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Stay Among Gorillas at this Epic Rwanda Resort
Written by Emily Jacobs
Get up close and personal with majestic mountain gorillas at One&Only Gorilla’s Nest, Rwanda.
Open that bucket list – it’s time to add a new entry. A protected treetop palace awaits on the edge of Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda’s northwest, where swaying eucalyptus trees hide majestic mountain gorillas, golden monkeys and over 300 bird species. One&Only Gorilla’s Nest will awaken your spirit of adventure with secluded free-standing lodges and suites, a sumptuous spa, decadent restaurant and bar, and five-star service delivered in the middle of an awe-inspiring landscape that many endangered animals call home.
Dive a little deeper to find out why this once-in-a-lifetime jungle escape should shoot straight to the top of your bucket list.
Discover more about Rwanda on the new season of Luxury Escapes: The World’s Best Holidays, airing Tuesdays 8.30pm AEST* on Foxtel Lifestyle and on demand on Binge and Network 10. *Check your local TV listings for details.
See gorillas in their natural habitat
Where else in the world could you combine iconic One&Only hospitality with the chance to admire the magical gorilla in its natural habitat? Hike through misty bamboo forests to track some of the 340 imposing animals that call Volcanoes National Park home. Should you be lucky enough to spot one, expect to be transformed as you watch them go about their day. Permits and expert guides allow for respectful encounters, while a limit on numbers means your trek will leave no trace, allowing the animals to continue living in peace.
Experience legendary One&Only luxury
Every element of the One&Only Gorilla’s Nest experience is informed by the stunning natural landscapes that it calls home, including the jaw-dropping accommodation. Individual lodges and suites are suspended over sprawling gardens, with a direct eye-line into the vast eucalyptus trees that house birds and monkeys. Spend each morning peering through your supplied binoculars, or gaze further afield at the volcanic vistas. Bathe in an open-air bathtub, lounge on the spacious deck or unwind by the fireplace – wherever you choose to spend your day, expect prime wildlife viewing positioning.
Everything is inspired by local nature
The surrounding plant life inspires everything around you at One&Only Gorilla’s Nest, starting with the welcome drink, all the way through to the dining experiences and spa treatments. Start your experience at the Nest Bar with a rose-infused tea or lemonade, or venture to The Nest restaurant to enjoy a daily-changing seasonal menu using ingredients from the onsite garden. Expect similar ingredients as you refresh, reflect and renew at One&Only Spa, where the traditions and heritage of Africa are celebrated with exclusive treatments like the Pinda signature massage and Afrique Arising facial. There is no taking without giving something back – every plant and tree is chosen to encourage flourishing wildlife, creating a perfect ecosystem that is constantly growing.
The resort supports the local community
The resort’s ecosystem goes beyond flora and fauna – it also supports the local community through employment and donations. The hotel team is made up largely of locals, who proudly participate in Umuganda, the national holiday on the last Saturday of every month that requires mandatory community work from 8am to 11am. Alongside this, the team at One&Only Gorilla’s Nest also makes regular visits and donations to local schools and, should a particular piece of onsite Imigongo art catch your eye, they will connect you to local tradespeople for a souvenir of your own.
Book your One&Only Gorilla’s Nest escape today.
Discover more about Rwanda on the new season of Luxury Escapes: The World’s Best Holidays, airing Tuesdays 8.30pm AEST* on Foxtel Lifestyle and on demand on Binge and Network 10. *Check your local TV listings for details.
Looking for more inspiration to guide your next outdoor adventure? Read Surf’s Up: The World’s Best Destinations for Surfing & Scuba Diving.
