Nyungwe National Park
Nyungwe Tea Forest Resort
On the edge of one of Africa's oldest rainforests
Nyungwe Tea Forest Resort (formerly One&Only Nyungwe House) is set amid rolling tea plantations on the edge of Nyungwe National Park. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the park is renowned for its exceptional biodiversity and ancient montane rainforest.
The resort’s canopy treehouses and spacious villas feature large windows and private balconies opening out towards the forest. Interiors combine modern comforts with touches inspired by the nature and traditions of Rwanda.
In the main lodge, you’ll find lounge and dining spaces where you can enjoy seasonal menus celebrating fresh, locally sourced ingredients and Rwandan flavours. Dine overlooking the tea fields, sample the estate’s own infusions in the Tea Lounge and join a guided tour to learn about the tea-making process.
This ancient forest of majestic mahoganies, giant ferns and delicate orchids is home to 13 primate species. One of our favourite experiences is a private guided trek in search of chimpanzees and other wildlife, including Rwenzori colobus monkeys, which are known to gather here in exceptionally large groups.
You can take to the heights of the nearby canopy walk or join the Gisakura community for cultural activities that offer an insight into everyday life and local customs.
Highlights
Take in the lush surroundings of the Gisakura Tea Estate set against the ancient rainforest of Nyungwe National Park
Stay in contemporary canopy treehouses and spacious villas featuring private balconies and canopy beds
Taste seasonal menus celebrating fresh, locally sourced ingredients and Rwandan flavours in the resort's dining spaces
Unwind with rejuvenating treatments at the forest-view spa, and enjoy yoga and wellness sessions surrounded by nature
Sample locally grown teas and refreshing cocktails in the resort's welcoming Tea Lounge and Tea Bar
Venture into the ancient rainforest of Nyungwe National Park with expert guides in search of chimpanzees and other fascinating primates
Trip inspiration
Plan your trip to Rwanda
Whatever you want from your adventure in Rwanda, our team of expert travel designers are ready to help.
Places to combine Nyungwe Tea Forest Resort with
Akagera National Park
In the north-eastern section of Akagera National Park you’ll find Wilderness Magashi overlooking the stunning Lake Rwanyakazinga. The camp is surrounded by some of East Africa’s most beautiful savannah, lakes, swamps and rolling grasslands.
The camp, with design and interiors inspired by traditional Rwandan culture, boasts six spacious tents with lake views. When you’re not enjoying the peace and solitude of your luxury safari tent, relax in the spacious lounge and social areas that connect you to the wild nature beyond.
The pool is the ideal place to cool off after a busy day of game viewing and birdwatching. And evenings are best spent on the deck around the fire pit, or relaxing in the dedicated bar area.
Wildlife experiences at Wilderness Magashi are exceptional. The region is home to one of the continent’s largest hippo populations, as well as large numbers of crocodiles. You’ll find the rare sitatunga antelope and other plains game roaming across the plains. There are also over 520 different species of birds, many of which you can spot from camp.
After a 20-year absence, lions were reintroduced to the area in 2015, and the population is thriving. You can also hope to spot rare black rhinos who were reintroduced to the park in 2017.
Lewa
Family run and cared for, this lodge invites you to be a part of the lives of the Craig family who will host you during your stay here.
A beautiful retreat surrounded by trees and located within the 62,000 acre Lewa Wildlife Conservancy, Lewa Wilderness has just nine individually decorated cottages with private sitting areas and verandas looking over the vast landscape. The fireplaces in each room add to the homely feel of the place and for those who want to be outdoors more often than in, the tennis court and swimming pool are ideal ways to get some energy out.
The reserve is home to some wonderful wildlife, and helps the conservation efforts of black rhino that browse the region in larger numbers than elsewhere in East Africa. Lions, leopards and elephants can often be seen sipping from the small wooded valley river that flows past the lodge throughout the year and provides an excellent source for prime animal viewing.
If you’re feeling adventurous, we recommend ‘Walking Wild’, an activity that lets you explore the remote Lewa Wildlife Conservancy in the safety of a team of expert guides. Sleeping a maximum of eight, you head off on a mobile safari lead by camels. Each tent has its own private toilet and shower ‘room’ that adds a glamping element to this remarkably wild experience. Three to five night options are available.
