Into the Mist
A Rwanda wellness retreat, hosted by Laura Bunting
Mountains & meditation
Imagine waking before dawn, mist curling through volcanic peaks, dreaming of the day ahead. Before you know it you're walking into the cloud forest to sit with mountain gorillas in their home — then returning to flow through a yoga practice, drink in hand, as the sun sets over the Virungas and a fire keeps you warm.
This is a retreat to one of the last wild places on earth, paired with the deep benefits of a guided wellness experience. Singita Kwitonda shares a border with Volcanoes National Park — the only lodge in such close proximity to the gorillas' habitat. With only eight suites, your experience will be intimate, unhurried and profoundly personal.
Spaces are extremely limited — permits sell out months ahead.
Singita Kwitonda Lodge
At the base of the Virunga range, with views of the Sabyinyo, Gahinga and Muhabura peaks, the lodge was designed to reflect the gentle, strong spirit of Rwanda's endangered mountain gorillas.
Eight contemporary suites feature private heated plunge pools, indoor and outdoor fireplaces, and handcrafted interiors honouring local artisan traditions — set within a plantation of 15,000 indigenous trees restoring the buffer zone between community and park. Once you arrive, everything is included; simply sink in and make yourself at home.
A bucket-list encounter
left on earth
daily
gorilla family
park headquarters
To sit quietly among them in their ancient forest home is one of the most moving wildlife encounters you will ever have. Treks depart early from park headquarters; the hike through dense bamboo and cloud forest can take one to four hours each way, depending on your allocated family. A moderate level of fitness is recommended.
Four days of wild wellness
Arrival & settling in
We collect you from Kigali and drive through Rwanda's rolling green hills to Singita Kwitonda (approx. 2.5 hours). Arrive to a warm welcome, settle into your suite and take in the volcanic panorama. We gather for afternoon yoga before sunset, then a sundowner as the sun dips behind the Virungas, and a conservation briefing before dinner.
Into the cloud forest
Wake at 5:30am for a light breakfast and depart for Volcanoes National Park. After a briefing at headquarters, we learn which family we'll visit — then spend one hour with a mountain gorilla family. Return to the lodge for restorative yoga and spa treatments. Dinner and a wine tasting for those who wish, or a light supper and early night for those who choose solitude.
Deeper still
If you chose a second gorilla trek, the day mirrors the one before — perhaps with a different family. If you booked one trek, spend the day at Akarabo Nursery with local artisan experiences: basket weaving, pottery, or visiting the Rwandan seamstress. We gather again for yoga, sundowners and a farewell dinner together.
Departure
Final morning yoga and breakfast with the volcanoes. Check out by 11am, then transfer back to Kigali, departing the lodge at 2pm.
Everything you need
From the moment we collect you in Kigali, everything is taken care of.
Included
Not included
Your gorilla trekking permit is included in the retreat price. We secure permits on your behalf — which is why early booking and the deposit are essential.
Preparing for your journey
What to pack
Health & travel
Good to know
The finer details
Getting there
We collect you from Kigali on 6 December; the drive to Singita Kwitonda takes around 2.5 hours through stunning scenery. The return transfer to Kigali departs at 2pm on 9 December.
Arriving early
We strongly recommend arriving in Kigali at least one night before, to avoid flight-delay disappointment. A visit to the Kigali Genocide Memorial is a moving way to understand Rwanda's history.
Extending your stay
If you'd like extra nights at Singita before or after the retreat, we can arrange them — just speak to us when booking.
Gratuities
As a guide: lodge staff USD 30–50 per person per day; trackers and porters USD 10–20 per trek; driver guide USD 15–25 per day.
Investment & booking
All accommodation, meals, drinks, transfers, yoga and wellness included.
Includes one gorilla trekking permit, plus all accommodation, meals, drinks, transfers, yoga and wellness.
Secure your placeIncludes two gorilla trekking permits — a second morning with a different family — plus all accommodation, meals, drinks, transfers, yoga and wellness.
Secure your placeA 50% non-refundable deposit secures your place. Gorilla permits are limited and sell out — your deposit lets us secure permits immediately. Passport details are required at the time of booking.
Only a handful of spaces remain
Book now and pay your deposit to secure your permits. For questions, or to discuss extending your stay, reach out to us directly.
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