Sleeping in a Treehouse in Nyungwe Forest
Sleeping in a treehouse in Nyungwe Forest National Park offers a truly unique and immersive rainforest experience, allowing guests to be surrounded by the sights and sounds of one of Africa’s oldest and most biodiverse montane rainforests. It’s an opportunity to connect with nature on a deeper level, waking up to the calls of primates and the symphony of birds.
The Primary Treehouse Accommodation:
The most prominent and luxurious option for a treehouse experience in Nyungwe Forest is One&Only Nyungwe House.
- Location: Situated on a working tea plantation on the edge of Nyungwe Forest National Park, offering stunning views of both the tea fields and the dense forest canopy.
- Treehouse Design: While not traditional “treehouses” built high up in a single tree, the accommodations at One&Only Nyungwe House are designed as “canopy treehouses” or “treetop-skimming villas.” These are luxurious, beautifully appointed rooms and suites built on stilts or elevated platforms, blending seamlessly into the natural environment and offering panoramic views from their private decks and large windows. They provide the sensation of being high up in the canopy, immersed in the forest.
- Luxury Amenities: As a One&Only property, it offers exceptional luxury. Guests can expect:
- Spacious, elegantly designed rooms with modern amenities.
- En-suite bathrooms, often with forest views.
- Private balconies or decks.
- Fine dining experiences featuring local and international cuisine.
- A spa, infinity pool, and other leisure facilities.
- Personalized service.
- Activities: From the lodge, guests can easily access Nyungwe’s main activities, including:
- Chimpanzee trekking: The primary primate activity in Nyungwe.
- Canopy Walkway: A thrilling suspension bridge walk high above the forest floor.
- Colobus monkey trekking: Nyungwe is famous for its large troops of black-and-white colobus monkeys.
- Birdwatching: The forest is an Important Bird Area with many Albertine Rift Endemics.
- Nature walks and guided forest hikes.
- Tea plantation tours: Learn about tea cultivation from bush to cup.
Why Choose a Treehouse Experience in Nyungwe:
- Immersive Nature Experience: Waking up to the sounds of the forest, with mist often swirling through the trees, creates an incredibly atmospheric and memorable stay.
- Unparalleled Views: Enjoy breathtaking vistas of the rainforest canopy, rolling tea hills, and sometimes even distant volcanoes.
- Luxury in the Wild: Combines the adventure of a forest stay with the comfort and sophistication of a high-end resort.
- Convenient Access: Provides a luxurious base for exploring Nyungwe’s diverse activities.
While One&Only Nyungwe House is the leading option, there are other lodges in the Nyungwe area, some of which are eco-friendly or offer elevated views, but One&Only provides the most distinct “treehouse-like” luxury experience. For budget travelers, options like Nyungwe Top View Hill Lodge offer more traditional cottages with views, but not the specific “treehouse” design.