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One&Only Gorilla's Nest
Kinigi, Rwanda · One&Only · Apex Luxury
One&Only Gorilla's Nest opened in November 2019, five minutes from Volcanoes National Park entrance in northwestern Rwanda — the primary habitat of the world's last population of mountain gorillas, with fewer than 1,100 individuals remaining. Gorilla trekking permits cost $1,500 per person per day and are strictly limited; the property's private helipad allows guests to fly from Kigali in 25 minutes rather than driving 2.5 hours. The top Silverback Suite has its own private pool and floor-to-ceiling forest views.
- 21 rooms
- Opened 2019
- Neighborhood: Ruhengeri
About One&Only Gorilla's Nest
- Rwanda limits gorilla trekking to 96 permits per day across all groups — each tracked family may only be visited by eight people for a maximum of one hour. This global scarcity of access makes proximity to Volcanoes National Park a direct competitive asset.
- Mountain gorillas are one of the only great ape populations actually increasing in numbers: the global population grew from approximately 680 in 2008 to over 1,000 by 2018, a recovery credited partly to revenue from high-cost trekking permits funding anti-poaching patrols in Rwanda, Uganda, and DRC.
- The resort opened as One&Only's second Rwanda property, following Nyungwe House (2018) — making Rwanda the only country with two One&Only properties, reflecting Kerzner International's conviction that Rwanda's conservation model is the premium safari frontier.
- Guests greeted by traditional Intore drumming on arrival are participating in a performance tradition dating back to the royal courts of pre-colonial Rwanda, now performed for guests at luxury properties as a deliberate cultural preservation exercise.
History
One&Only Gorilla's Nest opened in November 2019 as the brand's second Rwanda property, located in the foothills of the Virunga volcano range near Volcanoes National Park, home to the world's highest concentration of endangered mountain gorillas. The 21 rooms and suites — described as 'jungle-chic havens' — are freestanding structures resembling high-end treehouses, each with private decks, in-room fireplaces, and outdoor bathtubs among the trees. The contemporary African-aesthetic design uses natural materials while honouring the colours and patterns of local culture. Guests are greeted by traditional drumming and locally produced coffee. The Silverback Suite is the top accommodation, featuring its own private pool and floor-to-ceiling views.
The setting
Located five minutes from the entrance of Volcanoes National Park in Kinigi, northwestern Rwanda, and approximately 2.5 hours by road from Kigali International Airport (25 minutes by helicopter to the property's private helipad).
Restaurants and bars
- Nest — Restaurant
- Pool Bar — Poolside
Amenities
- Outdoor heated pool
- Spa (two treatment rooms)
- Plunge pool
- Fitness centre with steam room and sauna
- Private helipad
- Gorilla trekking access
- Coffee tasting
- Photography classes
- Traditional dance experiences
Awards
- Forbes Travel Guide Five-Star (2026)
- MICHELIN Two Keys (2026)
- Condé Nast Traveller Readers' Choice Awards (2025)
- Rwanda's Leading Safari Lodge 2025 (World Travel Awards) (2025)
- Travel + Leisure Safari Awards
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