Nyungwe National Park Holidays

With primeval forests draped in an ethereal blanket of cloud, thundering waterfalls fed by ancient wetlands and such a profusion of flora and fauna that the phrase ‘exceptional biodiversity’ seems a ridiculous understatement, Nyungwe is a vision of paradise for any nature lover. One celebrated zoologist described this mountainous national park on Rwanda’s south-western corner as ‘Africa’s Galapagos Islands’, and it’s hard to disagree. 

Primate tracking on foot through the forest – there are not only chimpanzees but a dozen other species – is only one of the breathtaking adventures sure to create an indelible impression. The canopy, which you can get a monkey’s-eye view of thanks to a treetop suspended walkway, thrums with life waiting to be spotted: jewel-bright butterflies, birds in every hue and all manner of scurrying mammals. And back at ground level, there’s a profusion of plants of all shapes and sizes, from centuries-old tree ferns to more than 140 types of orchids. 

Navigate this natural wonderland with the help of our Rwanda experts who can arrange a tailor-made stay complete with stylish lodges and unforgettable experiences.

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Learn the secrets of Rwandan tea

Learn the secrets of tea processing, from leaf to cup, on a guided tour of the on-site plantation. Nyungwe House has its own tea estate, Gisakura, which is owned and run by the local community. During the one-hour tour, you will learn how the popular black tea is made. You’ll get to pick the leaves and have a tasting session as you enjoy views over the lime-green tea fields, stretching to the rainforest and mountains beyond.

As you pick the leaves, you will be taught about the history of the tea estate, which began in 1952 when the bushes were planted in this western region of Rwanda. The tea is picked every 11 days and pruned once every four years for germination. Thanks to the volcanic soil here and high elevation, an amazing full-bodied black tea that has around seven different grades is produced here. While you’re out on the plantation you can take pictures with the tea pickers and chat with them about their experiences.

Afterwards, head into the tea lounge to learn about the production process. Once picked, the leaves are sent to the nearby tea factory where they’re dried, cut and fermented, sorted and packed. You’ll get to taste the different grades of high-quality tea, which has now become one of Rwanda’s largest exports. Each one has a different flavour to discover and they are paired with snacks like chocolate and scones. As an added extra you can also request to have a private meal in the tea plantation, surrounded by birds and beautiful scenery.\

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