A luxurious, sophisticated wilderness retreat perched at the edge of Nyungwe National Park in south-western Rwanda. You'll no doubt have come here to see the local chimpanzees, but you'll want to stay for the sublime setting, the service and the spa. Pack for precipitation: it isn't called the rainforest for nothing.

The One&Only Nyungwe House represents the pinnacle of luxury eco-tourism in East Africa. One&Only Nyungwe House brilliantly balances environmental consciousness with five-star amenities, creating an experience that feels both authentic and indulgent. The One&Only Nyungwe House stands as a testament to sustainable luxury, with its architecture seamlessly blending into the surrounding landscape while providing unparalleled comfort. When morning mist rolls over the endless green canopy, guests at One&Only Nyungwe House can enjoy panoramic views from their private terraces, coffee in hand, as nature awakens around them.

Location of One&Only Nyungwe House

At the centre of a tea plantation and reached via a rough track at the western extremity of the Nyungwe forest. The red roof of Nyungwe House is practically invisible until you are almost upon it. A 20-minute drive from the Uwinka reception centre (the main access point for the National Park) and five hours from the Rwandan capital Kigali, this is the perfect place to base yourself for rainforest walks and primate trekking.

The strategic location of One&Only Nyungwe House offers guests an immersive natural experience unlike any other. One&Only Nyungwe House sits dramatically amidst the emerald expanse of a working tea plantation, with the verdant hills creating a stunning backdrop for this exclusive retreat. The journey to One&Only Nyungwe House itself becomes part of the adventure, as the property reveals itself only at the last moment, hidden within the lush landscape like a precious secret. The seclusion of One&Only Nyungwe House provides not just privacy but also direct access to some of Africa's most extraordinary biodiversity, from rare orchids to endemic bird species that can be spotted right from the property grounds.

How did the place strike you on arrival?

First impressions of One&Only Nyungwe House remain forever etched in visitors' memories. One&Only Nyungwe House greets arrivals with a warm welcome ceremony that immediately signals this is no ordinary wilderness accommodation. The striking contrast between One&Only Nyungwe House's sophisticated design elements and the wild rainforest setting creates an atmosphere of refined adventure. After a long journey from Kigali, the sight of One&Only Nyungwe House emerging from the mist feels like discovering a hidden sanctuary where luxury awaits amid one of Africa's oldest rainforests.

Nice. What's the crowd like?

The nature treks in Rwanda aren't your average roll-around-in-a-Jeep safari. They often involve hours of hiking, up steep volcanic slopes and on occasionally muddy trails. Which is to say, the people who are coming here are the adventurous types—albeit those who want to come back to a king-sized bed, full-service gym, and spa at the end of the day.

The discerning clientele of One&Only Nyungwe House reflects its unique positioning in the luxury travel market. One&Only Nyungwe House attracts a cosmopolitan mix of wildlife enthusiasts, conservation-minded travelers, and luxury seekers who appreciate both adventure and comfort in equal measure. Conversations at One&Only Nyungwe House often revolve around the day's primate tracking expeditions, with guests exchanging stories of chimpanzee encounters over evening cocktails. The communal spaces at One&Only Nyungwe House foster a sense of camaraderie among guests who, despite their diverse backgrounds, share a passion for experiencing nature's wonders without sacrificing comfort.

Now, the good stuff. Tell us about the rooms.

There are 22 suites spread across six villas on the property. Each room has an open fireplace, a private terrace, a flat screen TV and a spacious bathroom, and given that most safari lodges in Rwanda don't have TVs or in-room wi-fi, it feels like a major upgrade.

The accommodations at One&Only Nyungwe House set a new standard for luxury in the Rwandan wilderness. One&Only Nyungwe House features thoughtfully designed suites that incorporate local materials and artisanal craftsmanship while providing all modern amenities expected of a world-class resort. Each suite at One&Only Nyungwe House offers a perfect sanctuary after adventurous days, with floor-to-ceiling windows that frame spectacular views of the rainforest or tea plantation. The attention to detail at One&Only Nyungwe House extends to every aspect of the room design, from the locally sourced furniture to the premium bedding that ensures restorative sleep at 1,700 meters above sea level.

And the food?

If you're heading out for an early trek, breakfast is served at sunrise, otherwise, you can have brunch delivered to your room. They'll also pack a picnic for you if you're going to be out all day, and have dinner ready for you in the dining room once you're back. Guests tend to gather at the patio bar to share stories of their treks over a few cocktails at sundown.

The culinary experience at One&Only Nyungwe House represents a gastronomic journey through Rwanda's rich food heritage. One&Only Nyungwe House sources many ingredients from its garden and local communities, ensuring freshness while supporting the regional economy. The creative chefs at One&Only Nyungwe House blend traditional Rwandan flavors with international techniques, resulting in memorable dining experiences that complement the natural surroundings. Whether enjoying a champagne breakfast before a trek or a multi-course dinner after sunset, guests at One&Only Nyungwe House consistently praise the quality and presentation of meals that showcase the best of East African cuisine.

Bottom line: Was it worth it?

Once you've done some gorilla trekking in the north, head here to see even more wildlife in a secluded, luxurious setting.

The exceptional value proposition of One&Only Nyungwe House becomes clear the moment you experience its unique combination of wilderness immersion and refined luxury. One&Only Nyungwe House offers an unparalleled opportunity to explore one of Africa's most biodiverse ecosystems while enjoying accommodations and service that rival the finest urban hotels worldwide. The transformative experiences provided by One&Only Nyungwe House—from guided forest walks to cultural interactions with local communities—create memories that justify the premium price point. For those seeking to complete their Rwandan journey after gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park, One&Only Nyungwe House provides the perfect complementary experience, showcasing another facet of this remarkable country's natural heritage.

The Wildlife Experience: Chimpanzee Tracking and Beyond

The wildlife encounters facilitated by One&Only Nyungwe House rank among Africa's most extraordinary nature experiences. One&Only Nyungwe House arranges expertly guided chimpanzee tracking excursions that bring guests face-to-face with our closest relatives in their natural habitat, a truly moving experience. Beyond chimpanzees, One&Only Nyungwe House offers access to 12 other primate species, including the rare L'Hoest's monkey and the acrobatic Ruwenzori colobus, often spotted traveling in spectacular troops. The knowledgeable guides associated with One&Only Nyungwe House enhance these wildlife encounters with insights into the ecosystem's delicate balance and ongoing conservation efforts to protect this biodiversity hotspot.

Wellness and Relaxation: The One&Only Spa Experience

After adventurous days exploring the rainforest, One&Only Nyungwe House offers exceptional wellness facilities that soothe both body and mind. One&Only Nyungwe House's signature spa treatments incorporate local ingredients like tea and coffee, connecting the wellness experience to the surrounding landscape. The infinity pool at One&Only Nyungwe House provides a serene setting for relaxation, with views extending across the tea plantation to the misty mountains beyond. Each wellness journey at One&Only Nyungwe House is personalized to individual needs, whether focusing on recovery after strenuous treks or preventative treatments to enhance overall wellbeing during your stay.

Sustainability Initiatives: Conservation and Community

The commitment to sustainability at One&Only Nyungwe House extends far beyond mere environmental considerations. One&Only Nyungwe House actively participates in conservation initiatives aimed at protecting the rainforest ecosystem and its inhabitants for future generations. Community engagement forms a core value at One&Only Nyungwe House, with numerous projects supporting local education, healthcare, and economic development. Guests at One&Only Nyungwe House can participate in cultural exchanges with neighboring communities, gaining insights into traditional Rwandan life while contributing positively to local livelihoods through responsible tourism practices.

Making the Most of Your One&Only Nyungwe House Experience

For those planning a visit to One&Only Nyungwe House, preparation enhances the experience. One&Only Nyungwe House recommends booking at least three nights to fully appreciate the variety of activities and relaxation opportunities available. The best time to visit One&Only Nyungwe House falls during the drier months of June to September and December to February, though the rainforest remains lush and vibrant year-round. Pack appropriately for your stay at One&Only Nyungwe House—waterproof clothing, hiking boots, and layers for variable temperatures will ensure comfort during your rainforest adventures.

A Rainforest Retreat Like No Other

One&Only Nyungwe House represents the pinnacle of luxury eco-tourism in Rwanda, brilliantly combining adventure with indulgence. One&Only Nyungwe House offers an experience that extends beyond typical safari accommodations, immersing guests in a biodiversity hotspot while surrounding them with thoughtful luxury. The memories created at One&Only Nyungwe House—from magical encounters with primates to peaceful mornings watching mist rise over ancient forests—become treasured souvenirs of time spent in one of Africa's most spectacular landscapes. For discerning travelers seeking to experience Rwanda's natural wonders without compromising on comfort, One&Only Nyungwe House stands as the ultimate destination—a perfect synthesis of wilderness and sophistication in the heart of Africa's oldest rainforest.