Cottagecore in the Wild: A Nature-Lover’s Escape to Rwanda’s Nyungwe Forest
If your idea of paradise involves misty mornings, fern-draped trails, and tea sipped beside a crackling fire, then Rwanda’s Nyungwe Forest National Park is your dream cottagecore destination in Africa. Hidden in the southwest corner of Rwanda, Nyungwe is one of Africa’s oldest rainforests, offering a mystical blend of lush biodiversity, slow living, and nature-rooted serenity.
Why Nyungwe Forest is Perfect for Cottagecore Travelers
This isn’t your typical African safari. Nyungwe is about stillness—cloud forests, mossy footpaths, ancient trees, and the soft chorus of birds and primates. It’s a place where you can press wildflowers in a journal, take tea overlooking valleys, and sleep beneath a canopy of stars in rustic wooden lodges.
3-Day Cottagecore Nature Itinerary: Nyungwe Forest, Rwanda
Day 1: Arrival & Forest Immersion
Stay at: Nyungwe Top View Hill Hotel – A charming lodge with panoramic forest views and handmade local furnishings.
Afternoon Tea – Savor fresh Rwandan tea on the veranda, watching mist roll over the treetops.
Sunset Forest Walk – Stroll along the Igishigishigi Trail, a short loop with a suspension bridge and breathtaking views.
Day 2: Forest Bathing & Chimpanzee Trekking
Morning Chimpanzee Trek – Wake before dawn and trek through the jungle to observe chimpanzees in their natural habitat.
Picnic Brunch – Enjoy a packed brunch with fruits, local bread, and herbal tea beside a stream.
Slow Afternoon – Sketch wild orchids, read in a hammock, or press leaves for a nature journal.
Evening by the Fire – Return to your lodge for dinner by candlelight and fireside storytelling with local guides.
Day 3: Tea Fields & Farewell
Visit Gisovu Tea Estate – Tour a working tea farm tucked into emerald hills, and sample hand-harvested blends.
Nature Journaling Session – Sit beneath a tree with sweeping valley views and reflect on your time in the forest.
Departure – Stop by a local artisan co-op for handmade woven baskets and natural soaps before heading back.
What to Pack for Cottagecore in Nyungwe
Linen or cotton dresses for layering
Waterproof boots for trails
A sketchbook or journal
Herbal teas or essential oils for grounding
A woven basket day bag
Nyungwe is a sanctuary—untouched, soulful, and rich with nature’s quiet magic. For travelers who find beauty in moss-covered stones and forest whispers, this is Africa’s most enchanting cottagecore escape.
