One&Only Gorilla's Nest

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.