One&Only Gorilla’s Nest Is Finally Open

Its been a long wait, but we are delighted to welcome you to the brand-new jungle sanctuary, now the second One&Only resort in beautiful Rwanda, One&Only Gorilla's Nest.

One&Only Gorilla's Nest is cushioned in the foothills of the Virunga Volcano Range of Rwanda, wrapped in fragrant Eucalyptus forest, One&Only Gorilla’s Nest makes the magical possible as you enjoy a once-in-a-lifetime personal encounter with rare and majestic mountain gorillas, roaming free in their own natural habitat. With exceptional dining and selected beverages included in your stay, plus two signature resort experiences daily, prepare to feel immersed in the rare magic of Virunga.

Into the wild at One&Only Gorilla's Nest

Feel the thrill of up-close encounters with the endangered Mountain Gorillas found only in this part of the world. Unearth the wonders of Volcanoes National Park, traversing magical landscapes, spotting wildlife, and scaling epic volcanoes. Lose yourself in moments that feed your curiosity, from local coffee tasting to stargazing and traditional local performances. It’s all possible with our expertly curated experiences, and two selected adventures are included for your enjoyment.

Volcanoes National Park activities

Walk in the footsteps on Mountain Gorillas

The ultimate Virunga experience – once-in-a-lifetime and truly transformational. Hiking through misty bamboo forest you’ll track endangered mountain gorillas who roam in this habitat and languish in their troops. Statuesque yet gentle, human-like but entirely wild, you’ll be captivated, endeared, and enlightened as they go about their day, unperturbed. It’s a bucket-list encounter that will stay with you always.

Be dazzled by Golden Monkeys

With their prominent golden fur coat, wide fuzzy faces, and beady eyes, the endangered golden monkeys are a thrilling highlight of the national park – amazing to observe up close. Following the fresh leftovers of bamboo, their large groups are usually easy to trace at the bottom of the volcanos. You’ll love simply watching them graze, socialise, and leap dramatically between trees with the aid of long tails.

Dian Fossey Hike - a truly rewarding activity

Trekking to the Dian Fossey tomb is one of the most coveted and rewarding activities in the Volcanoes National Park. The walk to the Karisoke Research Centre, set up by Fossey, takes around 1 to 1.5-hours and is an incredible experience physically and emotionally. You’ll learn about the amazing life and legacy of the American activist and cover incredible floral landscapes with the chance to spot a variety of native creatures, from forest hogs to primates and colourful birds.

Ascent to Bisoke Volcano Crater Lake

For those that are a bit more adventurous, indulge in an epic adventure on the Bisoke volcano, scaling the forest to be rewarded with a spectacular crater lake at the summit. Approximately 4-hours up and 2-hours down, depending on ability, the experienced rangers will reveal a world of wonder as you traverse the rugged landscape. From native flora and fauna to local history, you’ll learn and see a lot during this full-day jungle expedition.

Musanze Cave exploration

Exploring Musanze Cave allows you to step back in time to a network of caves formed 65 million years ago by molten lava flows that forged the epic Albertine Rift Valley. 2-kilometers of easy hiking through the caves reveals dramatic rock formations, dotted with cascading light shafts, spilling greenery, and no doubt you’ll meet the local colony of bats, casually hanging from the stone.

Discover the wonders of Iby'iwacu Cultural Village

One thing not to miss out on is the chance to meet the Rwandan locals. Their pride and sheer joy for life is infectous!

Follow the sounds of thunderous drumming and joyful dancing to this traditional Rwandan village, located just outside the national park. A ‘living museum’, it reveals the rituals of life in the ancient Rwandan kingdom and features hands-on activities to acquaint you with the friendly locals. Some of the presenters and performers are in fact former poachers who have been rehabilitated by the opportunity to work in the village.

One& Only Gorilla's Nest is your jungle hideaway

One&Only Gorilla's Nest is perfectly situated in the foothills of the Virunga's. Take in the theatre of nature all around as you unwind in on one of our luxury lodges and suites. The closest resort to the legendary Volcanoes National Park, this is a Rwandan resort like no other.

An intimate collection of jungle-chic havens, swathed in eucalyptus and volcano views at One&Only Gorilla's Nest await. The Forest Lodge King, Two-Bedroom Forest Lodge, Virunga Suite, Ingagi Suite and Silverback Suite all offer their own unique luxuries and amenities. A brief chat with us will help you find your perfect abode.

Taste of Rwanda

Dining at Gorilla's Nest will leave you in awe. The fresh, seasonal flavours of Rwanda are served in a myriad of enchanting settings. Aptly named the 'Nest', the lodges main restaurant is a place of nourishment, inspiration, indulgence, and warm service.

With a bountiful chef’s garden, exceptional local providers, and ultra-talented chefs, our food story is born of Rwanda and inspired by the world. Seasonal, organic, and always connected to place, you can follow the journey of each creation from field to fork.

Become one with self at the Gorilla's Nest Spa & Wellness Centre

Become one with self and nature at the One&Only Gorilla's Nest jungle spa. You can refresh, reflect and renew. Get inspired by the energy of Rwanda's jungle, a place where body is in balance with soul.

Their collection of spa experiences are truly unique and in partnership with Terres D'Afrique, creates a rich wellness experience, celebrating the traditions and heritage of Africa. Discover treatments created exclusively for One&Only Gorilla's Nest, a space to relax and rejuvenate your mind, body and soul.

To find out more about One&Only Gorilla's Nest or to find out how to combine gorilla trekking and a big 5 safari in one trip contact us.