Volcanoes National Park, Rwanda· Virunga Mountains
Nearest park
Volcanoes National Park
Rating
4.8 (567)
From
$1,200/ night
One&Only Gorilla's Nest is a sanctuary of refined luxury tucked within a lush eucalyptus and pine forest at the base of the Virunga volcanic chain. As the flagship African property of the prestigious One&Only brand, the lodge delivers the group's signature standard of impeccable service and world-class design, adapted beautifully to the cool, misty highlands of northwestern Rwanda. The property's 21 rooms are arranged as freestanding lodge rooms and silverback suites, each designed with floor-to-ceiling windows that frame views of the forest canopy or the volcanic peaks beyond. The aesthetic is contemporary African elegance — warm timber finishes, locally woven textiles, handcrafted ceramic accents, and deep fireplaces that ward off the mountain chill. Silverback Suites feature private heated plunge pools, outdoor rain showers, and wraparound terraces. The lodge's public spaces are centered around a magnificent stone-and-timber great hall with soaring cathedral ceilings, a roaring central fireplace, and walls lined with books on primatology, African art, and Rwandan history. The adjacent restaurant serves contemporary Rwandan-inspired cuisine, with the chef sourcing ingredients from local cooperatives and the lodge's own herb garden. The One&Only Spa is a haven of tranquility, offering treatments inspired by Rwandan healing traditions within forest-facing treatment rooms. Fitness enthusiasts can use the well-equipped gym, take guided forest runs, or participate in morning yoga sessions on the forest deck. The lodge curates pre- and post-trek experiences including visits to the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund, community craft workshops, coffee farm excursions, and scenic cycling tours through the terraced hillsides of the Rwandan countryside.
One&Only brand luxury standard
Eucalyptus forest setting
Private heated plunge pools
Cathedral-ceiling great hall
Forest-facing spa
Guided forest runs and yoga
Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund visits
Community craft workshops
WiFi
Heated plunge pools (suites)
Full-service spa
Fitness center
Restaurant
Bar and lounge
Laundry and pressing
Airport transfers
In-room fireplace
Library
Yoga deck
Gift boutique
The lodge restaurant serves contemporary Rwandan cuisine with international influences, featuring ingredients from local cooperatives and the on-site herb garden. Breakfast is a lavish buffet with fresh tropical fruits and Rwandan coffee. Lunch is light and seasonal, while dinner is a curated multi-course experience paired with fine wines.
Activities include mountain gorilla trekking, golden monkey tracking, volcano hikes to Bisoke and Karisimbi summits, visits to the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund, community cycling tours, coffee plantation visits, Rwandan cooking classes, spa treatments, guided forest walks, and cultural dance performances.
Volcanoes National Park is home to approximately 500 mountain gorillas in habituated family groups. Golden monkeys inhabit the bamboo zone of the park and can be tracked in a separate excursion. The forest also supports forest elephants, black-fronted duiker, bushbuck, and a rich array of montane bird species including the Albertine Rift endemic Rwenzori turaco.
Gorilla trekking operates year-round. The dry seasons of June to September and December to February offer the easiest trekking conditions and clearest views of the volcanoes. The shoulder months of October and March provide a good balance of accessibility and smaller crowds.
