From Kigali to Kwitonda: Exploring Rwanda’s subtle magic
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Singita's properties in Rwanda lie in the country's mountainous northwest, right on the edge of Volcanoes National Park.
This region is one of the most biodiverse on Earth, home to endangered mountain gorillas and golden monkeys, forest elephants, buffaloes, and hundreds of bird species, along with rich plant and insect life, and communities who have lived alongside these forests for generations.
Framed by sweeping views of three volcanoes, Kwitonda and Kataza House are designed to help you slow down, offering moments of stillness and deep rest alongside meaningful and adventurous experiences.
In this episode, Ngoni Mtizwa, Lodge Manager at Kwitonda; Donatha Kabangwa, who supervises the on-site Akarabo Nursery; and Michael Schapiro, Singita's in-house writer, discuss the conservation efforts currently underway in the region, how this landscape shapes the guest experience, and why they believe everyone should stay longer at Singita Volcanoes National Park.
This region is one of the most biodiverse on Earth, home to endangered mountain gorillas and golden monkeys, forest elephants, buffaloes, and hundreds of bird species, along with rich plant and insect life, and communities who have lived alongside these forests for generations.
Framed by sweeping views of three volcanoes, Kwitonda and Kataza House are designed to help you slow down, offering moments of stillness and deep rest alongside meaningful and adventurous experiences.
In this episode, Ngoni Mtizwa, Lodge Manager at Kwitonda; Donatha Kabangwa, who supervises the on-site Akarabo Nursery; and Michael Schapiro, Singita's in-house writer, discuss the conservation efforts currently underway in the region, how this landscape shapes the guest experience, and why they believe everyone should stay longer at Singita Volcanoes National Park.
Chapters
- 00:00 Introduction to Safari Conversations
- 00:49 Singita Volcanoes National Park Overview
- 02:45 Meet the Guests: Donna, Ngonyi and Michael
- 04:35 History of the Property: From Dairy Farm to Lodge
- 06:00 The Three Volcanoes and Their Names
- 07:42 Rewilding the Land: From Empty Fields to Indigenous Forest
- 09:54 Challenges and Triumphs of Tree Planting
- 12:18 The Atmosphere and Sense of Calm
- 13:29 Rwandan Humility and the Name Kuitonda
- 15:04 The Properties: Kuitonda Lodge and Kataza House
- 16:32 Life Without a Set Itinerary
- 17:51 Activities On and Off Property
- 20:35 Why Guests Slow Down and Stay Longer
- 22:37 The Akarabo Organic Nursery
- 24:31 Donna's Story: How She Came to Lead the Nursery
- 26:33 Traditional Night: Drumming, Dance and Rwandan Culture
- 29:02 Rwanda's Story Beyond the Gorillas
- 31:16 The Significance of Mountain Gorillas in Rwanda
- 33:01 Tourism Revenue Sharing and Community Benefits
- 34:27 A Gorilla Trek Day: Wake-Up to Return
- 37:09 The Community Culinary School
- 39:32 How Conservation, Community and Hospitality Connect
- 42:32 Final Reflections on Rwanda and Volcanoes National Park
- 44:16 Closing Thanks
