One & Only Gorilla’s Nest Lodge

One & Only Gorilla’s Nest Lodge: Luxury at the Edge of Volcanoes National Park

One & Only Gorilla’s Nest Lodge is a high-end sanctuary nestled in the eucalyptus-fringed foothills of Rwanda’s Virunga volcanoes. It provides discerning travelers with an immersive wildlife escape and acts as a premier gateway to gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park. The property emphasizes refined design, wellness, and a strong bond with nature while offering all the comforts of a luxury retreat.

Because the lodge is so close to the park’s headquarters, you can begin adventures with minimal early-morning transfers, allowing you to maximize time in the forest.

How to Get There

From Kigali (by road or helicopter)

You can reach Gorilla’s Nest via a road transfer of approximately 2.5 hours from Kigali International Airport (KGL). The lodge can arrange ground transfers, often with luxury vehicles.

Our professional tour guides can always pick you up from Kigali either hotel or Kigali International Airport and bring you to One& Only Gorilla’s Nest Lodge when visiting Volcanoes National park, Rwanda.

Alternatively, for speed and flair, helicopter transfers are possible: a flight from Kigali to the lodge’s helipad takes about 35 minutes.

Local Access & Proximity to the Park

The lodge sits just about 5 minutes’ drive from the Volcanoes National Park headquarters in Kinigi, making it among the closest full-service luxury lodges to the trekking launch point.

There is also a small domestic airstrip in Ruhengeri (RHG), which can reduce road time; from there it’s a short drive to the lodge.

Level of Accommodation

Number of Units & Layout

One & Only Gorilla’s Nest is an intimate property with 21 units in total: 14 rooms and 7 suites. The units are designed like elevated treehouses or lodges among eucalyptus and forest.

Room & Suite Types

Some of the accommodation styles include:

• Forest King Lodges / Treehouses: The base units, designed with elevated decks, ample glass windows, and direct views into the forest canopy.

• Two-Bedroom Forest Lodges: Intended for families or small groups, offering extra space and private areas.

• Virunga Suites: These offer more space, sometimes with open-air bathtubs on the deck, private lounges, and elevated views.

• Ingagi / Silverback / Premium Suites: The top-tier suites include generous living/dining spaces, fire pits or BBQ terraces, and luxury touches.

Design, Ambience, and Room Features

Accommodation balances modern luxury with local character. Interiors typically use natural materials like volcanic stone, warm woods, and local art motifs. Each unit offers inside–outside flow: floor-to-ceiling windows, private terraces or balconies, and views over eucalyptus groves or volcano peaks.

Typical in-room amenities include:

• Air conditioning and heating

• WiFi

• Minibar / refreshments

• Luxurious bathrooms (often with separate tub and shower)

• Private deck or balcony

• Fireplace in higher suites

What to Expect: Services, Experiences & Amenities

Dining & Culinary Approach

The lodge’s main dining venue, The Nest, features a farm-to-table philosophy: many ingredients are sourced from the lodge’s own garden or local suppliers.  The menu routinely showcases Rwandan flavors, and the lodge occasionally offers barbecues, local cultural feasts, or “Boma” evenings with fire, music, and dance. The Nest Bar acts as the social hub for guest conversations, evening drinks, and reflections after a day in the forest.

Wellness, Spa & Relaxation

A full spa & wellness center is on site, offering massages, body treatments, aromatherapy, and wellness programs aimed at rejuvenation after trekking. The lodge uses local products such as coffee scrubs or rose oil in treatments.

In addition, the property features outdoor pool, garden lawns, lounging decks, and walking paths to just unwind.

Wildlife & Guided Experiences

Because of the lodge’s proximity to the park, guests can engage in:

• Gorilla Trekking: The lodge helps coordinate logistics for the trekking in Volcanoes National Park. Guests depart early from the park’s headquarters nearby.

• Golden Monkey Trekking in adjacent forest zones, a lighter primate walk.

• Volcano & Nature Walks / Hiking: You can hike one of the Virunga volcanoes or explore forest trails.

• Cultural Visits: Visits to local villages (e.g. Iby’iwacu) to experience Rwandan traditions, crafts, drumming, and storytelling.

• Coffee & Garden Tours: Walk through the lodge garden and learn about local coffee production or local plants.

• Laundry and dry cleaning services ensure your trekking clothes return fresh.

• The lodge practices eco-friendly strategies: sourcing locally, minimizing plastic use, supporting community artisans (e.g. turndown gifts from local makers).

• Complimentary WiFi is available throughout, including rooms and common areas.

• Concierge, transfers, and itinerary support are usually built into the guest experience. On arrival, guests are often greeted with cultural performances (traditional dance and drumming) to welcome them to Rwanda.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the minimum age for gorilla trekking and to stay at the lodge?

• Gorilla trekking in Rwanda requires participants to be at least 15 years old.

• The lodge allows guests older than 14 years to stay (i.e. children 14 and under are not typically permitted).

Are transfers from Kigali included?

Transfers can be arranged via the lodge, but they may incur additional cost unless included in a package.

How far is the lodge from Volcanoes National Park?

Approximately 5 minutes by road to the park headquarters in Kinigi.

Do I need to book gorilla permits in advance?

Yes — permits are limited, so you should secure them well in advance (often months ahead). The lodge helps with logistical coordination, but the permit itself must come from the official channels.

What’s included in the nightly rate?

Rates usually include full board (three meals), selected in-house activities, and certain guided experiences (depending on the package).

Is WiFi available?

Yes — complimentary WiFi is available in rooms and public spaces.

What time is check-in and check-out?

• Check-in begins at 2:00 PM, with early check-in subject to availability.

• Check-out is typically at 11:00 AM. Late check-outs may be possible for a fee.

Are pets allowed?

No, pets and service animals are not permitted.

Does the lodge practice sustainability or support conservation?

Yes — One & Only Gorilla’s Nest uses many sustainable practices (e.g. sourcing locally, limiting plastic), and collaborates with conservation and community initiatives (such as partnerships with the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund).