Rwanda: A wild haven in the mist

Some countries leave a lasting mark on your soul, taking up permanent residence in your memory and imprinting on your very being. Rwanda is one such place for me - but defining this beautiful, tiny nation is no easy task. Known as the Land of a Thousand Hills, the country is home 604 of the world’s remaining 1,063 mountain gorillas that live in the mist shrouded forests of the Virunga Massif. It’s also one of the safest countries for visitors in Africa and a regenerated wildlife haven that is celebrated for its extraordinary conservation success stories. Rwanda is also a beacon of progress and empowerment, boasting 63% female representation in parliament, a remarkable testament to its commitment to gender equality.

Having hosted several Greatest Safari on Earth trips and our 2021 Women’s Empowerment Retreat, I find myself falling more deeply in love with Rwanda on every visit. The remarkable country offers a safari experience unlike any other—one that transforms your outlook and perspective. It’s not just about what you see—the gorillas, golden monkeys, breathtaking natural landscapes, and extraordinary displays of human resilience—it’s about what you feel. Rwanda radiates a rich, feminine energy and a unique, gentle power that I’ve never encountered elsewhere. The heartwarming sense of pure joy and deep human connection you share with the Rwandan people, your fellow trekkers, guides and porters is unparalleled. And to meet the curious gaze of our closest primate relatives, with whom we share 98% of our DNA, is an experience that is as humbling as it is life-changing.

Singita Kwitonda Lodge, the only lodge that shares a border with Volcanoes National Park—one of just three places on the planet to see the mountain gorilla—is one of the most exquisite places from which to surrender to this potentially life-changing experience. Set on 178 acres of rewilded grassland, the views of the Sabyinyo, Gahinga and Muhabura volcanoes shrouded by the swirling mists are simply mind-blowing and the space is equally nurturing and contemplative. The cuisine, the top-tier amenities, breathtaking design and warm Rwandan service wrap you in care and luxurious comfort. It is amongst one of the best lodges on the continent.

I often say that safari is a symphony of the senses. At Singita Kwitonda, that sentiment rings especially true. A series of exquisitely designed, 100% sustainable, sculptural volcanic rock structures remove any barrier between you and the surrounding wild landscape. Rather than feeling tucked away, you’re immersed in the natural rhythms of the moving mists and jungle-covered volcanoes unfolding before you. At every turn, one finds a soft place to land with every creature comfort imaginable to dream and to gaze at those mysterious volcanoes, nature’s symbols of strength and power.

To have the level of tangible, insider access ROAR AFRICA guarantees to the park’s history, past and present, at your fingertips is incredibly special. We introduce our guests to pioneering gorilla conservationists at the incredible Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund campus and to Prosper Uwingeli, Chief Warden of Volcanoes National Park and a dear friend. This level of immersion, expert curation and personal touch helps guests forge friendships, connections and memories that last a lifetime. Also, Rwanda’s 10% tourism revenue sharing model with local communities means the positive impact of your trip is immediate and long-lasting. This is what real, authentic, conservation-forward travel is all about. 

In these intimate moments spent up-close with wildlife and mother nature, we root back to our truest selves and feel a newfound belonging to this beautiful, fragile planet we all share. Should you wish to stay at Singita Kwitonda and meet the gaze of Rwanda’s mountain gorillas, please contact welcome@roarafrica.com.