Singita Kataza House
Set right on the edge of Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda, Singita Kataza House puts gorilla-trekking experiences within easy reach.
This exclusive-use villa is located less than ten minutes from the Park’s headquarters, providing families or friends with nurturing spaces in which to appreciate the transformative experience of meeting ‘the gentle giants of the forest’.
Comprising two spacious suites, a junior master suite and a lavish master suite, the villa also includes a two-bedroom staff residence, wine cellar, fitness centre, cinema, massage treatment room, interactive kitchen and fire pit. Kataza House offers a full staff complement and a farm-to-table food journey that celebrates Rwandese cuisine and fresh produce from the on-site garden.
The work of local stone masons, weavers and ceramicists are central in its décor and design, and elements like woven ceilings and hand-fired terracotta brickwork add to the contemporary African appeal.
All facilities and amenities at the adjacent Singita Kwitonda Lodge are at guests’ disposal, providing the convenience of the lodge without any infringement on solitude.
The villa sleeps eight people in four bedrooms: 1 Master Suite, 1 Junior Master Suite, and 2 Suites. All of the suites have uninterrupted views of the mountainous, forested national park. Each suite has been designed as a luxurious refuge for post-trek relaxation with a cosy sitting area warmed by a fireplace. Thoughtful in-room conveniences include a well-stocked pantry and minibar and a private dining space. The bedrooms (configured as a super king double or twin), have a rest area, dressing room with double vanity, and a spacious bathroom with a bath, separate toilet, indoor shower and glass-enclosed outdoor shower. A private terrace with a fireplace and heated plunge pool encourages closer engagement with the surrounding landscape.
Amenities include:
- Full staff complement, including a private chef and host
- Indoor baths; indoor and outdoor showers
- Interactive open-plan kitchen
- Open living and dining spaces
- Indoor and outdoor fireplaces
- Cinema room
- Fitness centre
- Small wine cellar
- Larger heated pool and smaller heated pool off master bedroom
- Massage treatment room (guests can also enjoy in-room treatments)
- On-site Akarabo Nursery and farm-to-table garden
- Complimentary WiFi
- Children of all ages are welcome at the villa, but please note that the minimum age for gorilla trekking is 15
- Access to all facilities and amenities at Singita Kwitonda Lodge
Gorilla Trekking
Singita Kwitonda Lodge and Kataza House provide a contemplative, nurturing space in which to appreciate the transformative experience of coming face to face with the forest’s gentle giants.
For most guests, a gorilla trek is at the top of their list when they visit Rwanda and a stay at Singita Kwitonda Lodge or Kataza House allows them the privilege to encounter one of Africa’s most majestic and gentle creatures in the wild, while immersed in the beauty of their pristine natural habitat.
The distance of each gorilla trek is varied, so depending on which family group guests are allocated, the duration is anywhere from a couple of hours to a full day. Meals and lodge activities are flexible around each trek.
As children under the age of 15 are unable to participate in gorilla-treks, they will be cared for at the lodge with a variety of supervised activities and educational opportunities on offer.
Rwanda can be visited at any time of the year and gorilla trekking is a year-round activity. The average temperature at Singita Kwitonda Lodge and Kataza House is approximately 15 degrees Celsius, although humidity can be high.
Golden Monkey Trekking
Singita Kwitonda Lodge and Kataza House provides guests, including children, the opportunity to participate in the Golden monkey treks as children under the age of 15 are unable to participate in gorilla-treks.
Hiking
There are a number of hikes available in and around Singita Kwitonda Lodge including the hike to Dian Fossey’s Gravesite and the Mount Bisoke Crater Lake Hike.
Community Tours
A visit to the Iby’Iwacu Cultural Village in nearby Kinigi gives guests the special chance to spend time with exceptionally welcoming local communities and to experience their traditional lifestyle and culture. Ancient traditions of honour and hospitality run strong here, and anybody who takes the time to discover Rwandan culture for themselves will find a proud and unique people, very happy to welcome you into their lives and introduce you to their traditions.
Here guests can enjoy local-guided walks and home visits, displays of traditional dance and song, and fascinating stories told by proud and enthusiastic folk. Visitors can engage in pottery making lessons and shouldn’t leave the village without having had a taste of local food and locally brewed banana beer.
Conservation Room
The dedicated Conservation Room at Singita Volcanoes National Park is situated in the main area at Kwitonda Lodge. This interactive educational space is managed by Singita’s specialist conservationists and provides a unique perspective on endangered mountain gorillas and their habitat. The Room features an inspiring conservation wall with valuable information, iMacs, a big-screen television, maps and books – as well as a private collection of Robert Ian Martin (“Bob”) Campbell’s travel and photographic equipment. This renowned wildlife photographer and filmmaker was best known for his footage and photographs of Dian Fossey and mountain gorillas published in National Geographic.
On the evening before a gorilla trek, guests meet in the Conservation Room, where a lodge manager and Singita conservationist will explain various aspects of the trekking experience. This includes more details about the area; a general outline of the day’s itinerary; what is offered at Volcanoes National Park’s Headquarters; the roles of guides, trackers and porters; the trek’s departure time, duration and distance; trekking rules; what technical trekking gear can be borrowed from Singita’s Gear Room; options for packed lunches; weather and hiking conditions; more about the gorillas, golden monkeys and other animals that may be encountered on the trek; and the arrangements for returning to the lodge.
Spa
A stay at Singita Kwitonda Lodge is sure to awaken a sense of self-discovery and reflection as guests immerse themselves in one of the most remarkable natural places in the world.
Opportunities to retreat, relax and reflect are plentiful at Kwitonda as the lodge breathes a sense of peace, quiet and tranquility into its visitors. Warm fires, restful spaces, healthy food, yoga, meditation, massages, soft lighting and warm baths serve to nurture, comfort and rejuvenate guests as they connect with nature in a way they never have before.
The Singita wellness philosophy creates an environment for our urban-weary guests to reconnect to nature, revive their senses, restore their body and mind, and explore our African culture.
All treatments are offered in the comfort of guests’ suites or in the tranquility of their private outdoor deck.
The Kwitonda Nursery tour
This features Singita's farm-to-table journey - a sensory experience filled with informative, interactive elements that’s all about a sustainable approach that benefits the community and celebrates seasonal produce.
Cooking classes
Guests have the option to explore the local cuisine by participating in cookery classes that are conducted by expert chefs. Both adults and children are welcome to participate in cooking classes.
World-class wine tasting
Guests can participate in a world-class wine tasting that is hosted at the property.
For more information about Singita Kataza House click HERE.
