Why we like this lodge
- The property blends a luxury resort experience; complete with a large spa, heated pool, sauna, and fitness center, with an immersive location in the eucaleus forests.
- Each lodge is thoughtfully designed with natural materials such as wood, leather, and bamboo. Some of the lodges are on stilts, furthering the feeling of being immersed in the forest canopy.
- You'll enjoy three daily gourmet meals prepared with fresh garden ingredients.
- The resort maintains authentic sustainability practices, holding EarthCheck certification, supporting local communities, sourcing produce locally, and actively engaging in conservation efforts.
Stay at One&Only Gorilla's Nest on these trips
The tours below showcase just some of what is possible. Use these itineraries as starting points, or to draw inspiration. Then get in touch, and let our expert team help craft the perfect itinerary for you.
One&Only Gorilla's Nest FAQs
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What's included in the rates at One&Only Gorilla's Nest?
Your stay covers pretty much everything you need for a worry-free experience. All meals are included - breakfast, lunch, and dinner - along with house wine, beer, and selected alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages throughout the day.
You also get two daily onsite activities per person, which could be nature walks, coffee tours, drumming circles, archery, or birdwatching. Laundry services are thrown in too, plus access to the fitness facilities and spa amenities.
The rates also cover park fees (though not the big-ticket gorilla permits), hotel taxes, and service charges. So when you book with us, all of this is sorted for you upfront.
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Are gorilla trekking permits included in the stay?
No, gorilla permits aren't included in your accommodation rates - they're a separate cost of around $1,500 per person. You'll need to book these through the Visit Rwanda website or a local tour operator, though the lodge's concierge can help with the logistics.
Since we handle all-inclusive packages, when you book with us, we take care of securing these permits as part of your overall itinerary. It's one less thing for you to worry about, and we make sure everything coordinates smoothly with your stay dates.
These permits are what actually give you access to trek with the mountain gorillas in Volcanoes National Park, so they're essential for the full experience.
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Is Wi-Fi included at One&Only Gorilla's Nest?
Yes, complimentary high-speed Wi-Fi is included throughout the property in all accommodations and common areas. You'll be able to stay connected even in this remote forest setting.
The connection is reliable enough for video calls and sharing photos, which is pretty impressive given you're nestled in the eucalyptus forest near Volcanoes National Park.
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What are the age restrictions for staying at the property?
The minimum age to stay at One&Only Gorilla's Nest is 10 years old, so it's not suitable for families with younger children. Kids aged 10-11 need adult supervision and there are additional supplements when they're sharing rooms with adults.
Once children hit 12, they're considered adults for pricing purposes and pay full adult rates. But here's the catch for gorilla trekking - you need to be at least 15 years old to participate in the actual gorilla encounters.
So while the lodge accepts children from 10, they won't be able to do the main gorilla trekking activity until they're 15. This makes it most suitable for families with teenagers rather than younger kids.
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How much should I expect to pay for accommodations?
Rates range dramatically depending on your room choice and travel dates - anywhere from around $1,500 to over $26,000 per night for double occupancy. The entry-level Forest King Lodge rooms start around $1,500 to $4,000+ per night, which gives you that ultra-luxury experience at the most accessible price point.
At the other extreme, the Silverback Suite can exceed $26,000 per night during peak season, but you're getting butler service and every imaginable luxury amenity.
When you book with us, we'll work within your budget to find the right room category and travel dates. The all-inclusive nature means you're getting tremendous value even at the entry level, since meals, drinks, and activities are all covered.
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What additional costs should I budget for beyond the room rate?
The main extra cost is those gorilla trekking permits at around $1,500 per person - they're essential for the full experience but separate from accommodation.
You'll also need to factor in transfers from Kigali International Airport, which run about $450 per vehicle for the 3-hour road journey. If you prefer to helicopter in (about 30 minutes), that's available too but at a premium.
Other potential extras include staff gratuities and any optional tailored activities or excursions beyond the included daily activities. If you need a single room rather than sharing, there are supplements for that too.
When you book with us, we handle all the coordination and give you clear pricing upfront so there are no surprises.
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What activities are included in my stay?
You get two daily onsite activities per person included in your rates. These rotate through options like guided nature walks through the forest, "Secrets of Rwandan Coffee" tours where you learn about local coffee production, and "Rhythms of Rwanda" drumming circles.
There's also archery, birdwatching, and complimentary bike rides around the property grounds. The variety means you'll always have something engaging to do between gorilla treks or just to fill your days.
The concierge can arrange additional tailored experiences and off-site excursions if you want to explore beyond the included activities. But honestly, with two activities daily plus the gorilla trekking, most people find their days pretty well filled.
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What dining options does the property offer?
The main restaurant is called "The Nest" and features a daily-changing menu using fresh ingredients from their own garden. The food focuses on both international cuisine and local Rwandan flavors.
There's also "The Boma" fire pit experience, which combines dining with traditional local dancers for an authentic cultural evening. Plus you've got the main bar and lounge for drinks and light bites throughout the day.
Since all meals are included in your stay, you can enjoy breakfast, lunch, and dinner without worrying about additional costs. The quality is excellent, and they do a great job accommodating dietary restrictions when you let them know in advance.
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Does One&Only Gorilla's Nest have any conservation or sustainability programs?
Yes, they take sustainability seriously and hold an EarthCheck certification. They participate in Rwanda's national community service initiative called Umuganda and source produce locally from area farmers.
They also donate food waste to a nearby pig farm and collaborate with Handspun Hope, a non-profit that employs female genocide survivors. So your stay contributes to meaningful local community support.
It's refreshing to see authentic commitment to conservation and community rather than just token gestures. Given that you're staying in such a sensitive ecosystem near mountain gorilla habitat, this kind of responsible approach matters.
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Is there a minimum stay requirement?
Yes, there's typically a 2-night minimum stay requirement. This makes sense given the remote location and the fact that most people want at least one gorilla trekking experience, which requires a full day.
Two nights gives you time to settle in, enjoy the included activities, and typically fit in one gorilla trek plus some relaxation time. Many people find they want to stay longer once they experience the peaceful forest setting.
When you book with us, we'll help you plan the ideal length of stay based on your overall Rwanda itinerary and what other experiences you want to include.
How does One&Only Gorilla's Nest compare to other options in Ruhengeri?
One&Only Gorilla's Nest sits at the ultra-luxury endof the gorilla lodge spectrum, offering a full resort experience rather than the intimate eco-lodge feel you'll find elsewhere.
This level of accommodation comes with a significant price premium compared to places like Bisate Lodge, Singita Kwitonda Lodge, or Sabyinyo Silverback Lodge. If you're looking for that traditional eco-safari vibe, you might prefer one of these as an alternative place to stay.
If you want the assurance of a world-famous luxury brand with resort-style amenities, combined with the ability to experience gorilla trekking, then One&Only Gorilla's Nest is the one for you.
We Think It's Worth Noting
- Gorilla trekking permits, a key activity, are not included in the room rates and must be purchased separately for about $1,500 per person, requiring advance planning and coordination.
- Children under 10 years are not accommodated, and those aged 10–11 require adult supervision with additional supplements; gorilla trekking has a minimum age of 15, limiting participation for younger family members.
- The property's expansive resort style and scale may feel less intimate or "wild" compared to smaller, more rustic local eco-lodges favored by those seeking traditional safari lodge authenticity.
- Transfers from Kigali can be lengthy, approximately 3 hours by road, with additional costs around $450 per vehicle one way, or alternatively a 30-minute helicopter flight.
One&Only Gorilla's Nest Photos
Room Types
One&Only Gorilla's Nest features 21 treehouse-style accommodations, ranging from intimate Forest Lodge rooms to expansive multi-bedroom suites.
Each accommodation includes a private balcony with forest canopy views, premium bedding, designer led interiors, and showers with rainforest showerheads. The higher-tier suites offer exceptional touches such as private indoor hot tubs and a dedicated butler service.
Forest Treehouse
This elevated treehouse-style positioned high among the trees, spans 87 m² and features a king-sized bed. You'll enjoy forest canopy views from your private deck, whilst a cozy fireplace adds warmth and ambiance bringing serenity to your retretat.
The en-suite bathroom is fitted with both a separate bathtub and rainfall shower.
Susa Treehouse
This two-bedroom treehouse accommodation offers an intimate and luxurious experience. You'll find a warm fireplace creating the perfect ambiance for your forest retreat, while the private balcony provides an immersive connection to the surrounding trees.
The en-suite bathroom is fitted with both a separate bathtub and rainfall shower.
Virunga Suite
This luxury suite spans 147 m² and features a separate lounge area with large windows offering breathtaking mountain and forest views.
You'll relax by the fireplace or unwind in your private indoor hot tub, while the spacious private deck provides the perfect setting for taking in the stunning scenery. The en-suite bathroom is fitted with both a separate bathtub and rainfall shower.
Ingagi Suite
This expansive 251 m² suite providesprivacy and luxury with premium mountain views from your spacious private deck. Enjoy personalized butler service throughout your stay.
Unwind after gorilla-trekking in your private indoor hot tub, the ultimate way to relax.
Silverback Suite
The largest suite at 409 m², features an expansive living area and your own private heated pool. Inside you also have a private indoor hot tub. Spend time around your deck's fire pit and enjoy a private barbecue.
With a dedicated butler service to ensure every detail of your stay is perfectly arranged for you.
Room Rates
Prices at this luxury lodge start from $4,670 per night for double occupancy.
Forest / Susa Treehouse
- Pricing available upon request
Ingagi Suite
- Per night: from $4,670 (double occupancy, low season)
- Peak season rates can exceed $10,000 per night
Virunga Suite
- Per night: from $4,670 (double occupancy, low season)
- Peak season rates can exceed $10,000 per night
Silverback Suite
- Per night: from $4,670 (double occupancy, low season)
- Peak season rates can reach over $26,000 per night
Children under 12 receive discounted rates; children 12 and older pay adult rates. Single occupancy supplements apply. Rates exclude mandatory gorilla trekking permits at $1,500 per person and transfers from Kigali Airport at approximately $450 per vehicle.
Prices are variable and subject to change. Please contact us for the latest rates.
Activities
The lodge offers Secrets of Rwandan Coffee experiences, Rhythms of Rwanda Drumming Circles, Cultural Community Visits, and evening Boma Fire Pit experiences featuring local dancers and storytellers.
Enjoy Gorilla Trekking in nearby Volcanoes National Park, guided nature walks through the eucalyptus forest, birdwatching excursions, archery, and complimentary bike rides around the property.
The resort also features the One&Only Spa, a heated swimming pool, and fitness center.
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