genocide Memorial: A deeply moving site, this memorial pays tribute to the victims of the 1994 genocide against the Tutsi. It provides insight into Rwanda’s history, showcasing resilience and hope for the future.
7 King’s Palace Museum in Nyanza: This historical site showcases the traditional Rwandan monarchy and culture. The museum features a reconstructed royal palace and offers guided tours that delve into Rwanda’s history.
8 Butare: Visit the National Museum of Rwanda here, which is the largest museum in the country and offers insights into Rwandan culture, history, and art. Butare is also known for its beautiful scenery and academic institutions.
Lodges at unique places in Rwanda
Singita kwitonda lodge
The lodge is located next to Volcanoes National Park, home to Mountain gorillas, the lodge is named after a legendary silver back gorilla. The lodge is a perfect place to base when going for Mountain gorilla Tracking. They have 8 suites very spacious with a private heated Plunge pool, fire places, wellness treatment area. Since the lodge is strategically located facing the magical park, there is a beautiful view right from your room.
The lodge was built using local materials that means sustainability is considered here. The elements include woven ceiling and hand-fired terracotta brick work. On site there is a nursery and vegetation garden providing fresh foods. After gorilla Tracking or any other activity, you will feel at home at Kwitonda. Enjoy the hot fresh food prepared by experienced chefs and wonderful staff.
Adding on the materials used to build the lodge, the buildings have been crafted using rock, river stone, handmade ceramic tiles and oven-red clay bricks made by local people around. This makes the lodge blend well to the land scape and culture. The interiors have been built in handcrafted materials other features include, woven panels, handmade tiles and clay pots. The lodge is very luxurious.
At Kwitonda, you will have a view of important volcanoes in the park like Sabyinyo, Gahinga, and muhabura. Due to its location, at night mountain gorillas and elephants sometimes come around the lodge. The bamboo, ferns, giant lobelias and forest trees provide a natural backdrop that over time will engulf the buildings and reclaim them back into the forest.
The lodge also have beautiful living spaces, which forms lounges, dining areas, an outdoor fire pit, kitchen and not forgetting wine for visitors.
Amenities:
Private outdoor heated plunge pools, In-room massage treatments, Central fireplaces in suites and the main lodge., The on-site Akarabo Nursery and garden, Wine cellar and tastings, A dedicated Gear Room, Singita Boutique & Gallery store, Conservation Room, Complimentary WIFI throughout the lodge, Electricity/power available: 220V. Converters are also available and hairdryers are supplied in each suite
Activities at Kwitonda
Gorilla Trekking, Golden Monkey Trekking, birding, Hiking & Walking, Akarabo Nursery, Farm-to-Table Garden, Wellness, Yoga, Cycling, Village Tours, Wine Experience, Conservation Room, The Ellen DeGeneres Campus of the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund, Singita Community Culinary School, Boutique & Gallery, Lodge Information and etc.
Children’s activities offered:
Board games, cooking interactions, Stargazing, Activity booklets with a variety of games, quizzes and games, Arts & crafts, Movies, Swimming, Birding, Cycling, Akarabo Nursery and garden tour and etc.
One and Only Nyungwe house
This is located bordering Nyungwe National Park one of the oldest rain forest in Africa. The lodge offers luxury services, luxury suites and rooms are located in green environment accommodating visitors for adventure, honey mooners, and etc.
Rooms
Two-Bedroom Forest Suite
The suit is designed for the wild at heart, it’s an ideal room for those travelling with friends, families, group and etc. It has a big living space and outside decks where you can sit and appreciate nature.
Nyungwe Room
The room has immersive tree grazing balcony and African design and furnishings. The room represent Rwanda; s natural beauty, and its interiors make the room covered in the trees. This is good for adventures as you may view some animals right from your room.
Dining Room
They offer meals from the Rwandan land to suit your tastes and preferences; the dining is overlooking the tea plantations and the ingredients in the food served is locally grown in Rwanda. Visitors are free to eat from the restaurant or from the outside terrace.
There is an option of a romantic dinner, picnic breakfast, a lazy lunch by the infinity pool, an event with your suit. All these services can be offered by trained staff. Visitors are free to select a setting where to be offered a service.
Tea Lounge
Visitors are welcome any time of the day in the tea lounge, prepared drinks are available, different bites, you can taste while enjoying the surroundings of the lodge. Listen to different calls in the forest and etc.
Tea Lounge Bar
Take your drink as you enjoy Nyungwe National Park on their al Fresco deck, the drinks with local twist will make you immerse in the beautiful feelings while enjoying the beautiful views.
Enjoy exceptional dining and selected beverages included in your stay, plus two signature resort experiences daily.
Activities
Chimpanzee Tracking: It’s the highlight of Nyungwe National Park. Enjoy them in one of the old rain forest of Africa in cyamundong part of Nyungwe forest. Be ready to follow them in the thick forest that’s why the Hiking shoes, appropriate clothing and etc. are paramount.
Canopy walk: For this activity, it’s the first of its own in East Africa, imagine viewing different attractions face to face up the canopies, enjoy walking on the raised platform in the great forest.
Nature walk: There are many nature walks in the forest, some can take half day and others longer, each nature walk has rewards and visitors will leave the forest content of the magic of jungle.
Birding: The forest is known to be home to many unique birds, Nyungwe National Park is a birders paradise and it doesn’t miss of itineraries for birding safaris.
Rwanda Luxury Safaris 