Singita is pleased to announce the promotion of Lydia Nzayo to General Manager at Singita Volcanoes National Park, Rwanda. Lydia was among the firstmembers of the team when she joined as Assistant GM in January 2019. She was involved in the opening of Singita Kwitonda Lodge and Kataza House and has enjoyed success and global recognition alongside the team in the year it has been open.
Born in Rwanda 35 years ago but raised in Russia, France and Italy, before 10 years working in Spain, Lydia was delighted to become part of the opening team in Rwanda. Her passion and enthusiasm, as well as her thoughtful consideration of colleagues and guests, is part of her charm. Talking to travellers from around the world is one of the highlights of the job and she never tires of seeing their photos from the day’s gorilla trek or hearing their stories told around the fire before dinner. Having travelled the world for much of her life, she has a special knack for creating meaningful, heart-warming moments that guests remember most. Lydia feels particularly aligned with Singita’s 100-year conservation vision, saying, “It gives me a sense of purpose to be part of the change we all want to see for the next generation. Contributing to conservation in my home country is a reason for me to wake up every morning with a smile. I am extremely proud to take up this opportunity. Working for a company with the same values has been a dream come true.”
The endangered mountain gorillas slow but steady recovery from near-extinction has become
a symbol for Rwanda’s ability to rally in the face of adversity. The indomitable will of its people
and the country’s remarkable rebirth has inspired Rwandans like Lydia to return home after
decades abroad to contribute to its renaissance.
The property’s on-site nursery, Akarabo – which means ‘little flower’ in Kinyarwanda – supplies indigenous plants for the reforestation of the 178 acres of land on which the lodge sits.
Over 250,000 saplings were bought from local growers and earmarked for landscaping before
the lodge opened. The nursery continues to increase as Singita contributes to the expansion of
Volcanoes National Park, an important natural habitat for the survival of the mountain gorillas.
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