About this hotel
General information
One&Only Gorilla's Nest is a forest resort on the very edge of Volcanoes National Park, whose mountain slopes are home to twelve families of mountain gorillas. Freestanding treehouses and suites are set among tall eucalyptus trees, raised above the gardens, and each comes with binoculars, books and work by local artists. A rose garden, a chef's kitchen garden shaded by an avocado tree and the resort's own coffee garden complete the grounds.
Stays are all-inclusive: breakfast, lunch and dinner with house wine, beers and soft drinks at meals, plus two resort activities per guest each day. Ponchos, gaiters and backpacks are provided for trekking, and boots and clothes are cleaned and laundered after outings at no extra charge. The minimum age at the resort is 15.
Location
The resort lies in the foothills of the Virunga Mountains at the edge of Volcanoes National Park, close to Kinigi and Musanze in northern Rwanda. Kigali International Airport is about 2.5 hours away by road, or 25 minutes by air; the resort arranges transfers by luxury SUV or chartered helicopter. For guests of the Ingagi and Silverback suites, return transfers from Kigali are included.
Spa
One&Only Spa is tucked away among the trees. Its signature rituals draw on local ingredients: the 150-minute Essence of Rose takes its cue from the resort's rose garden, Forest Coffee and Coconut is a full-body treatment using Rwandan coffee, and the 90-minute Post Trek and Travel massage is designed for after long journeys or treks. The menu also lists the Pinda Signature Massage with warm eucalyptus and baobab pouches, Deep-Tissue Release, Rediscovered Reflex for the feet and lower legs, Afrique Aroma, a back, neck and shoulder massage, and the Afrique Arising, Afrique Mystique and Men's Organic facials. Mindfulness meditation classes run daily.
Sports & leisure
Gorilla trekking with expert guides is the heart of a stay, and the resort team helps plan each trek. Beyond that:
- Stories of Your Ancestors — an evening by the bonfire with blankets, drinks and snacks, covering the twelve gorilla families of the park and the pre-trek briefing;
- hikes to the volcanoes of Volcanoes National Park;
- The Secrets of Rwandan Coffee — a guided coffee tasting and a walk through the resort's coffee garden;
- guided nature walks around the resort for birds, butterflies, flowers and trees;
- archery, hiking and cycling;
- Club One — an open-air gym with boxing equipment, a forest-view gym and yoga in an open-air pavilion.
Restaurants & bars
The kitchens cook with herbs and vegetables from the resort's own garden and produce from nearby farms, and menus change daily with the seasons.
- The Nest — the all-day restaurant, seasonal cooking from early breakfast to candlelit dinner;
- Nest Bar — signature cocktails, lemonades and teas infused with local rose petals;
- Club One — light poolside dishes: smoothies, salads and grills;
- Chef's Garden — dinner outdoors under the avocado tree in the kitchen garden, traditional Rwandan cooking;
- Jack Hanna Cottage — private lunches and dinners with a bespoke menu of traditional cuisine;
- The Nest Library — intimate group dinners at a long table by the fireplace.
An early breakfast is served before treks, and picnic baskets can be packed for hikes.
Swimming
Club One has a heated infinity pool overlooking the gardens and a cold plunge pool; the Silverback Suite has its own private pool.
Rooms
Accommodation is in freestanding treehouses and suites in the eucalyptus forest, from a treehouse for two to a suite with its own pool. Suite guests also receive in-suite snacks and drinks, a private chef for lunch and dinner in the suite, and a dedicated host.
Each has a fireplace and sitting area, a private deck with forest views, a bathroom with a deep tub and an outdoor shower, binoculars, books and local art.
Forest Treehouse
A treehouse with a lounge, fireplace, viewing deck, forest-view soaking tub and outdoor shower. One king bed or two single beds; sleeps two.
Susa Treehouse
A two-bedroom treehouse: a king master bedroom and a second room with a king bed or two single beds, a shared bathroom with a freestanding bath, a living area with fireplace and a deck. Sleeps three.
Virunga Suite
A light-filled suite with floor-to-ceiling glass, a king bedroom, separate living and dining areas around a fireplace, a large deck and an open-air bath and shower. Sleeps two.
Ingagi Suite
A spacious suite with a large deck for lounging and dining, a living room with fireplace and a bathroom with a freestanding tub and indoor and outdoor showers; one king bed. Sleeps two.
Silverback Suite
The resort's largest suite, with a king bedroom, a fireplace-lit living room and a multi-level terrace with a lounge, barbecue, firepit and private pool. Sleeps two.
Photos are for illustrative purposes only. Actual room layout, furnishings, décor, views and amenities may differ from those shown and may vary between rooms of the same category. Hotel and room descriptions are based on information provided by the property and are believed to be accurate at the time of publication, but are not guaranteed. The hotel may renovate or change its rooms, facilities, restaurants and services at any time without notice. The final details of your stay are confirmed at the time of booking. See our Terms of Use.