Nyungwe Forest Lodge sits on a working tea plantation on the edge of Nyungwe National Park, in south-western Rwanda. The lodge blends seamlessly into the fringes of the Nyungwe Forest, the largest in Africa. The forest is home to 13 different types of primates, making up 20% of all the apes on the continent – including black and white Colobus monkeys and chimpanzees. From it’s unique location, Nyungwe Forest Lodge offers a wealth of game-viewing opportunities, rich cultural experiences and comfort throughout your stay.
Accommodation is in 6 wooden villas, built on stilts which blend inconspicuously into the lush vegetation which surrounds the property. Your room will wrap you in comfort with king size or twin beds, modern finishes, local design touches and large floor-to-ceiling windows, which create the impression of being immersed in the beautiful forested surroundings.
Although no luxury is spared at Nyungwe Forest Lodge, this property remains a proud member of Africa’s top 48 most sustainable, eco-friendly safari operations. From the outset, preservation of the forest environment has been the primary focus at Nyungwe. Local labour was employed to assist with construction instead of intrusive heavy machinery, and the lodge makes use of renewable hydro-power electricity, solar water-heaters and a custom-designed sewage treatment plant, which recycles wastewater for use in the gardens.
During your stay, the leafy depths of Nyungwe Forest will become your playground on guided hikes in search of the birds, primates, orchids and other lifeforms which call this place home. Special expeditions to find chimpanzees, grey-cheeked mangabeys, blue and golden monkeys, as well as colobus monkeys are frequent, as are walks in the Kamiranzoyu Swamp, tours of the tea plantation, and cultural visits to local villages.
When you’re not out exploring, spend some time in the heated rim-flow pool overlooking the rainforest or indulge yourself at the spa or in the elegant tea lounge. Meals are served in the restaurant terrace or in the boma around the fire.
Nyungwe Forest Lodge offers something different with its tropical, lush surroundings where the chance to see chimpanzees in their natural habitat is as alluring as the wide-open plains of a traditional African safari.
