Rwanda
THE LAND OF A THOUSAND HILLS
Rwanda
Rwanda is one of the smallest countries in Africa, but its heart beats powerfully. The people are young and lively, open to sharing their music, art, and culture with visitors passing through. Sadly, it is an African nation whose name is still tinged with tragedy. While recovering gracefully from the stigma of it’s past, Rwanda has quickly become known as a fabulous destination for wildlife and adventure. In fact, Rwanda is known as the Land of a Thousand Hills thanks to the boundless mountains in this scenically stunning little country. Nowhere are the mountains more magnificent than the Virunga volcanoes in the Northwest, and hidden among the bamboo forests are some of the world’s last remaining mountain gorillas.
Safari Experiences in the Heartbeat of East Africa
Kigali Genocide Memorial - Kigali City
-
The people of Rwanda embrace peace and reconciliation. They are committed to fight the ideology of genocide. The memorials found throughout the country are moving testimonies in memory of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi and the people who lost their lives.
Inaugurated in 2004, the Kigali Genocide Memorial at Gisozi is the final resting place for more than 250,000 victims of the Genocide against the Tutsi. This memorial also serves to educate about how the Genocide against the Tutsi took shape and examines genocide in the 20th century.
The wall of names is dedicated to those who died and is a work still in progress. Many of the victims’ names have yet to be gathered and documented and many of the victims who rest in the graves are unknown.
The memorial gardens provide a place for quiet contemplation about the history of the Genocide against the Tutsi. They allow visitors to reflect on how we all have a personal responsibility to prevent discrimination and mass atrocity.
The centre also provides support for survivors, in particular orphans and widows.
Kwitonda Lodge - Singita
-
Kwitonda Lodge, which was named after a legendary silverback gorilla, is located on 178 acres and shares a 1.2km border with Volcanoes National Park – the only lodge within such close proximity of the park.
Boasting breathtaking views of the Sabyinyo, Gahinga and Muhabura volcanoes and surrounded by high-altitude forests, the interiors emphasise local design and handcrafted details adorn the carefully planned spaces.
Volcanoes National Park - Gorilla Trekk
-
Ancient, mist-swathed mountains and emerald forests reverberating with the sound of exotic birdsong await in Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park. Located on the country’s northwest border, the park spans some 62 square miles of montane rainforest, with five of its eight volcanoes making up the Virunga Mountains.
Mountain gorillas are the world’s largest living primates, and with 98 percent of the same DNA as us, their behavior often feels remarkably familiar. For those who want to observe this behavior up close, there are 12 habituated gorilla troops in the national park. Each one is made up of at least one silverback, or alpha male, and a harem of females and youngsters. Every day, six tracking permits are issued per troop. This keeps the experience as natural and unobtrusive as possible for humans and gorillas alike.
Kataza House
Featured Property
The ultimate exclusivity and comfort in Rwanda’s most coveted location.
Built in response to its unique natural setting.
Singita Kataza House’s two heated plunge pools, in- and outdoor fireplaces and large timber-framed windows continuously welcome the breathtaking scenery inside, ensuring a guest experience unlike any other. Set right on the edge of Volcanoes National Park, it puts gorilla-trekking experiences within easy reach and the villa’s four luxurious suites provide comfortable, reflective and nurturing spaces in which to appreciate the transformative experience of coming face to face with the gentle giants of the forest.
Art: “Kwitonda”, by John Banovich, Oil on Belgian Linen, 66.25h x 120w in, located in Rwanda at Singita’s Kwitonda Lodge.
Inspiration behind “Kwitonda”, by John Banovich
One of John’s most spectacular masterpieces is his newly completed portrayal of the Kwitonda gorilla family. “I have set out to create a dramatic work that transports the viewer to the moment when you are nearly surrounded by gorillas, a moment when your heart skips a beat with excitement and you are completely absorbed in the moment.”
The Kwitonda group is a highly successful family lead by three massive silver backs named, Karevuro, Kigoma and Lisanga. They play on a forested slope in the shadow of a giant volcano standing guard over Singita’s new Kwitonda Lodge, which sits on 178 acres bordering Volcanoes National Park. Picture lush forest and rolling mist from the elegant comfort of the lounge; warm colours, dark wood and leather conspire to exquisite effect. John’s piece hangs in the dining room and is framed to give the illusion of a window onto the Kwitonda clan – and indeed, there is no better place from which to experience these magnificent creatures.
The richness of Rwanda is multifaceted, and one cannot help but be inspired to celebrate its positivity, its progress, the authentic warm welcome of its people, the wealth of precious natural assets nestled in its endless hills. Wildscapes Travel have spent countless happy hours designing custom adventures that incorporate all it has to offer; there is quite simply no way to return from Rwanda unchanged, and these are just the safari savants to make that happen for you.
“I hope you have an experience that alters the course of your life because, after Africa, nothing has ever been the same”
– Suzanne Evans