Heaven Restaurant & Boutique Hotel is a 15-room American-owned, private, serene property, located in Kigali's most beautiful neighborhood, Kiyovu. Heaven Hotel is a short walk to the city centre, shopping, banks and entertainment. In addition to Kigali's top-rated restaurant, Heaven hosts the onsite INEMA Arts' Gallery and AZIZI Life fair-trade crafts boutique. Enjoy the gourmet international cuisine, top notch service, and ambiance. Enjoy expansive views of Kigali from our terrace.
One & Only Nyungwe House | Nyungwe Forest National Park
Nestled on the edge of the vast and ancient Nyungwe rainforest, within the lush green expanse of a working tea plantation, One&Only Nyungwe House in Rwanda offers guests the opportunity to go where few have gone before, with once-in-a-lifetime experiences in one of the world’s most exceptional natural locations. Immersed in wild beauty surrounded by awe-inspiring jungle views, every element of the resort has been carefully considered, with inspired farm-to-table dining, spa and wellness offerings that embrace nature and local traditions, and curated, authentic experiences to discover.
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Rooms
Facilities
Activities and Services
Restaurants
DINNING ROOMOverlooking our stunningly green tea plantation, enjoy an intimate dining experience that showcases the freshest locally-grown ingredients. We offer meals from the Rwandan heartland, with our kitchen tailoring daily menus to suit your individual tastes and preferences. Enjoy delicious, comforting dishes inspired by Africa’s diverse culinary culture in our restaurant, or on the sunny outdoors terrace
ONE&ONLY AERIAL VIEWCaptivating wildlife, dramatic mountain landscapes blanketed with greenery, and our own working tea plantation; see natural wonders flourish at One&Only Nyungwe House.
ONE BEDROOM NYUNGWE TWIN ROOMDiscover an immersive wilderness room in our One Bedroom Nyungwe Twin Room, featuring two queen-size beds, en suite and spacious balcony. Designed to accommodate two guests, our signature bedroom is secluded within lush treetops and opens out to a large, private balcony. You’ll discover plenty of room to stretch out, with the bedroom also offering a plush lounging area. The balcony’s open space invites you to step outside and soak up the sounds of the wilderness and watch rare birds dart overhead. Keep an eye out for the jungle’s most mischievous residents, the curious monkeys.
ONE BEDROOM NYUNGWE ROOMThe One Bedroom Nyungwe Room is the perfect immersive retreat for your luxury once-in-a-lifetime Rwandan experience. Designed to accommodate two guests in a king-size bed, our signature bedroom is secluded within lush treetops and opens out to a large, private balcony. You’ll discover plenty of room to stretch out, with the bedroom also offering a plush lounging area. The balcony’s open space invites you to step outside and soak up the sounds of the wilderness and watch rare birds dart overhead. Keep an eye out for the jungle’s most mischievous residents, the curious monkeys.
TWO-BEDROOM FOREST SUITEBoasting primeval forest views, our Two-Bedroom Forest Suite is designed for the wild at heart and inquisitive of spirit. Ideal for those travelling with friends or family, our luxury suite offers plenty of room across large living spaces and private outdoor decks, so you can unwind in an engaging rainforest experience.
JUNGLE SPACocooned in the heart of a working tea farm, our intimate spa features two spacious treatment rooms and reflects the best aspects of Nyungwe Forest’s irrepressible beauty. An expansive deck and lounging area leads off from the welcoming entrance, connecting you to the peaceful and uplifting surroundings of nature where you can rest and soak up the healing energy of the forest with a cup of healing herbal tea before or after your treatment.
TEA LOUNGE BARSoak up stunning views of the jungle’s edge as you sip your favourite drink on our rainforest bar’s outside terrace.
Tea Lounge BarUnwind at our Tea Lounge Bar, soaking up wild rainforest views on our al fresco deck, directly overlooking the edge of iconic Nyungwe National Park. Allow our bartenders to fix your favourite drink, perhaps with a local twist, as you’re immersed in one-of-a-kind views of the jungle’s immense canopy.
The One Bedroom Nyungwe Room is the perfect immersive retreat for your luxury once-in-a-lifetime Rwandan experience. Designed to accommodate two guests in a king-size bed, our signature bedroom is secluded within lush treetops and opens out to a large, private balcony. You’ll discover plenty of room to stretch out, with the bedroom also offering a plush lounging area. The balcony’s open space invites
you to step outside and soak up the sounds of the wilderness and watch rare birds dart overhead. Keep an eye out for the jungle’s most mischievous residents, the curious monkeys.
Discover an immersive wilderness room in our One Bedroom Nyungwe Twin Room, featuring two queen-size beds, en suite and spacious balcony. Designed to accommodate two guests, our signature bedroom is secluded within lush treetops and opens out to a large, private balcony. You’ll discover plenty of room to stretch out, with the bedroom also offering a plush lounging area. The balcony’s open space invites you to step outside and soak up the sounds of the wilderness and watch rare birds dart overhead. Keep an eye out for the jungle’s most
mischievous residents, the curious monkeys.
Hidden amongst thriving rainforest canopy and verdant tea plantations, our spacious two-bedroom Forest suite offers a warm, welcoming home to adventurers. Both bedrooms have their own wings, with wood-burning stoves and private furnished decks with hypnotic emerald views. Floor-to-ceiling glass frames the centralised living and dining area, perfect for coming together and spotting wonders in the forest. A roaring gas fireplace draws you further into the suite, adding a rustic touch to your African accommodation.
Property Facilities
24-hour Security, Activity Desk, Bar, Business Centre, Eco Friendly, Gym, Internet Access (Complimentary), Laundry Service (Complimentary), Mobile Connectivity, Pool, Private Vehicle Available, Restaurant, Secure Parking, Spa
Room Facilities
Air Conditioning, Balcony / Deck, Bath, Clothes Press, Complimentary Wi-Fi, Dressing Gowns, Electrical Outlets, En-Suite, Fan, Fireplace, Hair Dryer, Heated Towel Rails, Heater, Internet Access (Complimentary), Laundry Facilities, Laundry Service (Complimentary), Lounge Area, Mini Bar (Complimentary), Pure Cotton Linen, Safe, Satellite / Cable Television, Shower, Tea / Coffee, Television, Wheelchair Friendly
Services
Chauffer Service, Credit Card, Room Service, Room Service (24 hours)
Work up a sweat in the gymnasium unlike any you’ve seen before – the great outdoors! Allow our motivating guide to lead you on a kinetic workout through the leafy tracks surrounding our tea plantation. The natural landscape is the only equipment you’ll need for this jungle-style Bootcamp in the fresh, mountain air.
An iconic part of Africa’s history, the spear is a symbol of strength, but it’s also a lot of fun! On a hilltop above our tea plantation, enjoy a refreshing cool drink as you learn how to make your own spear take flight and take in the fabulous fresh air views.
We don’t just exist within Nyungwe’s environment, we exist alongside it, which means conservation is part of our daily routine. Come and explore some of the initiatives that operate within the Nyungwe National Park and also around the resort.
What makes the perfect cup of tea? Some will say it’s all in the brew, but our tea expert will show you it starts right at the beginning. You will be invited to go into the tea plantation and learn the art of picking tea leaves and trying it out on your own. Don’t miss the interactive and visual presentation revealing the process of growing and processing African tea leaves. No demonstration would be complete without a taste, so you will have the chance to sample some beautiful black tea grown in the local area of Gisakura.
Saddle up and explore the beautiful surrounds of our property, with the breeze in your hair, at a pace that suits you. There are a few hills around and some dirt track riding, but let your friendly guide know and we can tailor the journey to your comfort levels.
‘Umuganda’ has roots back to Rwanda’s independence, and is now a nationwide program where citizens devote the last Saturday morning of every month to working in the local community. From developing infrastructure to environmental protection, you can elect to take part in this positive initiative, giving back to the communities of Nyungwe and getting to know the local people in a uniquely hands-on way.
There’s fun for all the family as you dabble in the ancient sport of archery. Located on a hilltop in our property’s tea plantation, prepare to breathe in the fabulous views as you enjoy a refreshing cold drink and set your sights on the bullseye – ready, aim, fire!
Is an art form popular in Rwanda traditionally made by women using cow dung. Often in the colors black, white and red, popular themes include spiral and geometric designs that are painted on walls, pottery, and canvas.
Overlooking our stunningly green tea plantation, enjoy an intimate dining experience that showcases the freshest locally-grown ingredients.
A new Lodge on the shores of Lake Kivu, a beautiful lake of turquoise blue, among the most prestigious of Africa. This Lodge has five cabins and a restaurant built entirely of wood. You will enjoy a breathtaking view of the lake and the surrounding islands from all 7 rooms. All rooms offer a high standard of comfort. They are equipped with television, wi-fi, mini fridge, bath / shower. From the VIP cabin, you can see the fiery crater of the Nyiragongo volcano in Congo.
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Your Stay
1 Night
Bed and Breakfast
Wilderness Sabyinyo | Volcanoes National Park
The lodge is only minutes away from the headquarters of the Volcanoes National Park from where guests trek on foot to see the magnificent mountain gorilla – perhaps one of the most dramatic, thrilling and poignant wildlife experiences possible.
Accommodation at Wilderness Sabyinyo comprises six double cottages, two suites and one family unit. All are stone buildings with Rwandese terracotta tile roofs, and feature large sitting areas, fireplaces, stylish en-suite bathrooms.
INSIDER'S TIP: Wilderness Sabyinyo is Rwanda's first ever community owned lodge. The lodge is operated by Wilderness, however, the ownership rests with a Community Trust, SACOLA (Sabyinyo Community Livelihood Association) which uses rentals and community fees from the lodge to drive socio-economic and conservation initiatives in the communities adjacent to the national park.
Breakfast at Sabyinyo Silverback LodgeCredit: Governors Camp Collection Breakfast at Sabyinyo Silverback Lodge
Suite interior, Sabyinyo Silverback Lodge Credit: Thor Karstaad, Sabyinyo Silverback Lodge Suite interior, Sabyinyo Silverback Lodge
Suite interior, Sabyinyo Silverback Lodge Credit: Thor Karstaad, Sabyinyo Silverback Lodge Manager. Suite interior, Sabyinyo Silverback Lodge
Main Lodge Credit: Alisa Bowen Main Lodge
Enjoying the viewCredit: Governors Camp Collection
Sabyinyo has six charming cottages with Rwandese terracotta tile roofs. Each has a spacious sitting area, a fireplace and extra-roomy en-suite bathroom. Space heaters by the beds supplement the log fire, to create a haven of warmth. Outdoors, a spacious veranda invites you to relax and enjoy the bird-filled gardens.
Sabyinyo has one spacious family cottage with the same traditional Rwandese terracotta tile roofs.
The cottage offers two separate bedrooms, each with its own en-suite facilities. Families can enjoy breakfast outdoors on the shared veranda, and cosy up in the evenings around the inviting fireplace in the large sitting area.
Please note, the family cottage is more suitable for older children, as the two individual bedrooms are not interlinked. For families with younger children, we recommend one parent sleeps with the younger child/children.
Sabyinyo offers two extra-spacious luxury suites. Each features an expansive sitting area, two verandas with impressive views and en-suite bathroom (shower and bath). Log fires are lit every night, and space heaters beside the large king-sized, four-poster bed adds warmth and ambiance. The suites are perfect for couples and honeymooners.
Please note it’s not possible to create two separate single beds.
Property Facilities
24-hour Security, Bar, Battery Charging Facilities, Eco Friendly, Internet Access (Complimentary), Laundry Service (Complimentary), Library, Malaria Free, Meal on Request, Mobile Connectivity, Restaurant, Secure Parking
Room Facilities
Bath, Complimentary Wi-Fi, Dressing Gowns, Electrical Outlets, En-Suite, Fireplace, Fridge, Hair Dryer, Heater, Internet Access (Complimentary), Laundry Service (Complimentary), Lounge Area, Mini Bar, Mini Bar (Complimentary), Pure Cotton Linen, Safe, Shower, Tea / Coffee, Verandah
Services
Credit Card, Room Service
The legendary Virunga Mountains in north-western Rwanda are home to volcanoes, swathes of cloud forest and half the world’s total population of Endangered mountain gorillas. The primates of Rwanda are unparalleled, and Wilderness Sabyinyo is the perfect base for mountain gorilla trekking.
This thrilling excursion takes place from Volcanoes National Park headquarters, where guests are allocated to one of the 12 habituated gorilla families for an awe-inspiring one-hour encounter.
* Park fees are not included and are at extra cost.
Enjoy a short trek to view this beautiful primate, which is endemic to the area and lives in groups of between 30 to 80 individuals in the Park’s bamboo forest.
* Park fees are not included and are at extra cost.
At Sabyinyo you can get up close to the stories of the land on a guided community walk, which offers fascinating insights into Rwandan rural life, as well as a glimpse into the struggles of the past.
Guests will learn how crops are grown, how milling and processing is done by hand, and learn more about how traditional medicines are used.
Rwandan dancing, an integral part of today’s culture, will be part of this fascinating cultural tour, which is one to three hours long.
Birding with a knowledgeable Wilderness guide at Sabyinyo is a truly enriching experience.
Sabyinyo extends across seven hectares (about 17 acres) and is a haven for over 40 bird species that do not otherwise easily thrive in the surrounding agricultural plots, where natural shelter is rare and human disturbance is high.
Guests are welcome to enjoy the nature trails on their own (armed with a good pair of binoculars), or are invited to enquire about our guided walks.
While staying at Wilderness Sabyinyo, we recommend enjoying a guided community walk, which offers fascinating insight into Rwandan rural life today, as well as a glimpse into life in the historical past. An enriching experience, guests are invited to understand the agricultural lifestyle of Rwanda, including how crops are grown, how milling and processing is done by hand, traditional medicines, as well as enjoying the frenetic activity of traditional Rwandan dancing, which is an aspect of the culture still very alive today.
A walk may range in duration between one to three hours.
The Gorilla Guardian Village is located about 15 minutes drive from Wilderness Sabyinyo and is an interesting cultural excursion. The village convinced ex-poachers to turn their back on poaching and instead showcase their customs and heritage.
Visiting the village guests can discover the traditional house of a local king, watch an authentic medicine man prepare herbal mixtures, try their hand at bow and arrow shooting, or enjoy cultural dances and drumming performed by people from the local area.
A visit to Dian Fossey’s research camp, Karisoke, and her grave, is another highlight at Sabyinyo. The trek starts from the Volcanoes National Park headquarters, and is located in the saddle area between two volcanoes, Mount Karisimbi and Mount Bisoke (from which the name Karisoke is derived). The camp site sits at an altitude of 3 000 metres (over 9 000 feet.) and was abandoned during the unrest of the 1990s. All that remains today is the grave of Dian Fossey and several graves of her beloved gorillas, buried alongside her. A poignant and cherished moment for all who visit.
A visit to see Lake Burera and Lake Ruhondo is a must on any itinerary. Located between Musanze and the Ugandan border, the Twin Lakes offer magnificent views over the Virunga Volcanoes, while the surrounding hills create a picture-perfect frame around the deep blue waters. Guests can take a gentle walk around one of the lakes, and enjoy wonderful birding. However, due to the steep nature of the landscape, it is often preferable to drive up the small track leading to a lodge tucked away at the top of the hill: the perfect spot to enjoy a refreshing drink and soak up the glorious vistas.
The Twin Lakes are 45 minutes by car from Sabyinyo, and are reached via a good tarmac road south to Musanze, and then back north towards Cyanika, or via a narrow but picturesque dirt road that follows the contours of the mountain.
The lakeside resort of Gisenyi makes for a wonderful contrast to the high altitude of the Virunga Volcanoes. Located 80 kilometres (50 miles) from Sabyinyo (two hours by car) Lake Kivu offers a relaxing day out. Stroll along the sandy beach on the lakeshore, and take a refreshing swim in the cool waters, followed by a refreshing drink at one of the quaint cafes along the palm-tree fringed lakeside promenade. The mild tropical climate adds to the springtime mood, which not even the imposing Nyiarongo Volcano can dampen.
Guests will also enjoy strolling past the hotels, mansions and lush gardens that echo its opulent past.
Local markets are the lifeblood of any town and Musanze market is a prime example. A bustling place full of local character and virtually everything you may need under the sun. Found in Musanze town (formerly known as Ruhengeri) it is the most important town in Rwanda’s Northern Province and in the Volcanoes area. It serves as the area’s administrative, commercial and service capital. You can also find all sorts of interesting souvenirs and handicrafts, and a wide range of traditional Kitenge fabric.
Enjoy a guided walk to Iby’Iwacu cultural village either on foot (a one hour downhill walk from Sabyinyo) or by car, a 15-minute drive).
Here you’ll learn the fascinating story of how one village convinced ex-poachers to turn their backs on poaching. Visit the traditional residence of a local king, watch an authentic medicine man prepare herbal mixtures, and try your hand at bow-and-arrow shooting.
Cultural dances and drumming performances are also on offer.
The guided walk takes around an hour and guests are free to take photographs. It is customary to leave a tip of USD 20.00.
Another very rewarding outing is a visit to the Ellen DeGeneres Campus of The Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund. The Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund International was established in 1967 to protect and study gorillas and their habitat, as well as to empower the people in the community.
With a team of hundreds working in Rwanda and the DRC, the Fossey Fund is the world’s longest-running and largest organisation dedicated entirely to gorilla conservation.
In 2022, the organisation moved to its first permanent, purpose-built home, the Ellen DeGeneres Campus of the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund.
Nestled in a beautiful, reforested landscape near Volcanoes National Park, why not add this to your itinerary. Here you can stop in for a tour, grab a cup of coffee at the Gorilla Café, browse the gift shop and learn more about the gorillas and the important work done to help conserve them.
* The visit is an additional cost per person in USD and are subject to change without prior notification.
Your Stay
3 Nights
Full Board - Dinner, Bed, Breakfast and Lunch
Fast Facts
Lodge
Spoken Languages: English, French, Swahili
No. Rooms: 9
Special Interests: Adventure, Birding, Flora, Hiking, Nature, Wildlife
Ruzizi Tented Lodge is a luxury eco-lodge located on Lake Ihema. Its nine tents are set back from Ihema’s serene shores and hidden among swaying palms and fruiting fig trees. With a 20-guest maximum, the lodge is an intimate retreat. Each tent boasts an en-suite bathroom with hot and cold running water, a dressing area, and a cosy queen bed. Guests will also have access to a thatched reception and dining area and wooden walkways leading to a stunning deck that hangs over the lake. It contains a central fire pit and is the perfect spot for a morning cup of coffee or post-dinner digestif. The lodge is powered by solar energy and prides itself on being environmentally conscious.