One&Only Nyungwe House
Rwanda
Highlights
- Tea Plantation + Rainforest setting: The lodge sits within a working tea plantation on the edge of Nyungwe National Park. Rolling green fields meet dense rainforest, with mist drifting through the hills at dawn. Forest trails begin close to the main lodge.
- Chimpanzee + Primate Experiences: Guests can track chimpanzees in Nyungwe’s ancient forest with expert guides. The park is home to 13 primate species. A canopy walkway offers views high above the treetops.
- Guest Rooms + Suites: Rooms and suites are set along wooden walkways overlooking the forest. Floor-to-ceiling windows and private decks bring the landscape close. Interiors are contemporary, with natural materials and calm, earthy tones.
- Dining Rooted In The Landscape: Restaurants focus on seasonal produce sourced locally where possible. Rwandan flavours sit alongside international dishes. Tea tastings reflect the estate’s heritage.
- Conservation + Community: The lodge supports conservation projects linked to Nyungwe and works with nearby communities. Initiatives focus on protecting biodiversity and creating local employment. Tourism here contributes to safeguarding the forest.
- Waterfall Hikes: Guided forest trails lead to Nyungwe’s waterfall. The walk passes through dense rainforest and rich birdlife. It is an active way to explore one of Africa’s oldest forests.
Why we love One&Only Nyungwe House
The rooms are just surrounded by tea bushes and every few days all the pickers descend to pick the fresh leaves, it is very beautiful!
Start to planning your tailor-made trip by contacting one of our specialists
Gallery
Cabins, One&Only Nyungwe House, Nyungwe National Park, Rwanda
Nyungwe National Park, Rwanda
King Room, One&Only Nyungwe House, Nyungwe National Park, Rwanda
Cabin Exterior, One&Only Nyungwe House, Nyungwe National Park, Rwanda
Exterior Walkway, One&Only Nyungwe House, Nyungwe National Park, Rwanda
Twin Room, One&Only Nyungwe House, Nyungwe National Park, Rwanda
Nyungwe National Park, Rwanda
Waterfall Hike, One&Only Nyungwe House, Nyungwe National Park, Rwanda
Tea Plantation, One&Only Nyungwe House, Nyungwe National Park, Rwanda
Terrace, One&Only Nyungwe House, Nyungwe National Park, Rwanda
Canopy Walk, One&Only Nyungwe House, Nyungwe National Park, Rwanda
Chimpanzee Trekking, One&Only Nyungwe House, Nyungwe National Park, Rwanda
Colobus Monkey Trek, One&Only Nyungwe House, Nyungwe National Park, Rwanda
Luxury Rwanda trip ideas
Top Luxury Hotels + Lodges In Rwanda
Good to know
How to get there
One&Only Nyungwe House is set amongst the rich tea-plantations of Gisakura, on the edge of the iconic Nyungwe National Park.
The closest international airport is Kigali International Airport, from which, One&Only Nyungwe House is between five and six hours away by car. The journey passes through rolling countryside and tea plantations.
Alternatively, a private helicopter can be arranged to take you directly to the helipad at the resort, the flight is 30-minutes and reveals incredible views of the Rwandan countryside, Lake Kivu and the Nyungwe National Park.
Are children welcome?
One&Only Nyungwe house welcomes older children over the age of 15.
Giving back
One&Only Nyungwe House returned management of the tea fields that surround the lodge to local tea cooperatives. Members of the Nyungwe Cultural Village Cooperative pick and sell tea grown on the estate, helping to generate income and support local families.
Produce for meals is grown in the lodge’s kitchen garden or sourced from farmers in nearby villages. This reduces food miles and supports small‑scale agriculture in the region. Single‑use plastics are avoided, with reusable water bottles provided to guests.
The resort works closely with community cooperatives such as Kora Tubungabunga Ibidukikije to support conservation education and sustainable livelihoods. Local people are employed in maintaining gardens, trails and other aspects of the lodge’s operations, helping skills development and economic opportunity.
Guests are invited to take part in umuganda, Rwanda’s national community‑service initiative, which brings locals together to plant trees or protect the environment. This allows visitors to contribute to community projects and learn about local efforts to care for the land
What wildlife can you expect to see?
Chimpanzees: Nyungwe is best known for chimpanzee trekking. These intelligent primates live in large, mobile groups and are most active in the early morning. Rwanda’s only chimpanzee tracking takes place here.
Other Primates: The forest is home to 12 other primate species, including the L’Hoest’s monkey and the black-and-white colobus. Large troops of colobus are sometimes seen moving through the canopy.
Birdlife: More than 300 bird species have been recorded in Nyungwe. These include forest specials such as the great blue turaco, red-collared mountain babbler and various sunbirds. The park is considered one of Africa’s most important montane birding areas.
Forest Mammals: Nyungwe supports species such as bushbuck and duiker, which are small forest antelope. Serval and African golden cat are present but rarely seen. Sightings tend to be brief and require patience.
