lodge
Oo Gorillas Nest Exterior Pathway 1320 Master

One&Only Gorilla's Nest

An unrivalled location

Cushioned in the foothills of the Volcanoes National Park on the edge of the spectacular Virunga Mountains.

Location: Set at the foot of Rwanda's Virunga Volcano Range and bordering Volcanoes National Park, One&Only Gorilla's Nest is located in a eucalyptus forest just minutes from the national-park gateway at Kinigi. Surrounded by lush, subtropical high terrain alive with over 300 bird species, golden monkeys and mountain gorillas, the setting is both profoundly relaxing and vibrantly biodiverse. The volcanic soil and evergreen canopy give the lodge a sense of being completely immersed in nature - and yet it's just a 2.5hr drive from Kigali, or a scenic helicopter hop of around 25 minutes.

Rooms: There are 21 lodges and suites - 14 Forest Lodge treehouse rooms ideal for couples and families, plus 7 extraordinary suites including the Ingagi, Virunga and multi-level Silverback Suite. Each dwelling spans roughly 77 m² for lodges and up to over 400 m² for top-tier suites, blending natural materials like volcanic stone and local Imigongo art with modern comforts like king-size beds, fireplaces, rain showers and outdoor soaking tubs. Floor to ceiling glass and private decks with outdoor showers bring guests intimately close to the forest canopy and volcanic views. The Silverback Suite even offers a private pool, butler service and expansive terraces for ultimate seclusion.

Amenities: At the heart of the lodge is The Nest - an atmospheric main building with fireplaces, a chef's garden and rotating daily menus drawing on seasonal Rwandan ingredients. The Nest Bar offers signature cocktails infused with eucalyptus or rose botanicals, alongside local wines and fresh juices. The spa uses locally-grown coffee and roses, with treatments drawn from indigenous traditions - plus yoga classes, a steam room, sauna and plunge pool adjoining the heated infinity pool. A well-equipped gym, e-bikes, guided nature trails, archery and wellness rituals complete a well-rounded guest experience.

Activities: Gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park is the lodge's marquee activity, offering intimate encounters with endangered mountain gorillas guided by experienced trackers. Golden-monkey tracking, the Dian Fossey hike to Karisoke Research Centre, crater-lake treks up Bisoke Volcano and Musanze Cave exploration are also on offer. Back at the resort, guests can cycle or run nature trails, take part in bird-watching excursions, cultural tours to the nearby Iby'iwacu village, coffee tastings with a women's cooperative, archery, cooking classes in Jack Hanna's cottage and even workshops to design local kitenge prints.

Sustainability: One&Only Gorilla's Nest takes a strong eco-conscious approach. The buildings use sustainable local materials - volcanic stone, wood, raffia and traditional craftwork - to blend with nature while minimising impact. Food is grown on-site or sourced from nearby farms; unused kitchen scraps are composted or fed to a community pig farm run by local women, and plastic is strictly avoided. The lodge works closely with local cooperatives such as a women's coffee cooperative - offering tasting sessions and products - and Hands of Hope which supports artisans affected by the genocide through handcrafted turndown gifts. Guests can join Umuganda community-cleanup days too, further strengthening their engagement with local environmental and social projects.

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Elizabeth Spells

I have just returned from the most amazing trip to Tanzania, booked with Far & Wild. Everything went so smoothly from the first time I spoke with them. The planning was great, the itinerary was perfect for us, and the lodges were amazing. We spent 10 nights with an amazing guide, travelling through Northern Tanzania and even got to see the migration, which was a lifetime ambition of mine. This wasn't our first safari, so we were nervous as to how it would compare, but it was spot on. We're particularly grateful that she suggested a private 'bush lunch' in the Ngorongoro Crater as the public picnic spot was very busy! I will certainly be using them again to book our next trip....we're thinking of a relaxing beach stay next time to get over the excitement of safari!

July, 2024
Orla Rhodes

Just back from another amazing F&W organised trip to Namibia with the family (8 adults). Having been there before, Alistair tailored our trip to include our favourite locations and added a new one for us, Okonjima Plains camp, which we loved.The quality of accommodation and guiding, activities, food and drinks was exceptional throughout. Although not inexpensive I felt it was good value for the level of luxury we had. Kwessi Dunes, Shipwreck lodge, Ongava, Okonjima with pit stops Windhoek (city tour recommended ), Swakopmund (Sandwich Harbour and Walvis Bay tour) and Grootberg lodge (best sundowner drive )

June, 2024
Arnhild Schia

We had a wonderful trip to São Tomé and Príncipe - a small island nation in the Gulf of Guinea with paradise (almost empty) beaches and jungle forest. It was all well organised by Far and Wild and we stayed at Omali lodge at Sao Tome, then on Roca Sundy, and Sunday Praia at Principe - a great combination of different types of resorts/hotels. Omali is close to Sao Tome town with its colonial buildings, markets, hustle and bustle. Roca Sunday gives an old plantation experience and Sundy Praia a luxury beach experience. Very friendly (from time to time a bit slow) service, great fresh food, specifically if you like fish/seafood, vegetables and fruits (almost all sourced locally). Nice temperature between 23 and 30 degrees Celsius, nice swimming conditions. We really recommend this for those who want to experience a pristine destination with few other tourists and friendly and welcoming people. The islands also feel (and I believe are) very safe. At Principe, there are no dangerous animals, snakes or whatever, and it was great to be able to hike in the jungle without being very conscious of where to put your hands and feet. Go before everyone else does!

July, 2024
Henri Papenfus

Back home again, basking in the joys of a superb safari. Every aspect you arranged for us, including linking up with Mack Air and Wild Horizons locally to transport us. The choice of camps, Camp Hwange in Zimbabwe and Muchenenje Safari Lodge in Botswana, was spot on and exactly what we had hoped for - ideally situated, comfortable, in good surroundings, and with excellent wildlife on the doorstep and throughout the wider country. The service staff in each looked after us very well, catering was excellent, and the game guides were professional, knowledgeable and helpful. The weather was, as usual for that part of the world, also good at the time of our visit. Blue skies and stunning sunsets. Warm but not too hot during the day, although quite cold at sunrise when viewing game. The viewing started. You made us happy, and we recommend you to similar safari enthusiasts with confidence.

June, 2024
AC

Far and Wild went above and beyond to make sure my trip to Zambia was special. I would definitely recommend them and their services to anyone wanting to travel to Africa.

May, 2024
Tiny

Lovely holiday at the amazing Almanara on Galu beach, a beach like no other. Far and Wild excelled themselves from beginning to end of our holiday in beautiful Kenya.... What a country!,

April, 2024
Stodge

Wow! These guys are amazing. Can’t recommend them highly enough. Friendly AND efficient! Sorted out our trip (last minute and lots of different family member needs, sorry!) in record time and everything worked like clockwork. Trip of a lifetime to the Masai Mara. Will be back (and use F&W again!)!

March, 2024
Fiona C

It was a dreamy holiday on the Kenyan Coast - Far and Wild, their efficiency and professionalism allowed us to relax and be the happiest family alive !! We cannot fault them, their care and understanding of what we wanted from a holiday ensured we had the most memorable trip. We will be booking with them again for sure!

March, 2024

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