With Luxury primate safari, we discover Rwanda from the heart of the jungle. Nyungwe Forest National Park, Africa’s oldest montane rain forest, was awarded UNESCO World Heritage status in September 2023, the second site in Rwanda to join the prestigious list. Explore this astonishingly bio-diverse habitat, home to rare birds and endangered species, including the Eastern chimpanzee, Hills’ horseshoe bat and golden monkey.

Nyungwe Forest National Park is one of the oldest and largest forests in Rwanda, and the man in charge is Protais Niyigaba. A nature-lover, biodiversity conservationist and all-round knowledgeable wilderness expert, he’s the go-to for insights on trekking with the chimpanzees.

The Park is home to over 13 different species of primate and 20% of all the apes in Africa. The lush and diverse habitat is famously home to a large population of chimpanzees and endangered monkeys; including the owl faced monkey and the golden monkey, of which sightings are reported, but unverified.

One & Only Nyungwe House

Encircling by rain forest; nuzzled among mountains; One & Only Nyungwe House is a haven of creature-comforts where the wild secrets of nature come to life before your eyes.

One & Only Nyungwe House has rare proximity to Africa’s oldest forest, embracing the edge of the iconic Nyungwe National Park, alongside our own tea plantation. One & Only Nyungwe House is an idyllic eco retreat offering once-in-a-lifetime experiences in the heart of magical Rwanda. During 2024, if you book 14 days or more in advance, you pay 25% less.

In Southwest Rwanda, just south of Lake Kivu on the Burundi border, One & Only Nyungwe House is set amongst the rich tea-plantations of Gisakura, on the edge of the iconic Nyungwe Forest National Park. One & Only Nyungwe House is located in Gisakura, Western Province Rwanda. The park itself covers approximately 1020 km² of rain forest, bamboo, grassland, swamps and bogs, and is one of the last mountain rain forest habitats on the planet.

Air and land

Located in remote wilderness some 230 kilometers from the Kigali International Airport, One & Only Nyungwe House can be reached by road, by domestic flight and by helicopter direct to the helipad.

Kigali Airport (International Flights)

Kigali Airport is the closest international airport served by several weekly flights from key European, African and Middle Eastern hubs. Some of the airlines that fly to Rwanda include SN Brussels, Ethiopian Airlines, Kenya Airways, Turkish airlines, Rwanda Air, KLM and Qatar Airways. Flights from Guangzhou and New York are also expected to launch soon.

Kamembe Airport (Domestic Flights)

Rwanda Air operates daily domestic flights of approximately 35 minutes from Kigali Airport. A short car transfer of 45 minutes can then be arranged from Kamembe Airport to the resort.

By Road

Rwanda has possibly the best roads in East Africa, and all major centers are connected by local and luxury transfer services. The 5-hour journey from Kigali Airport (the last 1.5 hours is through the National Park) will take you south through scenic countryside towards Butare, a university town, home to the Ethnographic Museum of Rwanda.

By air

For an astonishing and expedited arrival, a 30-minute helicopter charter will reveal incredible views of the Rwandan countryside, Lake Kivu and the Nyungwe National Park, bringing you directly to the resort’s helipad.

Amenities

With the thrilling outdoor pursuits in the National Park, to unique cultural insights and wellness experiences, One & Only Nyungwe House curates the most inspiring things to do in Rwanda.

  • One & Only Spa
  • Signature Resort Activities
  • National Park Activities

Helping out at One & Only Nyungwe House

This Nyungwe House is dedicated to sustainability, supporting local tea pickers and helping former poachers become active in conservation by offering them an alternative living. Preserving traditional culture is another mission, via dance groups and local handicrafts.

One & Only Nyungwe House Accommodation

Your extraordinary Nyungwe National Park accommodation offers a one-of-a-kind escape, bordering one of Africa’s oldest rain forests. Situated in five striking wooden villa clusters, has the treetop-skimming, luxury treetops and villas are secluded in wonderfully untamed surroundings, accommodating all adventure seekers and paying homage to Rwanda’s beauty and heritage. Enjoy exceptional dining and selected beverages included in your stay, plus two signature resort experiences daily.

Two-Bedroom Canopy Villa

The Two-Bedroom Canopy Villa is designed for the wild at heart and inquisitive of spirit. Ideal for those traveling with friends or family, our luxury villa offers plenty of room across large living spaces and private outdoor decks, so you can unwind in an engaging rain forest experience.

Canopy Tree house

The Canopy Tree house celebrates Rwanda’s natural beauty, from its immersive tree-grazing balcony to its chic African design and thoughtful furnishings. Generous spaces and beautiful interiors make this bedroom amongst the trees a serene hub for exciting ecological adventures and wildlife encounters.

Dining Room

Enjoy an intimate dining experience that showcases the freshest locally-grown ingredients. They offer meals from the Rwandan heartland, with the kitchen tailoring daily menus to suit your individual tastes and preferences. Enjoy delicious, comforting dishes inspired by Africa’s diverse culinary culture in our restaurant, or on the sunny outdoors terrace.

Tea Lounge

The sophisticated Tea Lounge invites you in at any time of the day for light bites, baked goods including our signature tea-infused scones, and expertly prepared drinks, served alongside unforgettable views of the surrounding jungle. Discover the elegance and grace of our Rwandan tea ceremony, a special experience.

Tea Lounge Bar

Unwind at the Tea Lounge Bar, soaking up wild rain forest views on o al fresco deck, directly overlooking the edge of iconic Nyungwe National Park. Allow our bartenders to fix your favourite drink, perhaps with a local twist, as you’re immersed in one-of-a-kind views of the jungle’s immense canopy.

Things to do in One & Only Nyungwe House, Rwanda

  • Adventures and activities
  • Activities for couples
  • Wellness
  • Conservation and social responsibility
  • Chimpanzee tracking
  • Tea planting
  • Explore the rain forest