One&Only Gorilla's Nest, Volcanoes National Park, Rwanda

One&Only Gorilla's Nest brings resort-level luxury to the edge of Rwanda's Volcanoes National Park. Its 21 treehouse-style suites stand among tall eucalyptus groves in the foothills of the Virunga volcanoes, with a pool, a spa and a restaurant celebrated for its organic, local cooking. It combines the thrill of tracking mountain gorillas with the comforts of one of the world's most polished hotel brands.

Location: Volcanoes National Park, Rwanda

The lodge stands in the volcano foothills near Kinigi, close to the park headquarters where gorilla treks begin. Helicopter transfers from Kigali take around 25 minutes.

From the lodge, it is a short drive to Kinigi, where rangers brief trekkers each morning and assign them to one of the park's habituated gorilla families. The Rwandan Virungas shelter around a third of all mountain gorillas, and an encounter lasts exactly one hour, a strict limit that protects the animals. Permits are among the most expensive wildlife experiences in the world and are capped each day, so the concierge will want to secure them as soon as you book; the minimum age is 15. The same forests hold troops of rare golden monkeys, which are playful and easier to reach, and a steep hike leads to Karisoke, the research camp where Dian Fossey lived and is buried. The road journey from Kigali takes around two and a half hours.

Gorilla's Nest makes a comfortable base for exploring more of north-western Rwanda. Within easy reach are the twin crater lakes of Burera and Ruhondo, ideal for a boat trip or a lakeside lunch, the lava-tube caves near Musanze, and community projects where former poachers now share their knowledge with visitors. The lodge also pairs naturally with One&Only Nyungwe House, its sister property in the rainforest of south-western Rwanda, where guests can track chimpanzees and walk the canopy bridge, and with a Big Five safari in Akagera National Park in the east.

Suites at One&Only Gorilla's Nest

The 21 suites and lodges are raised among the trees like treehouses, with decks overlooking eucalyptus and rainforest. Interiors are contemporary and warm, using Rwandan imigongo patterns in white, black and red, natural timber and stone, fireplaces and generous bathrooms. The larger lodges suit families and small groups, and every suite feels secluded, despite the resort's size.

The suites are generously sized, with deep bathtubs, rain showers and spacious decks for watching the mist rise over the forest. Thoughtful details, from heated floors to fireside reading corners, make returning from a long trek a pleasure, and the staff are known for their warm Rwandan hospitality.

Facilities at One&Only Gorilla's Nest

The Recreation Lodge, a separate building in the forest, has an open-air pool, a steam room and a pool bar, along with indoor and outdoor fitness areas and guided jungle workouts. The spa offers treatments using the South African brand Terres D'Afrique, ideal after a long trek.

Nest, the main restaurant, serves organic, local ingredients in European and Mediterranean-inspired dishes, and Nest Bar is known for its signature cocktails. The concierge team arranges gorilla and golden monkey permits, hikes to Dian Fossey's grave and visits to local communities.

The mountain moment

The Gorilla's Nest moment is the return from a morning trek: muddy, exhilarated and slightly overwhelmed after an hour with a gorilla family, you are welcomed back with hot towels and drinks, then sink into the open-air pool among the eucalyptus as mist drifts across the volcanoes.

Why One&Only Gorilla's Nest is one of the best mountain hotels

One&Only Gorilla's Nest earns its place for comfort, service and location. It offers the most resort-like experience near Volcanoes National Park, with a pool, spa and excellent food, making it ideal for travellers who want luxury and facilities alongside their gorilla trek. It is larger and more polished than the intimate eco-lodges nearby, and very expensive. But for those who want everything taken care of, it is superb.

For a more intimate, design-led alternative, see Bisate Lodge.

When to go to One&Only Gorilla's Nest

Gorilla permits are available every day of the year, but most visitors aim for the two drier spells, from June to September and from December to February, when the trails are firmer and the volcanoes are more often clear of cloud. These periods book up many months in advance. The rainier months of March to May and October to November bring muddier, more challenging treks and frequent afternoon showers, but the forest is at its greenest and quieter, and the lodge's pool, sauna and spa are a welcome reward in any weather.

Most guests stay three nights, which allows one or two gorilla treks, a golden monkey trek or a hike to Dian Fossey's grave, and a day to relax. Porters can be hired at the start of each trek to carry bags and help on steep sections, a valuable source of income for local families. Bring long sleeves and trousers, gaiters or long socks against nettles, a rain jacket and a camera with a good low-light setting, as the forest can be dark; flash photography is not allowed.

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