One&Only Nyungwe House in Rwanda, nestled in a tea plantation on the edge of a rainforest, offers a host of adventures and experiences

Authentically wild adventure and immersive experiences await guests on the edge of one of the oldest rainforests in Africa.

One&Only Nyungwe House in Rwanda is nestled within the Gisakura working tea plantation. Steeped in natural beauty, the resort has curated a comprehensive and bespoke itinerary of activities for guests, from adventures that can be had at the resort, to those that explore the Nyungwe Forest and beyond.

The completely transformed One&Only Nyungwe House, which began welcoming guests on October 1, has created truly immersive activities to be enjoyed. Guests will be able to choose from Inclusive Activities (available on a daily basis; with the option to participate in up to two per day on a complimentary basis) as well as other Signature Experiences, which are available for an additional fee. The resort’s motivating and well-trained guides will be available to assist guests with tailoring their stay according to their interests and imparting their local knowledge of the region.

The extensive daily complimentary activities offer a well-balanced combination of culinary, wellness, fitness and sustainability, and vary according to fitness levels. Guests can learn one of Africa’s ancient traditions, spear throwing, at one of the highest points surrounding the resort, or together with the family, join in hilltop archery.

Alternatively, those looking for something more active, can join Nature’s Bootcamp and work up a sweat in the fresh mountain air. A guide will lead guests on foot along a Jurassic track surrounding the tea plantation and through a motivating workout. Guests can also explore the resort’s beautiful surrounds by bicycle, following the trail to ensure maximum sightseeing, as well as testing fitness levels.

Conservation lies at the heart of all One&Only resorts in nature. Guests will be able to join the resort team and partake in some of the initiatives they will be supporting, as well as during the monthly Umuganda that takes place on the last Saturday of every month – a truly hands-on way for all to get involved in the community. Whether developing infrastructure or environmental protection, guests can really get to know the local community in an incredibly immersive way.

The Secrets of African Tea is the perfect way to discover more about the location of One&Only Nyungwe House. The resort’s tea expert will take guests into the tea plantation, teach the art of picking the tea leaves, the method of growing and processing and then end off with a tasting, and sample some sweet treats prepared by the resort’s culinary team.

For budding astronomers, the Nocturnal Spotlighting and Stargazing is not to be missed, as guests will be amazed by the planets and constellations that can be seen from the resort’s elevated decks or in the forest.   

As the resort is ideally located next to Nyungwe Forest, which is home to some of the most diverse primate populations in Africa, guests will have the opportunity to take part in a wide selection of excursions that allow them to be truly immersed in nature whilst staying at One&Only Nyungwe House. For the opportunity to discover the Colobus Monkey, an early rise is needed where breakfast can be enjoyed on the move. An expert guide will take guests to one of the very few places in Africa where this species, as well as L’Hoest’s monkeys can also be spotted.

Being one of the oldest mountainous ecosystems, the Nyungwe Forest has 13 species of primates, including the chimpanzee population. Chimpanzee Trekking is a fun, yet incredibly fast-paced experience as guests need to try and keep up with the speed at which these animals move. The trek is along wild paths and lush forests with expert trackers, but as chimps are not accustomed to humans and are incredibly shy, spotting them is a cherished experience. Booking in advance is required as only a few permits for Chimpanzee Trekking are issued per day, and both of these activities are considered slightly challenging due to their fast-pace.

Bird Watching is another must as the Nyungwe National Park is home to over 300 bird species, with 27 being endemic to the local Albertine Rift and include the Chapin’s Flycatcher and Rockefellers' Sunbird (both under global threat). An expert guide will use their well-attuned ears to help hear and locate these mesmerising birds, from the elusive Rwenzori Turaco to the Grey-chested Kakamega. The breathtaking Canopy Walk is another once-in-a-lifetime experience as it is one-of-a-kind in East Africa, hanging 60 m above the ground. For any professional or budding photographer, the views are not to be missed and the surrounding flora and fauna captivating.

A large array of mammals can also be seen, from the Giant Forest Hog to Lord Darby’s Flying Squirrels, the Bush Pig, the Serval or Wild Cat, as well as many others. Guests will have the opportunity to spot some of these creatures whilst going on the many walks and hikes that the resort has curated. From easy to moderate, to more challenging, guests can select from 10 different trails that will all be expertly guided and offer a unique glimpse into the remote and authentically wild landscape.

Meanwhile, Nyungwe’s largest waterfall at 17 m can be seen at the end of the Isumo Trail. The thunderous sounds can be heard far before this wonder is seen. It is one of the most beautiful trails, as guests will begin in the open tea fields, be surrounded by the immense number of wildflowers, discover a plethora of wildlife, and hike where views of Lake Kivu are never-ending.