One&Only Gorilla's Nest, Volcanoes | Timbuktu Travel
Volcanoes

One&Only Gorilla's Nest

Travel and Leaisure Worlds Best Awards for number 1 tour operator in the world 2024 and number 2 tour operator in the world 2025
We're one of the World's Best Tour Operators!
Voted No.1 in 2024 and No.2 in 2025 by Travel+Leisure

About One&Only Gorilla's Nest

Steeped in nature - adventure and luxury live in harmony at the secluded Gorilla's Nest.
As the name hints, One&Only Gorilla's Nest has a major drawcard - its back yard just happens to be the leafy world of Rwanda's charcoal-furred mountain gorillas. Surrounded by five of the Virunga Mountains' eight volcanoes, this pristine lodge is laid out in a valley of green and surrounded by the fragrance of eucalyptus. Part of the One&Only family, there's no shortage of top-of-the-range facilities that raise the hospitality bar including pop-up restaurants across the grounds so you never gaze at the same vista twice - and the rooms are simply gorgeous! If gorilla trekking with the promise of ultimate luxury is what you seek, Gorilla's Nest does it all in spades.
From $2.7K per person/per night
Retreat
21 Rooms
Open Map
Static map

Property details

The property

Ensconced by the mountains of Rwanda, winding pathways lead you between each idyllic wooden building, all with a natural yet utterly sophisticated feel. Here, dining is an artform where a range of seasonal dishes are yours for the tasting and signature drinks can be sipped at the Nest Bar. Alongside the fitness centre and glistening infinity pool (with a spectacular view and pool bar to boot), Gorilla Nest's oh-so-dreamy spa has your relaxation needs covered with endlessly rejuvinating treatments. The lodge also has a central lounge decked out in well-chosen prints and plush furnishings.

The rooms

Surrounded by lofty trees, you'll find 14 luxury rooms and seven suites, all suspended on stilts and with the ultimate view. Traditional Imigongo art fills the space with a subtle beauty and ceiling-to-floor glass walls invite nature inside. Offering a new meaning to jungle chic - sandy hues, rustic decor and white linens make each room a haven of relaxation. Your choice of room ranges from the Forest Lodge King with an open-air deck, al fresco shower and cosy fireplace, or the uber-elegant Silverback Suite where you can enjoy sprawling views from your tiered terrace or a dip in the private pool, not to mention the atmospheric fire pit - perfect to watch the stars come alight in the sky.

Activities

Beginning with our number one choice, going on anything from a 30-minute or 4-hour gorilla trekking adventure is truly unforgettable. You'll have the chance to see these soulful creatures as they roam freely in their home amongst the leaves. Expertly curated to show you the very best of Rwanda's landscape, other experiences include hiking to see Golden Monkeys at play in a ceiling of trees, discovering the colourful symphony of birdlife or traversing the iconic Dian Fossey hike. Heading out on a volcano scaling excursion is not one for the faint-hearted but it is beyond worth it. You could also discover some of Rwanda's other natural wonders with a trip to the mystical Crater Lake or a fascinating labyrinth of caves on the Musanze Cave Exploration.

What you'll love

What you'll love

The attention to detail...Expect the likes of a pre-breakfast snack bar before you head out on an excursion, post-trek massages along with a refreshing glass of bubbly and clean boots returned to your door in the evening.
Insiders tip

Insiders Tip

Gorilla's Nest is surrounded by the sweet smell of eucalyptus and roses - and both are signature ingredients in many of the lodge's bespoke beverages. Anyone for a cocktail or freshly brewed cuppa?
Something to think about

Something to think about

Gorilla trekking is, of course, on the pricier side of things but it's 100% worth it as the funds go straight back into preserving the home of these secretive creatures.

Rwanda

Volcanoes National Park

Make all your wildlife dreams come true with gorilla treks in an enchanting forest setting.