RWANDA: AFRICA’S HIDDEN GEM
For nature and wildlife enthusiasts, communing with endangered Mountain Gorillas in Rwanda is not only the trip of a lifetime but also a pilgrimage. These gentle giants had been on the path to extinction due to loss of habitat, poaching, and trap by-catch. However, thanks to the work and life of Diane Fossey and other conservation organizations, the plight of the Mountain Gorillas made the world stage. Today, Mountain Gorillas have moved from Critically Endangered to Endangered and the outlook is improving. Ecotourism is a powerful motivator and Rwandans understand first-hand how protecting the Mountain Gorillas has a direct impact on their own quality of life. Tourism has created good jobs in guiding and hospitality and tourism dollars have funded schools and health care facilities in local communities. You can help with the recovery by making your own trip to this gorgeous country.
The design of Bisate’s nest-like villas was inspired by a former Rwandan royal palace.
We loved our stay in the beautiful Bisate Lodge at the end of a red dirt road adjacent to Volcanoes National Park. The six nest-like villas are nestled in the trees on a lush hillside looking across to the steep volcanic slopes. The sounds of local families tending their land and livestock drift up on the evening air with a touch of smoke from the many small cook fires twinkling throughout the valley. Guest villas are architecturally stunning and finished in beautiful natural materials with Rwandan elements throughout. Service rivals the very best 5-star properties in the world and the extensive menu offerings and wine cellar are a showcase of African terroir. The consensus is clear: three nights is not enough!
O&O interior design never disappoints
One & Only Gorillas Nest opened its doors in Fall 2019 . It is a large, resort-like property set in a thick Eucalyptus grove with beautifully lush landscaping throughout. The villas are perched high off the ground for a treehouse feel and plenty of privacy. As with many One & Only properties, the accommodations are beyond spacious and carefully designed with natural materials and modern flair. The property includes a gym, spa, outdoor pool, and several restaurants to keep your visit fresh. With a dramatic entrance and high touch service, you will feel like an A-lister.
Every seat is the “Best in the House” at Kwitonda Lodge
Singita’s Kwitonda Lodge is another gem in this area. Similar to Wilderness Safaris, the company behind Bisate Lodge and other gorgeous properties throughout eastern and southern Africa, Singita has a storied history of conservation through ecotourism. The lodge is built on a large swath of land adjacent to the National Park purchased from local families who relocated their farms away from Mountain Gorilla habitat. The area is slowly reverting to its natural state which will allow the park boundaries to be extended. The property is visited by elephant, buffalo, leopard, antelope, and more. The eight modern guest villas are crafted of local wood and volcanic stone and include plunge pools with uninterrupted views up the grassy slopes to the edge of the Volcanoes NP. There is a kitchen garden and a shop run by local artisans plus 5-star service and cuisine to match. All this while traveling for good - a win/win!
Most travelers to eastern Africa focus on Kenya and Tanzania, devoting only a few days to Rwanda for gorilla trekking. No one expects to fall in love with Rwanda but it surprises even the most seasoned travelers with an endless sea of lush peaks and valleys; friendly, hard-working people living close to the land and taking pride in its upkeep; and ubiquitous swaths of bright kitenge cloth dressing up the homes and people in exotic and cheerful designs. Rwanda is visually spectacular! It is also a living testament to human resilience and the power of forgiveness. Besides coffee and Mountain Gorillas, Rwanda is probably best known for its terrifying civil war and genocide of thirty years ago. In the aftermath of that tragedy, the country remade itself anew and is stronger for it with gender equality, compulsory education, and a female-majority government. The Genocide Museum in Kigali is a moving and hopeful tribute to all who suffered and is an essential part of any well-rounded itinerary. For the best Rwanda experience, give yourself 10-14 days; anything less will feel incomplete and leave you wanting more.