Situated along the Kwitonda trail, Singita will add about 12 hotel rooms and it will employ close to 70 people, according to Luke Bailles, the founder of Singita.

“Singita Kwitonda will offer 8 suites and a villa with magnificent views of the Sabyinyo, Gahinga and Muhabura volcanoes,” he explained.

He added that they have locally sourced labor and construction materials during the construction.

Bailles said the opening of the new property will put gorilla trekking within easy reach and in combination with other destination tours within Rwanda for tourists to take advantage of.

It will also offer tourists a classic safari option to Singita’s private concessions on the Serengeti plains in neighboring Tanzania.

Conservation efforts

Bailles said they are working in close partnership with the Rwanda Development Board and local communities, in taking a measured, long-term approach to conservation on the edge of the Volcanoes National Park, in line with the company’s established 100-year vision to build sustainable revenue streams to fund the preservation of African wilderness for future generations.

“We have been treading lightly on the land during the entire construction process. Sustainability is at the core of the construction project. We will initially establish a nursery and plant over 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 neighbouring communities to thrive economically and socially,” he explained.

“It’s been our dream to become involved in Rwanda tourism,” he said, adding that the move to invest in Rwanda’s high-end market was inspired by the country’s sustainable tourism strategy.

Named in tribute to Kwitonda, a great silverback gorilla that died close to six years ago and whose legend lives on in Rwanda for being known for his humility and gentleness, the Singita Kwitonda Lodge joins the 13 award winning lodges and camps across South Africa, Tanzania and Zimbabwe run by Singita.

Singita is a conservation brand that has been preserving African wilderness for the past 25 years, offering guests an exceptional safari experience with 14 luxury, award-winning lodges and camps across five regions. In partnership with non-profit Funds & Trusts who implement strategic conservation projects in each region, Singita’s 100-year purpose is to preserve and protect pristine land and wildlife populations, and help create economic independence within local communities surrounding the reserves.

Luke Bailles, founder and chairman of Singita Lodges