Gorilla trekking from One & Only Gorilla’s Nest Lodge is an unforgettable experience! One & Only Gorilla’s Nest Lodge and Gorilla Trekking in Rwanda
One&Only Gorilla’s Nest Lodge is an Ultra-Luxury Lodge, located in the foothills of the breathtaking Virunga volcano range, this lodge offers a front-row seat to observe endangered mountain gorillas in the wild and is nestled just a few minutes away from Volcanoes National Park, home to the highest number of mountain gorillas and five dormant volcanoes. As a guest, you’ll have access to exclusive guided treks, allowing you to explore the park’s stunning landscapes and encounter these majestic creatures up close. Surrounded by swaying eucalyptus trees, One&Only Gorilla’s Nest awakens a wild spirit of adventure. A place that encourages you to gaze into the mirror through eye-opening encounters with majestic mountain gorillas, our exceptional one-off resort on the edge of Volcanoes National Park reveals the captivating secrets of Rwanda.
One & Only Gorilla’s Nest Lodge and Gorilla Trekking in Rwanda: Lodge Amenities
Private Sanctuaries: 21 jungle-chic havens with private decks and in-room fireplaces
Dining: Savor local and organic cuisine at the Nest restaurant, with indoor and outdoor seating options
Wellness: Unwind at the One&Only Spa, offering holistic treatments and stunning views
About Gorilla Trekking Experience In Volcanoes National Park, Rwanda
One of the reasons that gorilla trekking is such a special experience is that there are just over 1,000 mountain gorillas remaining in the entire world. Fortunately, that number is gradually increasing due to the recent conservation efforts undertaken in the region where the endangered gorillas live. They mostly reside in a small mountainous area (the Virunga Mountains) where Rwanda, Uganda and the Democratic Republic of Congo converge.
Tourists can actually track the mountain gorillas in each of these countries, but a permit is required in advance, and the experience is carefully controlled, with a very limited number of visitors allowed to trek each day. Only some (well, 44 to be exact) of the mountain gorilla families have been habituated, meaning that they regularly encounter human researchers and tourists. On average, each family has about 10 members, but they can have up to 40.
Planning Your Gorilla Trek In Rwanda
While you can also track gorillas in Uganda and the DRC, Rwanda offers the simplest and most luxurious experience (but also the most expensive). There are more Ultra-Luxury lodges, the tourism infrastructure is well-developed, and the trekking is generally less challenging in Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park.
You do need to obtain a permit in advance, and it will cost you. Gorilla trekking permits in Rwanda currently cost $1500 and must be obtained through a local tour operator. This is where Pamoja Safaris comes in as we have the necessary operating licenses, we can help you plan, book and coordinate every aspect of your trip. You can’t simply book a lodge and ask the concierge to get a permit for you–Rwanda’s government doesn’t allow hotels/lodges to obtain permits for guests.
Book with Us and you can ride around Rwanda in style we do recommend spending at least three days in Volcanoes National Park. Many people actually choose to spend two days of gorilla trekking because you only get to spend one hour with the gorillas once you find them, and it goes by very quickly. The park is also home to golden monkeys, so another option is to do a warm-up primate trek with the golden monkeys one day, and then see the gorillas the second day. There are also many “regular” trekking routes amongst the region’s five volcanoes.
Slumbering at One&Only Gorilla’s Nest Lodge
On that note, one of the most important decisions to make when planning your trip is where to stay. There are numerous accommodation options depending on your travel budget; Budget, Mid-range, Luxury & Ultra-Luxury. We go ahead and consult with you on your budget, travel preferences, and taste in design and style to make the best recommendation for you.
One&Only Gorilla’s Nest Lodge is an Ultra-Luxury option in Volcanoes National Park. Similar to One&Only Nyungwe House. The resort offers a gorgeous design inspired by the local culture and environment. The service and hospitality are impeccable, with no detail overlooked. However, all this comes with a hefty price tag: rates start at $4,000/night during the low season.
Rooms at One&Only Gorilla’s Nest Lodge
All 21 rooms and suites are in free-standing buildings that resemble high-end treehouses with spacious private balconies, fireplaces, large bathtubs and indoor/outdoor showers.
Forest Treehouse
Experience an undisturbed connection with the vast forest beyond, lounging in your luxurious king-sized bedroom, soundtracked by the soothing crackle of local wood in the fireplace. Watch the floor-to-ceiling glass disappear and let the scents and sounds of nature flow in. Follow them out to your secluded open-air viewing deck, enjoy an invigorating al fresco shower or spend precious time relaxing in your standalone bath with undisturbed private views.
Susa Treehouse
Share the magic of Virunga together with loved ones guarded by the sprawling forests beyond. Two separate bedrooms promise blissful privacy for all, with a king bed master bedroom and a second convertible twin or king bedroom. A large central bathroom features a spectacular standalone bath with personal views that follow the changing colours of the natural world. As day turns to dusk gather outside on your private viewing deck or retreat indoors to share stories around the cosy fireplace
Virunga-Suite
Soak up the rare wholesome beauty as you bathe in your open-air bathtub, refresh in the outdoor shower, lounge in your spacious deck, or dine al fresco with loved ones. Inside, move between your chic king bedroom, grand master bathroom with a large standalone bath and shower, and your separate living and dining spaces with a roaring fireplace at the heart.
Have all your desires met, regardless of the time, by our resident chef and butler who are always on call.
Ingagi-Suite
Named after the majestic mountain gorilla, feel alive and powerful in spaces completely at home in the surrounding forest.
Feel in awe of the rare beauty that surrounds you as you lounge on the spacious deck or dine in the fresh forest air. Inside, your striking master bedroom enjoys expansive living and dining spaces with a cosy fireplace. Retreat into your master bathroom with a standalone bathtub, and indoor and outdoor showers to enjoy the natural views as you please. Have all your desires met, at any time, by our resident chef and butler who are always on call.
Silverback-Suite
Feel at one with the turn of life at Virunga – overlooking dramatic mist, swaying trees and vibrant roses. Explore large interiors and expansive multi-level spaces with a private swimming pool, lounge and barbecue dining terrace that connect you with the volcanic lands beyond.
Your richly adorned master bedroom enjoys a spectacular private bathroom, while the large living and dining room provides space to unwind and entertain, surrounding the atmospheric fireplace. Beyond, an expansive multi-level terrace unfolds offering an array of unique hubs to enjoy the forest from every angle. Sip aperitifs on the open-air lounge, savour fresh grills on the barbecue terrace, and share stories of the day around the cosy firepit. Reaching out towards the greenery, chance a refreshing dip in your private pool at any time of day.
Cocktail Hour Entertainment
Post-performance, you will be treated to a massive family-style feast of local dishes with ingredients sourced from the resort’s own garden. The wine is free-flowing the excitement of being in one of Africa’s poshest resort and the anticipation of your gorilla trekking adventure the following morning. Private dining experiences can also be arranged in a variety of settings around the property;
Jack Hanna Cottage
You can opt to have a private lunch at the Jack Hanna Cottage after returning from your gorilla treks. Formerly the home of the famed American zoologist and naturalist, the cottage has been fully refurbished by One&Only Gorilla’s Nest with great care and attention to the original design and architecture making it an ideal hideaway during a busy adventure-filled escape. Jack’s legacy can be felt throughout the restored living areas, which maintain the original dining table, chairs and wood flooring as well as on the intimate private garden terrace. His character can also be seen in small details such as the original cottage sign, Jack’s original guestbook documenting years of high-profile guests and photography throughout which tells a great story of his years in Rwanda. The new design has been created with a luxury experience in mind from the Games Room where guests can spend an evening playing with bespoke wooden board games and cards to a boutique cinema room and a fully equipped dining area, ideal for those looking to escape for a private cigar and whisky tasting experience.
Pre and post-gorilla trek at One&Only Gorilla Nest
Early in the morning (6 am) before your gorilla trekking adventure, you will meet in the lobby lounge of the resort, where you will have a scrumptious spread of breakfast bites, tea and coffee waiting for you.
The resort staff will ensure everything is prepared for the trekking adventure; the terrain can be muddy and treacherous, so they will offer you hiking boots (if you didn’t bring yours), gaiters, ponchos, hats and backpacks. They will give ladies small handcrafted bags with toilet paper and hand sanitiser in the event that nature calls while in the jungle.
What to Expect On Your Gorilla Trekking Adventure
Okay, let’s get to the main event already! You will leave Gorilla’s Nest Lodge at around 6:30am, arriving at the park headquarters about twenty minutes later. Upon arrival at the park headquarters, you will be offered a complimentary espresso, clean bathrooms and stunning volcano views as you wait for the briefing before you embark on a thrilling meet and greet with the gentle giants.
Park Entrance
Essentially, everyone with permits for the day meets at the headquarters in the morning, where the guides assess the general fitness of the tourists and the various group sizes before assigning people to their gorilla families. There are twelve habituated families in Volcanoes in total, and only eight tourists are allowed in each group, which means that only 96 people (not including ranger guides, porters and trackers) are able to see the gorillas each day. Only licensed Volcanoes ranger guides are able to take tourists on treks in the jungle.
Gorilla Family Assignment
Tourists travelling in a group of more than 8, will be split into two groups, tourists generally can’t make requests for a particular gorilla family or an easier trek, but you can make suggestions through Us. You will have the option to hire a porter for the day. It costs $15 (not including gratuity) for a local who will carry your bags and help you through some of the muddier, more slippery portions of the trek (or literally carry you if needed). Even though you feel like you can do the hike on your own, you can still support the local community by hiring a porter or porters.
Jungle Adventure
A couple of trackers are always ahead of you to find the gorillas and ensure that you are going in the right direction to eventually cross paths with the majestic creatures. After another hour or more of trudging through the muddy forest, the gorillas will be in sight.
Because we are genetically so similar to gorillas (we share 98% of our DNA), it is easy for us to transmit diseases to this endangered species. So, even before Covid, humans were required to wear face masks when getting close to the gorillas. But don’t worry, this is really only needed during the hour or so that you are in nearby proximity. Most of the trek is spent masks.
As you approach the gorillas, the ranger guide will remind you of some guidelines, all for safety and conservation reasons: you will only have an hour with the gorillas once you have found them. This rule was in place to ensure that they could still live the majority of their lives with minimal human interaction.
Cheers to Gorillas!
If you have any interest in gorilla trekking, I can’t recommend it enough. Observing the impressive creatures in their natural habitat is a truly special and unique experience. Also, having the opportunity to interact with the local communities in a positive way is incredibly rewarding. Finally, knowing that your money is going toward the good causes of conserving the mountain gorillas and supporting the local people is very important.
