Can I stay at One&Only Nyungwe House?

Can I Stay at One&Only Nyungwe House?

One&Only Nyungwe House is one of Rwanda’s most celebrated luxury retreats and one of the finest rainforest lodges in Africa. Nestled on the edge of Nyungwe Forest National Park and set within a working tea plantation, the lodge offers an unparalleled blend of elegance, serenity, and immersive nature experiences. For travelers asking, “Can I stay at One&Only Nyungwe House?” the answer is a resounding yes—and staying here promises an unforgettable journey into Rwanda’s lush green heart. This lodge is designed for those who appreciate refined comfort, personalized service, and rare encounters with some of Africa’s most extraordinary landscapes and wildlife.

Whether you’re planning a chimpanzee trek, looking for a peaceful wellness retreat, or interested in exploring one of Africa’s oldest montane rainforests, One&Only Nyungwe House provides the perfect base. The lodge combines world-class hospitality with luxury amenities while maintaining an intimate connection to nature, making it one of the most desirable stays in the region.

Where Is One&Only Nyungwe House Located?

One&Only Nyungwe House is located in southwest Rwanda, on the edge of Nyungwe Forest National Park—a 1,000-square-kilometer pristine rainforest recognized as one of Africa’s most important conservation areas. The lodge sits within the scenic Gisakura Tea Estate, surrounded by rolling green hills and dense forest ridges.

This strategic location places guests at the gateway to incredible activities such as chimp trekking, canopy walks, waterfall hikes, birdwatching expeditions, and tea plantation tours. It offers complete immersion in both natural beauty and cultural heritage.

The lodge is approximately 5–6 hours from Kigali by road, although travelers can also charter a helicopter for quicker, scenic access.

What Makes One&Only Nyungwe House So Special?

One&Only Nyungwe House stands out for many reasons, from its spectacular location to its thoughtful design and high-end guest experience.

Unmatched Luxury in a Pristine Rainforest

The lodge blends modern elegance with authentic Rwandan design elements—wood, stone, woven textures, and warm earth palettes. Each space is designed to open up to nature, allowing views of tea fields, forest canopies, and wildlife.

Personalized Service

Guests enjoy exceptional hospitality with attentive staff, expert guides, and personalized itineraries designed around individual interests. The one-on-one service ensures a seamless and memorable stay.

Exceptional Culinary Experiences

Dining at One&Only Nyungwe House is an integral part of the stay. Meals are crafted with locally sourced ingredients, fresh produce, and teas harvested from the surrounding estate. Fine dining menus combine Rwandan flavors with international cuisine in a warm, elegant setting.

Intimate Forest Connection

The lodge’s design ensures continuous connection with nature. Whether through expansive decks, large windows, outdoor fireplaces, or forest-facing infinity pools, the experience allows guests to live within the rhythm of the rainforest.

Perfect Base for Nature Activities

Nyungwe Forest is home to 13 primate species, over 300 bird species, several endemic mammals, and breathtaking natural features. One&Only Nyungwe House places guests at the doorstep of these wonders.

Accommodation: Suites Blending Luxury and Nature

One&Only Nyungwe House features a collection of luxurious suites spread across wooden villa clusters overlooking the forest and tea plantations.

Key room features include:

Spacious suites with private decks
Floor-to-ceiling windows
Fireplaces for cool evenings
Luxury bathrooms with standalone tubs
Plush bedding and premium amenities
Elegant interiors inspired by Rwandan culture

Each suite offers a calming retreat, allowing travelers to unwind after forest adventures. The views are a highlight—sunrises over the tea plantations and misty forest mornings are unforgettable.

Activities You Can Enjoy While Staying at One&Only Nyungwe House

Staying at the lodge provides access to both guided and independent activities that showcase the beauty of Nyungwe Forest National Park.

1. Chimpanzee Trekking

One of the main attractions, chimp trekking begins at dawn as guests venture into the forest to locate a troop of wild chimpanzees. Observing chimps in their natural environment—running, calling, and feeding—is a highlight of any Nyungwe visit.

2. Canopy Walk

The famous 160-meter-long canopy walkway spans 70 meters above the forest floor, offering stunning views of the treetops, valleys, and birdlife. The experience is thrilling yet peaceful.

3. Waterfall Hikes

Trails such as the Isumo Waterfall Trail lead guests through fern-lined paths, lush valleys, and forested corridors before reaching powerful waterfalls.

4. Colobus Monkey Trekking

Nyungwe is home to large troops of black-and-white colobus monkeys, sometimes numbering over 300 individuals. Trekking to find them is both scenic and rewarding.

5. Birdwatching

Nyungwe is a birding paradise, home to Albertine Rift endemics like the Rwenzori turaco, red-collared mountain babbler, and regal sunbird. Expert bird guides help identify elusive species.

6. Tea Plantation Tours

Guests can explore the surrounding tea fields, learn about tea production, and participate in tea-picking sessions.

7. Nature Walks and Forest Trails

Numerous guided forest walks explore unique ecosystems, orchids, butterflies, small mammals, and medicinal plants.

8. Wellness and Relaxation

The lodge offers spa treatments, yoga platforms, and meditation spaces surrounded by nature. The infinity pool offers relaxation with spectacular views.

Fine Dining and Culinary Experiences

One&Only Nyungwe House elevates dining into a full sensory experience. Meals are prepared with seasonal, organic ingredients, reflecting both local flavors and international culinary artistry. Guests enjoy:

Multi-course gourmet dinners
Freshly baked pastries
Teas and infusions from the estate
Outdoor firepit dining
Well-curated wine selections

Every meal is an opportunity to relax, savor, and connect with the surroundings.

Wellness and Relaxation

The lodge offers a range of wellness experiences, including:

Forest-inspired spa treatments
Open-air yoga sessions
Infinity pool overlooking tea plantations
Fitness center with forest views
Private lounging decks

These amenities make the lodge equally suited for adventure travelers and those seeking a restorative retreat.

How to Get to One&Only Nyungwe House

Travelers can reach the lodge via:

Road Transfer

A scenic 5–6-hour drive from Kigali through hills, villages, and tea estates.
Private transfers are available for added comfort.

Helicopter Transfer

One&Only offers helicopter access via the Akagera Aviation helipad near the property. This is the fastest and most luxurious option.

Who Should Stay at One&Only Nyungwe House?

The lodge appeals to:

Luxury travelers
Honeymooners
Adventure enthusiasts
Wildlife lovers
Birdwatchers
Wellness travelers
Families seeking comfort
Couples looking for romantic, secluded stays

Anyone seeking a world-class retreat surrounded by pristine nature will find One&Only Nyungwe House exceptional.

Why Staying at One&Only Nyungwe House Is Worth It

Staying here provides:

Access to the best of Nyungwe Forest
Outstanding luxury in a remote, natural setting
Deep cultural and ecological immersion
Personalized service and curated activities
Memories that last a lifetime

The combination of rainforest adventures and luxurious comfort makes this lodge one of the most unforgettable experiences in Rwanda.