Curator’s statement
In January of 2024, I did a site inspection while staying at the Kataza House which is one of the Singita Lodges and Villas sites located in the Volcanoes National Park, Rwanda. This lodge is in a beautiful setting where the brick-style lodge with luxurious amenities such as spacious rooms with a spa-style bathroom, interesting artwork with unique designed lamps, tables and many views of the beautiful outside. The outdoor patio has locally crafted chairs and tables, a fire pit and a small hot jacuzzi with one of the views of the Virunga volcano chains in the background. The staff is super attentive to your needs daily, and are happy to serve you and are comfortable with your presence. The bed dinner table room is almost like being at your own house with a big dinner table with picture works of mountain gorillas, a nice fireplace and comfortable carpets that makes your stay cozy. I recommend anybody who wants to visit Volcanoes National Park to stay here for a few days after a day of gorilla trekking and hiking through the forest to see the volcanoes.
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The lodge is located by the Parc Volcanoes National Park in Ruhengeri of northern Rwanda. It is a cozy luxury-style lodge part of Singita Lodges and Villas collection that operates across Africa. The best way to get here is by vehicle which can be arranged from nearby Ubuyanja National Ruhengeri Airport in the town of Musanze, formerly known as Ruhengeri. It is a two-minute drive and located inside the heart of town with access to many stores, shops, restaurants and bars and the parks.
Singita Kataza House is set within a landscape of wetlands and lush meadows with magnificent views of the Sabyinyo, Gahinga and Muhabura volcanoes. It is designed with local materials that use volcanic rock, river stone, handmade ceramic tiles and oven-red clay bricks made by surrounding communities, which connects the villa to the landscape and its culture. The influences are interpreted in a contemporary style with a unique architectural layout. The mountain bamboo, ferns, giant lobelias and forest trees provide a natural backdrop where you will see how the lodge reclaims its nature.
This private villa gives visitors all access to facilities and amenities at the lodge, which offers additional spaces for convivial relaxation, entertaining and dining. Set alongside Singita Kwitonda Lodge, the villa sleeps eight people in four bedrooms and amenities with indoor baths and outdoor showers. An interactive open-plan kitchen with open living and dining spaces gives you a cozy feel with indoor and outdoor fireplaces. A cinema room and fitness center give you time to work out with a small wine cellar and the Singita Boutique & Gallery store.
What I love is the large heated pool and smaller heated pool off the main bedroom with a massage treatment room that make it a true stay. An on-site visit to Akarabo Nursery and farm-to-table garden gives you insight on how the staff carefully craft the produce and herbs that is put on your dinner table.
Note: Children of all ages are welcome at the villa, but please note that the minimum age for gorilla trekking is 15.
Need to know
I recommend Kataza House for the honeymoon travelers, adventure traveler, both solo and in group, and those who are really into the natural setting and appreciation of sustainable and dramatic designed amenities that pay tribute to local Rwandan culture. A trip to Volcanoes National Park with a stay at this gorgeous lodge is a must.
For more inspiration and insider recommendations, visit our Rwanda page.
Travel Advisor
Joshua Lucas
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