sustainability is key to the future of preserving and protecting … · sustainability is key to...

16

Upload: others

Post on 22-Jun-2020

4 views

Category:

Documents


0 download

TRANSCRIPT

Page 1: Sustainability is key to the future of preserving and protecting … · Sustainability is key to the future of preserving and protecting large tracts of land in Africa. It is a combination
Page 2: Sustainability is key to the future of preserving and protecting … · Sustainability is key to the future of preserving and protecting large tracts of land in Africa. It is a combination

Sustainability is key to the future of preserving and protecting large tracts of land in Africa. It is a combination of guests staying at our lodges, together with partnerships on various different levels, that enables us to pursue our vision.

– Luke Bailes, Founder & Executive Chairman, Singita

Singita is committed to saving Africa’s wilderness 3

Conservation as a way of life 4

Rwanda’s magical charm 5

Welcome to Singita Kwitonda Lodge 6

The Kwitonda Lodge experience 7

A life-changing opportunity: gorilla-trekking 8

Unique experiences in the heart of Africa 9

Preparing for your journey 10

Our location 11

Getting to Singita Kwitonda Lodge 12

Weather and temperature 13

The finer details 14

An experience in excellence 15

HOME CONTENTS PREVIOUS NEXT 2

Page 3: Sustainability is key to the future of preserving and protecting … · Sustainability is key to the future of preserving and protecting large tracts of land in Africa. It is a combination

SINGITA IS COMMITTED TO SAVING AFRICA’S WILDERNESS

We’ve been preserving African wilderness for the past two decades. Through an exceptional safari experience with 14 award-winning lodges and camps across South Africa, Tanzania, Zimbabwe and Rwanda, Singita is able to partially fund the protection andpreservation of over a million acres of pristine land and existing wildlife populations, as well as helping to create economic independencewithin local communities surrounding the reserves.

Travellers choose to stay at Singita because of the expansive space and beauty of the reserves, limited guest and vehicle numbers, extraordinarily consistent game viewing and the exceptional care that is taken of each guest during their stay. When guests depart after a Singita safari, they are transformed for life, satisfied in the knowledge that they’ve made a contribution to the legacy of Africa.

HOME CONTENTS PREVIOUS NEXT 3

Page 4: Sustainability is key to the future of preserving and protecting … · Sustainability is key to the future of preserving and protecting large tracts of land in Africa. It is a combination

CONSERVATION AS A WAY OF LIFE

Built upon a 100-year purpose to preserve and protect African wilderness for future generations, Singita has been championing conservation in Africa from the very beginning. We achieve this with large-scale projects in wildlife management and protection, reserve and ecosystem integrity, sustainable tourism practices and community development.

Through a sustainable conservation model that helps balance tourism with conservation in all regions in which we operate, Singita’s ethos of “touching the earth lightly” is no longer just a forward-thinking principle; it is imperative to our survival, and that of the land, wildlife and communities under our care.

HOME CONTENTS PREVIOUS NEXT 4

Page 5: Sustainability is key to the future of preserving and protecting … · Sustainability is key to the future of preserving and protecting large tracts of land in Africa. It is a combination

DISCOVER RWANDA’S MAGICAL CHARM

Affectionately known as “The land of a Thousand Hills”, this tiny East African gem might be small, but with its unspoilt forests, lush meadows and picture-perfect lakes, it’s anatural wonderworld with plenty to offer.

Perched on its northwestern border, Volcanoes National Park is home to more than one third of the remaining mountain gorillas in the world. It is here, surrounded by 178 acres of verdant forest land, that the latest addition to Singita’s fold of luxury wilderness retreats is opening its doors in August 2019.

As the perfect springboard for gorilla-trekking experiences, Singita Kwitonda Lodge is also ideally located to discover the rest of Rwanda’s offerings – from the sights and sounds of the vibrant capital, Kigali, to Nyungwe National Park with its suspended canopy walk.

The country’s miraculous recovery from its painful past is testimony to the newfound solidary, impressive work ethic and warmth of its people. This regenerative spirit has inspired the entire guest experience at Kwitonda, where guests are enveloped in a contemplative, nurturing space in which to appreciate the transformative experience of coming face to face with the forest’s gentle giants.

HOME CONTENTS PREVIOUS NEXT 5

Page 6: Sustainability is key to the future of preserving and protecting … · Sustainability is key to the future of preserving and protecting large tracts of land in Africa. It is a combination

WELCOME TO SINGITA KWITONDA LODGE

Boasting breathtaking views of the Sabyinyo, Gahinga and Muhabura volcanoes and surrounded by high-altitude forests, Singita Kwitonda Lodge offers an experience unlike any of Singita’s otherdestinations.

With its exceptional natural beauty, environmentally conscious luxury and transformative, purpose-driven experiences, the lodge was designed in response to this remarkable location, and the eight contemporary suites (as well as the private four-bedroom villa – Kataza House) are linked by volcanic rock pathways to the central lodge.

The interiors emphasise local design and handcrafted details adorn the carefully planned spaces. Layered textures and colours enhance the reflective quality of this tranquil haven and an experiential enclave offers free-flowing indoor and outdoor areas. A convivial fire pit, interactive kitchen, bar-deli and wine cellar complete the picture.

HOME CONTENTS PREVIOUS NEXT 6

Page 7: Sustainability is key to the future of preserving and protecting … · Sustainability is key to the future of preserving and protecting large tracts of land in Africa. It is a combination

THE SINGITA KWITONDA LODGE EXPERIENCE

Accommodation • 7 x 1-bedroom suites• 1 x 2-bedroom suite

A luxury experience in the heart of AfricaEvery creature comfort is taken care of with these great amenities:

• Private heated pools outside every suite• Gear room• In room spa-treatments• Complimentary WiFi internet• Each suite has an iPad and media suite• Guest mini bars or fridges• Children of all ages are welcome. There are

tailormade activities available – please refer to thepage listing our on-site activities.

HOME CONTENTS PREVIOUS NEXT 7

Page 8: Sustainability is key to the future of preserving and protecting … · Sustainability is key to the future of preserving and protecting large tracts of land in Africa. It is a combination

A LIFE-CHANGING OPPORTUNITY:GORILLA-TREKKING

Singita Kwitonda Lodge provides 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 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.

Setting off early in the morning for the 7am briefing atVolcanoes National Park’s headquarters, a short drive from Singita Kwitonda Lodge, guests are matched with a guide before starting their hike into the dense cloud forest.

The distance of each gorilla trek is varied, so depending on which family group guests are allocated, the duration isanywhere 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.

* See ‘THE FINER DETAILS’ for more information on permitsand costs.

HOME CONTENTS PREVIOUS NEXT 8

Page 9: Sustainability is key to the future of preserving and protecting … · Sustainability is key to the future of preserving and protecting large tracts of land in Africa. It is a combination

UNIQUE EXPERIENCES IN THEHEART OF AFRICA

Apart from gorilla-trekking, the Afro montane forests of Nyungwe National Park, primordial Lake Kivu and sophisticated capital Kigali all add to the considerable appeal of this enchanting country. Using Singita Kwitonda Lodge as aspringboard, guests are privy to a whole host of unforgettable encounters.

On-site• A dedicated conservation lounge for pre- and post-gorilla-trekking briefings

and information talks, maps, movies, books and photography.• The Kwitonda Nursery tour, featuring our farm-to-table journey, is a sensory

experience filled with informative, interactive elements that’s all about asustainable approach that benefits the community and celebrates seasonalproduce.

• Photography – including state-of-the-art photo-editing facilities.• World-class wine tasting.• Various exercise options, including walking and yoga.• Birding.• In-room massage treatments.• Cookery classes by expert chefs.• Kids’ activities, including golden monkey treks, nursery tours, cooking

classes, arts & crafts, village tours, games, movies, birding and an explorerprogramme.

Off-site• Gorilla-trekking in Volcanoes National Park• Golden monkey treks• Local market tours• Day tours exploring Kigali, including visits to the Genocide Memorial• The Dian Fossey Trek at the original Karisoke site: a two-hour hike to her

gravesite, house and research site• The Musanze caves, comprising 2km of 32 underground caves• Cycling tours, on arrangement.• Chef’s tours to the local village.

HOME CONTENTS PREVIOUS NEXT 9

Page 10: Sustainability is key to the future of preserving and protecting … · Sustainability is key to the future of preserving and protecting large tracts of land in Africa. It is a combination

PREPARING FOR YOUR JOURNEY

We recommend packing the followingFor the lodge:Pants, long-sleeved tops, T-shirts, a warm layer for the evenings. Cotton clothing in neutral colours isrecommended for bush walks. It’s advisable to avoid white and dark colours as they tend to attract bugs.No formal wear is required at any of our lodges.

For trekking:Boots with a good grip, hiking chaps, gloves, a waterproof jacket/raincoat, thick socks to protect you against stinging nettles, long-sleeved tops are suggested.

Singita Kwitonda Lodge provides:Complimentary comfort kits, containing items such as sun cream, a sweat towel, tissues, a buff (required by Rwandan parks) and brown sanitary/toilet eco bags. Guests will receive a loaned backpack containing a lunch-box, snacks and a water bottle.

Technical trekking gear:• Raincoats, quick-dry pants, hiking chaps and hiking sticks are available for guests during their stay.To ensure a comfortable experience, we recommend bringing the following:• Comfortable walking shoes/track shoes/hiking boots for walks and sandals to wear around the lodge.• Swimming costume/bathing suits, sun block, sun hat, sunglasses, lip balm, mosquito repellent. (The latter

two items are provided, but you are welcome to bring along your favourite brand if you prefer.)• Video camera, camera, binoculars. Spare memory cards.

Health requirementsSingita Kwitonda Lodge is situated nearby malaria-risk areas and we recommend that you adhere to the advice of your doctor the use of prophylactics. Insect repellent (spray or wipes) are provided.

A yellow fever certificate is required if traveling from a yellow fever endemic area.

Guests are strongly advised to check the latest information regarding vaccination for travel to Rwanda with their local travel clinic or travel agent.

HOME CONTENTS PREVIOUS NEXT 10

Page 11: Sustainability is key to the future of preserving and protecting … · Sustainability is key to the future of preserving and protecting large tracts of land in Africa. It is a combination

Location of Singita Kruger National Park [A]Singita Kruger National Park is found on the south easternreaches of the Kruger National Park, on South Africa’sborder with Mozambique. Situated on 33,000 acres,this exclusive concession is one of the most incredibleterritories in the park and is home to exquisite selectionsof flora and fauna in four different eco-zones. This is whereyou will find Singita Sweni Lodge.

LOCATION Location of Singita Sweni Lodge [B]Resting lightly upon the ground within a 33,000 acre,private concession in the Kruger National Park, on SouthAfrica’s border with Mozambique, Singita Sweni Lodge isbeautifully concealed by hundreds of trees and is nestledat the edge of the Sweni River. With idyllic proximity tothe river, guests are treated to up-close sightings of anincredible number of wildlife that wander down to drink orwallow in the river below the lodge.

20

KILOMETRES

SINGITA PAMUSHANA SINGITA SERENGETI SINGITA SABI SAND & KRUGER NATIONAL PARK

Tarime

Musoma

Mwanza

Shinyanga

Bunda

Karatu

Namanga

Narok

Moshi

Mount Meru

Nairobi

Arusha

K E N Y A

T A N Z A N I A

M A A S A I M A R A N A T I O N A L

R E S E R V E

S E R E N G E T IN A T I O N A L P A R K

S I N G I T A G R U M E T I

S I N G I T A L A M A I

Manyara AirstripArusha Airstrip

Kilimanjaro Airstrip

Ndutu Airstrip

Kusini Airstrip

Seronera AirstripMwanza International Airport

Lobo Airstrip

Sasakwa Airstrip

Kogatende Airstrip

Tarime Airstrip

Lamai Airstrip

Mwiba Lodge

Ngorongoro Crater LodgeLegendary Lodge

Little Chem Chem

Chem Chem Safari Lodge

Seronera

Four Seasons Lodge

Cottars 1920’s Safari Camp

Bateleur Camp

Gira�e Manor

The Norfolk

Mara Plains Camp

Little Governors

Governors CampAngama Mara

Singita Sabora Tented Camp

Singita Mara River Tented Camp

Singita Sasakwa LodgeSingita Faru Faru Lodge

Singita Serengeti House

N G O R O N G O R O

K I L I M A N J A R O

A R U S H A

M A N Y A R A

LakeVictoria

Mara River

Grumeti RiverLake

Victoria

LakeEyasi

Lake Manyara

LakeNatron

Mara River

KrugerMpumalangaInternational

Numbi Gate

Shaws Gate

Orpen Gate

Malelane Gate

Newington Gate

Phalaborwa Gate

Paul Kruger Gate

Punda Maria Gate

Crocodile Bridge Gate

Pafuri Gate

GiriyondoBorder Post

Satara

Balule

Skukuza

Tsendze

Malelane

Roodewal

Bateleur

Olifants

Shimuweni

Lower Sabi

Shingwedzi

Berg-en-dal

Pretoriuskop

Mopani

Sirheni

Punda Maria

Singita Ebony LodgeSingita Boulders Lodge

Singita Castleton

Singita Lebombo LodgeSingita Sweni Lodge

L I M P O P ON A T I O N A L P A R K

K R U G E R N A T I O N A L P A R K

K A R I N G A N IG A M E

R E S E R V E

S I N G I T A K R U G E R N A T I O N A L P A R K

M A N Y E L E T I

B A L U L E

S E L A T I

L E T A B A

M A S S I N G I R

M A P U L A N G U E N E

K L A S E R I E

S A B I S A N D

M A K A L A L I

G R E A T E RL E B O M B O

C O N S E R V A N C Y

T I M B A V A T I

K A P A M A

S I N G I T A S A B I S A N D

K R U G E R N A T I O N A L P A R K

M O Z A M B I Q U E

S O U T H A F R I C A

SabieHazyview

Nelspruit

Hoedspruit

Phalaborwa

Graskop

Limpopo River

MassingirDam

Olifants

White River

M O Z A M B I Q U E

Z I M B A B W E

Chiredzi

Bu�alo RangeLonestar AirstripInternational Airport

G O N A R E Z H O UN A T I O N A L P A R K

M A L I L A N G W E W I L D L I F E R E S E R V E

Singita Pamushana Lodge

Skukuza Airport

Eastgate AirportK R U G E R

N A T I O N A L P A R K

K R U G E RN A T I O N A L

P A R K

S I N G I T AS A B I S A N D

Leopard Hills

SkukuzaHazyview

Acornhoek

Hoedspruit

Bushbuckridge

SAVANNA

NOTTENS

SABISABI

LIONSANDS

KIRKMAN’SKAMP

LONDOLOZISABISABI

LONDOLOZI

GALAGO

NKORHODJUMA

DULI

NI

ULUS

ABA

EXET

ERLD

UBE

INYATI

SIMBAMBILI

CHITWACHITWACHITWA

DJUMAELEPHANT

PLAINS

MANYELETI

T I M B A V A T I

K L A S E R I E

K A P A M A

Singita Ebony LodgeSingita Boulders Lodge

Singita Castleton

Camp Jabulani

Rattray's

Mala Mala Sable

Royal Malewane

Cape TownInternational

False Bay

Walker Bay

Table Bay

Cape Town

D A N G E R P O I N T

K O G E L B E R G

K L E I N R I V I E R S B E R G

T A B L EM O U N T A I N

C A P E P O I N T

K I R S T E N B O S C HH O T T E N T O T S

H O L L A N D

R O B B E NI S L A N D

Hout Bay

Simon's Town

Somerset West

Grabouw

Caledon

StanfordHermanus

Gansbaai

Muizenberg

Milnerton

Kleinmond

Camps Bay

Botrivier

Betty’s Bay

Green Point

Gordons Bay

Franschhoek

Paarl

Villiersdorp

Stellenbosch

La Residence

Grootbos

Birkenhead House

Babylonstoren

Delaire Gra� Estate

One&Only

The SiloCape Grace

Ellerman House

SINGITA PAMUSHANA

SABI SAND

SINGITA SERENGETI

SINGITA SABI SAND & KRUGER NATIONAL PARK

CAPE TOWN AND WINELANDS D

B

A

C

Airport

Landing Strip

Park gate

Town

City

Lodges/camp

Singita Lodge/Camp

Road

National Park

Private Game Reserve

Singita Concession

Country Border

Airport

Landing Strip

Park gate

Town

City

Lodges/camp

Singita Lodge/Camp

Road

National Park

Private Game Reserve

Singita Concession

Country Border

Key

Front

D

C

B

A

A

HOME 9CONTENTS PREVIOUS NEXT

LOCATION

RWANDA

UGANDA

DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF CONGO GAHINGA

MUSANZE

KIGALI (100KM)

VOLCANOES NATIONAL PARK

Volcanoes National Park Headquarters

SABYINYO

MGAHINGA GORILLANATIONAL PARK

BISOKE

KARISIMBI

MIKENO

MUHABURA

Singita Kwitonda Lodge

4 437m

4 507m

3 711m

4 127m

3 645m

3 474m

Location of Volcanoes National Park [A]

Singita Kwitonda is set on 178 acres (72 hectares) on the edge of Volcanoes National Park, in northwestern Rwanda on the border of Virunga National Park in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Relative to the population of the country and the intensive use of land for farming food crops, a 178-acre pocket of land in a country the size of Rwanda is highly prized.

HOME CONTENTS PREVIOUS NEXT 11

Page 12: Sustainability is key to the future of preserving and protecting … · Sustainability is key to the future of preserving and protecting large tracts of land in Africa. It is a combination

GETTING TO SINGITA KWITONDA LODGE

International flights arrive at Rwanda’s capital city, Kigali. From there, Singita Kwitonda Lodge is approximately 2 hours 30 minutes by road.

Alternatively, helicopter transfers are available from Kigali, followed by a short road transfer to the lodge.

HOME CONTENTS PREVIOUS NEXT 12

Page 13: Sustainability is key to the future of preserving and protecting … · Sustainability is key to the future of preserving and protecting large tracts of land in Africa. It is a combination

WEATHER AND TEMPERATURE

Rwanda is known as the land of a thousand hills and is situated just south of the equator. Most of the country is situated on a plateau, around 1,500 metres above sea level.Rwanda’s relatively high altitude provides it with cool nights and a pleasant tropicalhighland climate throughout the yearalthough there is also plenty of rain. The rainfall is often during the night or the early morning hours. Light cloud cover during the day helps to moderate the temperatures, but also occasionally brings light rain showers.

Rwanda has two rainy seasons per year with its long rainy season lasting from about March to May, when the rain is heavy and persistent, usually in the form of downpours orthunderstorms. June to mid-September (sometimes October) is the long dry season. It’s followed by a short dryer season from December to February.

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 is approximately 15 degrees Celsius, and the humidity can be quite high.

HOME CONTENTS PREVIOUS NEXT 13

Page 14: Sustainability is key to the future of preserving and protecting … · Sustainability is key to the future of preserving and protecting large tracts of land in Africa. It is a combination

THE FINER DETAILS

Tariffs at Singita Kwitonda Lodge include• Luxurious en suite accommodation, breakfast, lunch and dinner daily, all drinks

(including premium wines, spirits and liqueurs, but excluding French Champagne).• Laundry services.

Tariffs exclude• Telephone calls.• Tourism Development Levy.• French Champagne.• Spa treatments.• Certain special meal requests.• Transport to and from Singita Kwitonda Lodge.• Any day trips or transfers to and from Singita Kwitonda Lodge.• Permits for gorilla trekking.

Check-in/check-out times and lodge closure• The lodge is open year-round.• Check-in time: 13h00.• Check-out time: 10h00.• Please note that guests wishing to check in before 13h00 and/or checking out after

10h00 are required to book an additional night at the Day Use Rate.

Payment optionsWe accept Visa, MasterCard and American Express cards

Other T&Cs• There is a minimum stay requirement of two nights year-round.• The minimum age requirement for gorilla-trekking is 15.• Permits cost $1500 per person per trek, subject to change without prior notice.

Permits are subject to availability at the time of booking.• If Singita is securing a permit on your behalf, proof of payment for the permit needs

to be received within 24 hours, and the guest’s passport details no later than 60days prior to travel.

HOME CONTENTS PREVIOUS NEXT 14

Page 15: Sustainability is key to the future of preserving and protecting … · Sustainability is key to the future of preserving and protecting large tracts of land in Africa. It is a combination

With sustainability at its core, Singita Kwitonda Lodge is in step with Singita’s key focus to create

low-impact tourism to help preserve areas of pristine African wilderness for future generations.

HOME CONTENTS PREVIOUS NEXT 15

Page 16: Sustainability is key to the future of preserving and protecting … · Sustainability is key to the future of preserving and protecting large tracts of land in Africa. It is a combination

HOME CONTENTS PREVIOUS 16

Tel +44 1367 [email protected]

Singita lodges and camps across 6 regions in Africa South Africa • Kruger National Park: Singita Lebombo and Sweni Lodges• Sabi Sand: Singita Castleton, Boulders and Ebony LodgesTanzania• Grumeti: Singita Sasakwa Lodge, Sabora Tented Camp, Faru Faru Lodge, Serengeti House and Explore• Lamai: Singita Mara River Tented CampZimbabwe• Malilangwe Wildlife Reserve: Singita Pamushana Lodge and Malilangwe HouseRwanda• Volcanoes National Park: Singita Kwitonda Lodge and Kataza House