Gorilla's Nest
Jungle-chic treehouse safari lodge. Elevated wooden structures blend into eucalyptus forest, interiors combine rich African timbers with Rwandan craft and art. Intimate (only 21 units), conservation-forward, and genuinely remote.
Gorilla trekking permits cost an additional US$1,500 per person for one hour with the gorillas — book well in advance, especially for June–September peak season
Why It Matters
One of only two places on earth where you can trek with wild mountain gorillas (fewer than 1,100 survive globally). The property sits closest to Volcanoes National Park's entry gate among all lodges, meaning earlier starts and more time in the forest. Featured on the 2020 Condé Nast Traveler Hot List.
One&Only Gorilla's Nest sits in the eucalyptus-scented foothills of the Virunga volcanoes, just a five-minute drive from Volcanoes National Park — which makes it the closest luxury lodge to the park gates. The 21 stilted treehouses and suites are built from local volcanic stone and decorated with traditional Rwandan imigongo geometric prints, and every stay comes all-inclusive: all meals, house beverages, and two guided experiences per person per day. It's One&Only's nature-retreat answer to its beach portfolio, and the main event is obvious: mountain gorilla trekking.
Where You'll Stay
6 room types available
Forest Tree House
The entry-level lodge sits perched on stilts among eucalyptus with floor-to-ceiling windows that put the forest right in your eyeline. Private deck, outdoor shower, bathtub with a forest view, and an indoor fireplace. Compact but every inch is thoughtfully done.
King (or two twins) · 77 sqmIngagi Lodge
Generous indoor-outdoor flow with a master bedroom, expansive living and dining space, and an outdoor deck set up for alfresco dining. Both indoor and outdoor showers plus a freestanding tub. The Ingagi (Kinyarwanda for gorilla) name says it all — immersed completely in the wild Rwandan garden.
King · 251 sqmSilverback Lodge
The property's flagship. A full multi-level compound with a private pool on the outdoor terrace, a BBQ dining deck, a fire pit, living and dining indoors, and a fireplace. The birdsong and eucalyptus scent are constant at this elevation. One unit only — book months ahead.
King · 402 sqm
Susa Treehouse
Sleeps three adults, making it One&Only's most flexible option for a small group or family travelling with an older teen. Still fully elevated in the forest with the same fireplace, private deck, and bathtub setup as the Forest Tree House.
Two king-size beds (or one king and two twins) · 87 sqmTwo-Bedroom Forest Lodge
Two separate bedrooms connected by a shared outdoor viewing deck and bathroom — suited for families or two couples. The master bedroom has a king, the second room converts to twin or king. Each bedroom has privacy while the shared deck is where you gather to watch the forest.
One king + one convertible king/twinVirunga Lodge
A step up in scale and amenity. The outdoor deck is large enough to hold a freestanding bathtub, separate shower, and a proper living area — you're essentially bathing in the forest canopy. Inside: king bedroom, fireplace, living and dining space, and a dedicated chef and butler on call.
King · 147 sqmThe Property
Eat & Drink
4 venues on property
Restaurant
Spa & Wellness
Treatment Menu
On Property
How you'll actually spend your days.
On-site archery available at the lodge's experience centre.
Learn traditional Rwandan basket weaving from local artisans at the experience centre.
The Virunga area hosts more than 300 bird species. Guided birdwatching walks available from the lodge.
Track groups of endangered golden monkeys through the bamboo zones at the base of the volcanoes. More accessible than gorilla trekking and equally spectacular in its own right.
The signature reason to be here. Guides lead small groups into the misty bamboo forest of Volcanoes National Park to locate and spend one hour with a habituated gorilla family. Requires a government permit (US$1,500 per person) booked separately through Visit Rwanda. Minimum age 15. The lodge helps coordinate logistics and provides trekking gear.
A full-day expedition up Bisoke volcano, roughly 4 hours up and 2 hours down, rewarded with a spectacular crater lake at the summit. Experienced rangers guide the way through rugged volcanic landscape.
Regular evening events around the fire featuring traditional Rwandan dishes (including agatogo — green banana, mushroom and pea stew from the garden) with live performances by a local dance troupe.
Led by the resort's barista and local coffee experts. Rwanda's coffee is exceptional — beans for the lodge come from a women's cooperative just 2km away.
Interactive cooking classes led by Executive Chef Bryan in the fully equipped kitchen of the restored Jack Hanna Cottage.
Trek to the Karisoke Research Centre set up by Dian Fossey, where she's buried alongside the gorillas she dedicated her life to protecting. Around 1–1.5 hours of hiking through remarkable floral landscapes with chances to spot forest hogs, primates, and birds.
The 12-acre science and education campus close to the resort, built in partnership with Ellen DeGeneres, covers gorilla conservation through theatres, exhibits, local crafts, and a café. A genuinely impressive conservation facility.
A living museum village just outside Volcanoes National Park showcasing the rituals of ancient Rwandan life. Features drumming, dancing, and hands-on cultural activities — some performers are former poachers now employed as cultural ambassadors.
Bike trails wind through the surrounding eucalyptus forest. Free bikes are available for guests.
A network of caves formed 65 million years ago by lava flows. About 2km of accessible hiking reveals dramatic rock formations, cascading light shafts, and a resident bat colony.
Yoga sessions held on outdoor decks within the lodge grounds, including a dedicated yoga deck overlooking the gardens.
Photography sessions hosted at the property's dedicated Studio space — useful given the wildlife and landscape opportunities here.
Rwanda's remote northern highlands offer very low light pollution. Evening stargazing organised from the lodge.
Guests staying on the last Saturday of any month can join Rwanda's nationwide Umuganda community programme — a morning of hands-on communal tasks such as environmental protection. Quietly moving.
Amenities & Practical Info
The details that matter for planning.
Poolside bar serving healthy options, fresh juices, and evening cocktails throughout the day.
Full gym with personal trainers on hand. Includes a meditation deck and is positioned for scenic views. Steam room and sauna also in the fitness facility.
The rose garden supplies flowers for cocktails and spa treatments. The chef's garden grows herbs, vegetables and fruits used daily in the kitchen. Produce not used is composted or donated to a local female-owned pig farm.
Year-round outdoor pool open around the clock, ideal for post-trek swims at any hour.
The restored home of wildlife expert Jack Hanna, housing a curated library on Rwandan conservation, a games room, and a fully equipped kitchen for private cooking classes.
Complimentary laundry within reason — particularly useful after muddy gorilla treks. Hiking boots are cleaned and returned overnight.
Full room service menu available at any hour. The chapatti roll is the late-night local favourite.
The property participates in EarthCheck, measuring impact on environment, community, cultural heritage, and local economy. Additional sustainability commitments: plastic-free policy, local artisan turndown gifts, food waste reduction, and Handspun Hope partnership for genocide survivors.
A dedicated wellness zone with an open-air heated pool, plunge pool, and relaxation room separate from the main pool.
BUILD YOUR ONE&ONLY GORILLA'S NEST PLAN
Rooms, dining, spa, and resort experiences — organized into one trip plan.
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