Remarkable Rwanda – Land of the Thousand Hills should be on everyone’s travel ‘wish list’. An adventurer’s paradise, with so much to see and experience. Of course the main draw is the majestic mountain gorillas, but there’s other wildlife to see, the savannah and jungle to explore, (Rwanda has preserved one of the oldest rainforests in Africa), lakes and mountains.
So what’s Rwanda like? After my visit last year, the first thing that struck me was how lush, clean and organised the country is. It is of course, the cleanest country in Africa, and in my opinion, cleaner than most other cities elsewhere in the world! The roads are peaceful, well-maintained and litter is non-existent.
Travelling to different destinations around Rwanda is relatively easy with a good network of roads, my longest road trip was to Nyungwe National Park (5 hours), otherwise to get to Volcanoes National Park or Akagera is a comfortable 3-hour road trip from Kigali.
Primate Trekking
One&Only Nyungwe House bordering the Nyungwe Forest offers an unforgettable opportunity to see the incredible primates up-close. Trek through the forest in search of the chimpanzees, as well as the L’Hoest’s and Colobus monkeys.
Canopy Walk
60-metres above the forest floor, a thrilling walk along the suspended canopy, the only treetop walkway in East Africa. Spot some of the 300 bird species, over 200 different
Tea Plantations
One&Only Nyungwe house is located in the middle of the Gisakura Tea Estate. Go on a guided tea estate tour, experience the elegant African tea ceremony in the tea lounge and indulge in a unique private dining experience.
The Spa
Let your heart and spirit unwind. Indulge in exquisite, immersive treatments using traditional holistic therapies. A bespoke private pampering experience at the Nyungwe House Spa is the ultimate way to refresh and unwind in this magical rainforest.
During my trip to Rwanda last year, I was lucky enough to stay at the One&Only Nyungwe House, one of the most amazing properties I’ve ever stayed at. This is undoubtedly my dream resort! To say it’s beautiful is an understatement, it’s simply stunning! Turning off the road and driving through the tea farm, the mist slowly rising, the setting is serene. The resort is set in its own working tea plantation, bordering the iconic Nyungwe National Park and in close proximity to Africa’s oldest rain forest. The lodge, totally immersed in nature provides for every creature comfort in a luxurious setting, blending seamlessly with the surrounding natural environment.
So what’s to love about One&Only Nyungwe House? Let’s start with the main lodge which is exquisitely decorated and with stunning views of the tea farm and the rainforest. For gin lovers (which I am), the well stocked gin bar is the perfect place to hang out and enjoy the offerings. Alternatively, take your drink out onto the beautiful deck overlooking the forest, the most perfect setting to sit, relax and connect with nature. After you’ve had your share of the gin, head to your room – either be driven in a golf buggy, or walk along the path through the tea plantation. The suites are beautiful, the bathrooms are beautiful, and the most comfortable bed! All the suites have balconies facing the forest, where you might catch sight of the Colobus monkeys, monkeying around! Yoga mat is provided, but I preferred to sit out in the balcony with my coffee and complementary jars of snacks. A hairdryer is even discreetly tucked away in the side console.
Dining is another experience – there are no menus – the chef creatively conjures up whatever you desire with fresh produce.
Bottom line – my stay at One&Only Nyungwe House was magical. I did not want to leave and of course I’ll have to go back again as I didn’t get to experience their regulated pool with an amazing view, the spa or enjoy the many other experiences and activities they provide.