The wonderfully refurbished Nyungwe House re-opened on 1 October 2018

Set on the edge of Rwanda, One & Only Nyungwe House is located in an untouched natural rainforest environment. Nyungwe Forest National Park is a haven for 13 species of primate including Colobus monkeys and chimpanzees and home to the working tea plantation of Gisakura. This incredibly exciting property lies within the lush green expanse of the tea plantation and is easily accessible from Rwanda’s international airport offering excellent links to and from major African and European cities.

Refurbished and re-opened on 1st October 2018, One & Only Nyungwe House offers a window onto the fascinating wildlife and culture of this beautiful diverse landscape. Enjoy immersive tailored experiences with the park from gastronomic picnics to wild chimpanzee tracking, from open-air spa treatments to private dinners in the tea plantation. One & Only Nyungwe House promises a haven of creature comforts and a wealth of individual experiences. With no need to go far from One & Only Nyungwe House the lodge offers curated experiences enabling guests to discover the best within the stunning grounds.

Travel to One & Only Nyungwe House

To reach Nyungwe House in the Nyungwe National Park takes around 4-5 hours by vehicle from the capital Kigali, and the total distance is around 200kms. Most people will normally make a spot in the town of Butare to break up the journey and visit the National Museum of Rwanda, which is well worth a visit to learn more on the cultural history of the country and the region.

One & Only Nyungwe House Information

Just 23 luxury rooms and suites have been thoughtfully created within 5 small clusters of lodge style retreats. Situated in the foothills of forest-covered mountains all rooms offer a forest view. Two bedroom suites for families and one bedroom rooms are sumptuously designed incorporating vibrant artwork inspired by the natural beauty of Rwanda. Spacious with a fireplace and balcony or private deck, every room immerses guests into the sights and sounds of the forest.

Dining at One & Only Nyungwe House is incredible. ‘Farm to table’ is the inspiration behind the menu which changes daily and incorporates cuisine from the lush fertile lands of Gisakura. Enjoy delicious seasonal dishes in the atmospheric Dining Room or the plantation view terrace. the daily afternoon tea ceremony in the Tea Lounge or a sundowner in the Tea Lounge Bar with the mountains of the Nyungwe National Park on the horizon. Take a casual bite poolside, an outdoor picnic or private dining around the floral ground or tea plantation.

Chimpanzee trekking at One & Only Nyungwe House

Nyungwe is home to one of East Africa's last remaining chimpanzee populations and an ideal spot to observe these playful animals in their natural habitat while chimpanzee trekking. For maximum viewing opportunity, early rising is necessary but a beautifully prepared breakfast accompanies any trek.

Colobus monkey trekking at One & Only Nyungwe House

The lush forest trails of Nyungwe are home to 13 recorded species of primates and one of the few places on the planet where you can see L'Hoests's monkeys. For maximum viewing opportunity, early rising is necessary but a beautifully prepared breakfast accompanies any Colobus monkey trekking.

Activities at One & Only Nyungwe House

With a myriad of activities to choose from at Nyungwe House, you will have a full schedule if you so wish. Families are also very well catered for at One & Only Nyungwe House. There is something to inspire every age from close up encounters with furry and feathered friends, bicycle trails, hilltop archery, open-air games and so much more.

Natures bootcamp

Work up a sweat in the great outdoors.  The natural environment is the only equipment you will need for this jungle style bootcamp where your motivating instructor will take you on an energising workout through the leafy trails around the tea plantation.

Conservation exploration

Conservation is part of daily life at One & Only Nyungwe House. You are invited to come and explore the initiatives that exist within Nyunwge National Park and around the lodge.

Beautiful birds of Nyungwe

You will be taken by our specialist guide to the periphery of the National Park to spot the abundant array of extraordinary birdlife.

Nyungwe by helicopter

Take in the breathtaking panorama of Nyungwe Forest, Lake Kivu and other landmarks from the air on an unforgettable 60-minute helicopter trip. With this door to door service taking off and landing at One & Only Nyungwe House's private helipad, learn about the geography of the regions and discover more about the vast jungle below.

The resort also offers signature experiences including a walking and sundowners tour, a nocturnal spotlighting and stargazing tour and a tour of the Gisakura tea factory.

Within the national park, the real jungle experience begins. Explore flora covered clearings, carpets of fern and dramatic peak edges and discover the real Nyungwe National Park. One & Only Nyungwe House offers several exclusive experiences within the park:

Bird watching

Nyungwe National Park has been described as "the most important site for biodiversity conservation in Rwanda". This is is true bird lovers paradise where you will see and hear some of over 300 species of bird from the Rwenzori Turaco to the Grey-Chested Kakamega.

Canopy walk

The famous Canopy Walkway at One & Only Nyungwe House is not to be missed. The only walk of its kind in East Africa, this breathtaking construction hangs 60 metres above the forest floor between giant trees and towers, revealing a stunning view of the flora and fauna, both below and above.

Hiking trails

Nyungwe has an extensive network of hiking trails that range from the advanced to the entry-level so whether you are experienced, or just starting out, there is a trek for you.

The people who call Nyungwe home are extremely hospitable and happy to share their secrets with guests. There are many cultural experiences to enjoy at Nyungwe.

The chef’s garden

One of the senior chefs from the lodge will personally guide you through our kitchen’s dedicated garden revealing the secrets of seasonal cultivation and flavour and enabling you to discover where the inspiration for every world class dish begins.

The secrets of African tea

Sample some beautiful black tea grown in the local area of Gisakura and learn all about the process of growing and processing African tea leaves with a fascinating visual presentation.

Community participation – Umuganda

‘Umuganda’ has roots back to Rwanda’s independence, and is now a nationwide programme where citizens devote the last Saturday morning of every month to working in the local community. From developing infrastructure to environmental protection, you can elect to take part in this positive initiative, giving back to the communities of Nyungwe and getting to know the local people in a uniquely hands-on way.

Best time to visit One & Only Nyungwe House

The best time to visit Nyungwe House is:

• The dry season of June-October is best to visit.
• With Chimpanzee trekking in mind, it's best to avoid the rainy season of April and May.