Experience unrivaled luxury at the first One & Only hotel in Rwanda, nestled within a lush tea plantation on the outskirts of Nyungwe Forest National Park. Here, you can easily explore magnificent waterfalls, embark on captivating chimpanzee treks, or partake in the exhilarating jungle canopy walk. Located in Southwest Rwanda, just south of Lake Kivu near the Burundi border, One&Only Nyungwe House is surrounded by the verdant tea plantations of Gisakura, offering a gateway to the iconic Nyungwe National Park.
Nyungwe Forest National Park spans approximately 1020 km² and encompasses a diverse range of ecosystems, including rainforests, bamboo forests, grasslands, swamps, and bogs. It stands as one of the last mountain rainforest habitats on Earth. Nestled amidst this natural wonderland, One&Only Nyungwe House emerges as a sanctuary of creature comforts where the untamed secrets of nature unfold right before your eyes.
Nyungwe Forest National Park boasts a delightful climate that sets the stage for your safari adventures during the dry season. With its forested terrain situated at altitudes ranging from 1600 to 2000 meters above sea level, the park enjoys a cool and temperate climate, ensuring a pleasant experience for visitors. Rwanda’s elevated location, coupled with its proximity to the equator just two degrees to the south, creates comfortable tropical conditions. Daytime temperatures typically range from 25°C to 27°C (77°F to 81°F), while the nights offer cooler, yet still enjoyable, temperatures, usually hovering around a minimum of 13.5°C (56°F) and rarely exceeding 16°C (61°F).
The best time to explore Nyungwe Forest National Park is during the periods from late May to early September and from December to February.
Nyungwe Forest National Park is situated in the southern region of Rwanda, approximately 200 kilometers (124 miles) away from the capital city of Kigali. To reach the park by road, you’ll take the scenic route via Muhanga and Huye, passing by the Kings Palace in Nyanza. From there, the journey continues to Butare before leading to the hilly roads that guide you to the park’s entrance at Gisekura. For travelers coming from Huye (Butare), the park is a mere 87 kilometers (54 miles) away. Many tourists choose to spend a night in Huye to break up the journey and enjoy activities along the way, as the direct trip can be demanding. For those arriving at Rusizi/Kamembe airport, Nyungwe Forest National Park is only 55 kilometers (34 miles) away. The drive typically takes about an hour. Most visitors explore Nyungwe Forest as part of a comprehensive 4×4 tour around the country, accompanied by an experienced driver-guide.
Akagera Aviation offers charter helicopter transfers to Nyungwe Forest National Park, with the convenience of landing directly at One & Only Nyungwe House. Alternatively, travelers using Rwanda Air will arrive at Kamembe Airport in Rusizi, just an hour’s drive from the park headquarters.