inspiration
Renewal in nature happens constantly and in tiny increments, all around us, invisible to the naked eye. It’s often only when we look back that we can see how far we have come. Singita Volcanoes National Park is set within a landscape of wetlands and lush meadows, with the looming silhouettes of the Sabyinyo, Gahinga, and Muhabura volcanoes in the not- so-distant distance. An amphitheatre of majesty and mystery. A symbol of endurance, and yet ever evolving. When Kwitonda and Kataza House were conceived, part of the vision that inspired them was a commitment to regeneration, and to the land that hosts them, through great strides, but also small steps over time. The location of the property, right on the edge of the park, demanded a vision that was sympathetic to this precious ecosystem, that would also nurture it in the years to come.
Nature has been integral from the outset. The landscape is intentionally woven into the design through materials with a sense of place, in part to enrich the experience of being there, but also to allow people to feel the impact of its closeness. Moss has crept over volcanic stone walls, softening their edges and embracing the buildings. Eventually, trees that were planted will envelop the lodge, too. Mountain bamboo, ferns, and giant lobelias will form a natural backdrop that over time will engulf it and reclaim it into the forest. The land between the lodge and the edge of the park forms a bridge between the wild, unpopulated property and the private concession. Between the present and what’s possible in the future. When guests go on walks around the property, they can see first-hand how the borders between have blurred.
Previous spread The forest has gradually crept closer, merging with the lodge. Above Conservationist Charles Nsabimana was born nearby and has witnessed the changing landscape over time.
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