Mantis Group opens 5 star Nyungwe Forest Lodge in Rwanda
09. Feb, 2010
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In the mountainous southwest of Rwanda, is one of the oldest forests in Africa – the quintessential rainforest, Nyungwe. This area is regarded as the largest remaining extension of uninterrupted montane forest in Central and East Africa, and is one of the most ancient, dating back to before the last Ice Age.
Nyungwe Forest is known for its rugged terrain and complex mosaic of dense vegetation types from tall dense forests to open, flower filled marshes. The escarpment has a varied topography with an array of soil types providing micro habitats for both plants and animals. Moist, fertile soil supports tall forests, while dry ridges provide habitat for shorter trees and thickets.
Uniquely rich in floral diversity, Nyungwe Forest has more than 200 different types of tree species, and a myriad of flowering plants including the otherworldly giant lobelia and a host of colorful orchids. Some of the largest trees include the African Mahogany, Mulanje Cedar and Waterberry, while smaller trees such as the Giant Tree Ferns, flank the sides of the ‘Waterfall Trail’ and forest beds.
Over 275 different birds and 75 different species of mammals and hundreds of butterflies reside in these plush green surrounds. The birds are spectacular – giant hornbills, great blue turacos and red-breasted sparrowhawks are amongst the specials, of which 24 are endemic to this section of the Rift Valley – this is a birders paradise with hundreds of rainforest species.
Nyungwe Forest is most alluring for its primates: 13 species in all, including humankind’s closest living relative the chimpanzee, as well as the handsome LHoests monkey and hundred strong troops of the delightfully acrobatic Black and White Colobus.
Nyungwe Forest Lodge, a Mantis property, is the only five star establishment within the Nyungwe National Park area launches its official opening date of 14th March 2010. The lodge lies in a tea plantation on the edge of the Nyungwe closed canopy rain forest.
The lodge comprises of 24 luxurious suites, each equipped with private decks with views overlooking the vast forest terrain. Lodge facilities include a bistro with an outdoor heated swimming pool, a boma for outdoor dining and sundowners, a restaurant with private terrace, a tea lounge and bar, a relaxation retreat with two treatment rooms and Jacuzzi, plus a fitness centre with treadmill, cycle and weights. The lodge also offers the latest in Wi-Fi technology with exclusive conferences facilities accommodating up to 18 delegates. Furthermore, the main lodge is wheelchair friendly with relevant facilities.
Each suite offers first world five star comforts; air-conditioning, a fireplace for the more cooler months of the year, en-suite bathroom with shower, and a flat screen TV with digital satellite channels, amongst others.
The architecture and design of the lodge takes some of its influence from traditional Rwandese buildings. Local materials and construction methods are used to the greatest extent possible. Like most Rwandan architecture, the buildings are objects blending with the landscape, and the resulting spaces are comfortable and elegant, celebrating the site with views over the tea plantation, to the forest and beyond.
Guests can take part in many exciting trekking and walking activities: chimpanzee trekking, black and white colobus monkey trekking, grey-cheeked mangabey trekking, blue and golden monkey trekking, cultural walks and Kamiranzovu swamp and waterfall walks. An extensive network of well-maintained walking trails lead through Nyungwe forest to various waterfalls and viewing points.
As guests walk, they can soak up and discover the natural pleasures of the terrain from the tall old mahoganies, ebonies and giant tree ferns towering above, whilst orchids and other epiphytes cling to every branch. Brightly coloured birds flit around, butterflies are everywhere, and guests may even encounter larger forest residents.
The rate per person per night is US $400 inclusive of accommodation, breakfast and dinner, selected beverages and VAT.
This five star destination is in an hour’s drive from town Kamembe, on the shore of Lake Kivu.
Nyungwe Forest Lodge is managed and marketed by the Mantis Group.
My name is Muzi Mohale a full-time travel blogger, your host at Travelwires.com responsible for all editorial on this blog. I blog about the travel and tourism industry in Africa. Apart from blogging about tourism, I also run 
Nyungwe has one the largest populations of endemic species in all of Africa. Of the 86 mammal species present, 14 are endemic to the Albertine Rift. The forest is home to 14 species of primates, including large troops of colobus monkeys that often travel in groups of 300 or more individuals. Two hundred eighty avian species have been identified in the forest, with 26 Albertine Rift endemic species and 121 forest species.
montane rainforest