One&Only Gorilla Nest Lodge in Rwanda: Ultra Luxury Gorilla Trekking near Volcanoes National Park
Hidden among towering eucalyptus trees near Rwanda’s magnificent Volcanoes National Park, One&Only Gorilla’s Nest Lodge in Rwanda offers one of Africa’s most sophisticated bases for an unforgettable mountain gorilla safari.
This is more than somewhere luxurious to sleep before gorilla trekking. One&Only Gorilla’s Nest is designed as an immersive forest retreat, where secluded treehouses and suites, outdoor living spaces, exceptional dining, wellness experiences and Rwandan culture become part of the journey.
The resort sits on the edge of Volcanoes National Park, the celebrated protected area in northwestern Rwanda that shelters endangered mountain gorillas within the Virunga Massif.
For honeymooners, couples, luxury wildlife travelers and visitors with limited time, combining One&Only Gorilla’s Nest with gorilla trekking creates one of Rwanda’s most exclusive short safari experiences.
At Maseke Adventures, we can incorporate the property into a tailor-made private Rwanda itinerary including gorilla permits, private transportation from Kigali and additional experiences throughout Rwanda.
Where Is One&Only Gorilla’s Nest?
One&Only Gorilla’s Nest is located in Rwanda’s spectacular northwestern highlands, close to Volcanoes National Park and the communities of Kinigi and Musanze.
One&Only states that the resort is approximately a 2.5-hour scenic drive from Kigali International Airport, while a chartered flight can reduce the journey considerably. The property can arrange luxury SUV or helicopter transfers.
This accessibility is one of the major reasons Rwanda works so well for a short luxury gorilla safari.
You can arrive in Kigali, transfer to the Volcanoes region the same day, spend the night surrounded by forest and trek mountain gorillas the following morning.
For guests searching for a luxury gorilla lodge near Volcanoes National Park, Gorilla’s Nest combines accessibility with a strong sense of seclusion.
What Makes One&Only Gorilla’s Nest Special?
One&Only describes Gorilla’s Nest as a luxury rainforest resort where freestanding treehouses and suites sit among eucalyptus trees and gardens.
Rather than creating the feeling of a conventional hotel, the accommodation is spread through the landscape.
Guests can enjoy private decks, forest views and indoor-outdoor living while remaining surrounded by Rwanda’s greenery.
Depending on room category, features can include fireplaces, outdoor showers, alfresco baths and expansive living spaces. At the top end, the Silverback Suite includes a private swimming pool, outdoor lounge, firepit and barbecue terrace.
It makes the lodge particularly appealing for travelers looking for an ultra-luxury Rwanda gorilla safari package rather than simply accommodation near the trekking headquarters.
Accommodation at One&Only Gorilla’s Nest
The resort offers several categories, allowing guests to choose the level of space and exclusivity that best suits their trip.
Forest Treehouse
The Forest Treehouse provides an intimate retreat for couples, with a private deck, forest views, soaking tub, outdoor shower and fireplace.
It can be an excellent choice for honeymooners who want privacy without moving into the resort’s largest suite categories.
Susa Treehouse
The Susa Treehouse provides additional space and is surrounded by forest and gardens. It includes an outdoor viewing deck and fireplace, creating an inviting place to relax after trekking.
Virunga Suite
The Virunga Suite takes the experience further with generous indoor and outdoor living areas, a fireplace, expansive deck and alfresco bathing facilities.
Ingagi Suite
For travelers looking for greater exclusivity, the Ingagi Suite provides extensive private space, outdoor living and dedicated services. Current inclusions listed by One&Only include a dedicated host and complimentary return transfers from Kigali.
Silverback Suite
The Silverback Suite represents the resort’s pinnacle accommodation.
At approximately 402 square metres, it features a private swimming pool, outdoor firepit, large deck and extensive living and dining areas. Guests also receive a dedicated host and access to additional exclusive experiences.
For VIP travelers, special celebrations and luxury honeymoons, this is the room category to consider.
Gorilla Trekking from One&Only Gorilla’s Nest
The main attraction remains mountain gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park.
Rwanda currently has habituated gorilla families available for carefully managed tourism. Visitors gather at the park headquarters in Kinigi in the morning for briefing and allocation before entering the forest with professional guides and trackers.
Once your assigned gorilla family is located, you can spend a maximum of one hour observing the gorillas, subject to the regulations and instructions of park staff.
Rwanda currently prices the standard international gorilla trekking permit at US$1,500 per person, and trekkers must be at least 15 years old.
Because permits are limited, booking in advance is strongly recommended.
One&Only also offers pre-trek preparation and storytelling experiences around the gorilla families, while trekking equipment such as ponchos, gaiters and backpacks is among the listed inclusions for several accommodation categories.
Returning from the forest to a hot shower, excellent meal and spa treatment is where the value of a One&Only Rwanda gorilla trekking package becomes particularly apparent.
Dining at Gorilla’s Nest
Food is an important part of the One&Only experience.
The resort’s main restaurant, The Nest, offers menus that change with the seasons and make use of ingredients from the kitchen garden and surrounding producers.
Other experiences include garden-to-table dining, wellness-oriented food at Club One and private dining at the historic Jack Hanna Cottage.
Several accommodation categories currently include breakfast, lunch and dinner as well as selected beverages.
For honeymooners and special occasions, private dining can add another layer of exclusivity to the stay.
Spa and Wellness after Gorilla Trekking
Gorilla trekking can be physically demanding, so the resort’s wellness facilities are particularly welcome after returning from Volcanoes National Park.
One&Only operates a forest spa designed around relaxation and wellbeing, while some suites provide in-room wellness equipment.
A massage or quiet afternoon beside the forest is an excellent way to end your trekking day rather than immediately adding another long excursion.
More Than Gorillas: Experiences at One&Only
One of Gorilla’s Nest’s advantages is that guests do not need to leave immediately after their gorilla trek.
The resort offers experiences cantered around Rwanda’s nature, culture and food.
Options include guided nature walks, Rwandan coffee experiences, drumming and dance, visits connected with local crafts, and cultural encounters.
This makes staying two or three nights particularly worthwhile.
Instead of treating the lodge as a base for one activity, you can experience more of the region and enjoy the resort itself.
One&Only Gorilla’s Nest for Honeymoons
A One&Only Gorilla’s Nest honeymoon package can be exceptional.
Few honeymoon experiences compare with waking among eucalyptus trees, trekking mountain gorillas together and returning for a private dinner or spa treatment.
Couples can then continue to Tanzania’s Serengeti, Kenya’s Maasai Mara or Zanzibar for a safari-and-beach combination.
For an exclusively Rwandan honeymoon, Gorilla’s Nest can also be combined with Akagera National Park for traditional savannah wildlife.
Suggested 3-Day One&Only Gorilla’s Nest Safari
For travelers with limited time, a three-day itinerary works particularly well.
Day 1: Private transfer from Kigali to Volcanoes National Park, check into One&Only Gorilla’s Nest and spend the afternoon relaxing or enjoying a resort experience.
Day 2: Early breakfast followed by mountain gorilla trekking. Return to Gorilla’s Nest for lunch, spa relaxation and a special evening dining experience.
Day 3: Enjoy breakfast and an optional morning experience before your private transfer back to Kigali.
This creates an excellent 3 day luxury Rwanda gorilla safari with One&Only Gorilla’s Nest.
How Much Does One&Only Gorilla’s Nest Cost?
Rates vary significantly according to room category, travel dates, availability and special offers.
The Forest Treehouse sits at the entry point of the resort’s accommodation collection, while the Virunga, Ingagi and Silverback suites provide progressively greater space and exclusivity.
Because rates and inclusions can change, travelers should request a quotation for their specific dates rather than relying on an outdated fixed online price.
Remember that your US$1,500 Rwanda gorilla permit is a separate major trip component unless your tour package explicitly states that it is included.
Why Book One&Only Gorilla’s Nest with Maseke Adventures?
A luxury gorilla safari involves more than booking a beautiful room.
Your accommodation, gorilla permits, Kigali transfers, trekking day and additional activities need to work seamlessly together.
Maseke Adventures can arrange your complete journey, including gorilla permits, private 4×4 transportation, Kigali airport transfers, professional guiding, One&Only Gorilla’s Nest accommodation, golden monkey trekking and extensions throughout East Africa.
This is especially useful for travelers combining Rwanda with Uganda, Kenya, Tanzania or Zanzibar.
Final Thoughts
One&Only Gorilla’s Nest Lodge in Rwanda is an excellent choice for travelers who want gorilla trekking to be surrounded by a genuine ultra-luxury experience.
Its location near Volcanoes National Park, secluded forest accommodation, excellent dining, wellness facilities and Rwandan cultural experiences transform a gorilla trek into a complete destination stay.
The mountain gorillas will almost certainly be the emotional centrepiece of your journey, but Gorilla’s Nest ensures the hours before and after the trek are memorable too.
For honeymooners, couples and discerning travelers planning a short high-end Rwanda safari, it deserves a place among the country’s leading accommodation choices.
Planning your Rwanda gorilla safari? Contact Maseke Adventures for a customized One&Only Gorilla’s Nest package including accommodation, gorilla permit arrangements, private Kigali transfers and tailor-made East African extensions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is One&Only Gorilla’s Nest close to Volcanoes National Park?
Yes. The resort is located on the edge of Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda’s Virunga region and is designed specifically around access to the region’s nature and gorilla experiences.
How far is Gorilla’s Nest from Kigali?
One&Only states that the resort is approximately a 2.5-hour scenic drive from Kigali International Airport. Luxury SUV and chartered helicopter transfers can be arranged.
How much is a Rwanda gorilla permit?
The standard international gorilla trekking permit currently costs US$1,500 per person per day.
Is One&Only Gorilla’s Nest all-inclusive?
Several current accommodation categories include breakfast, lunch and dinner, selected beverages and resort experiences, but inclusions vary by room category and booking conditions. Always confirm the exact package when reserving.
Is Gorilla’s Nest suitable for a honeymoon?
Yes. Private treehouses, premium suites, spa experiences, intimate dining and proximity to mountain gorilla trekking make it particularly well suited to luxury honeymoons.
