What Is it?
Set on the edge of Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda, the One&Only Gorilla’s Nest is a luxury resort that places guests in the heart of one of the world’s most remarkable natural landscapes. Surrounded by eucalyptus trees and the volcanic peaks of the Virunga Mountains, it combines five-star comfort with the raw thrill of wilderness.
The signature experience is the chance to join exclusive gorilla trekking expeditions, where travelers hike through misty forests to encounter endangered mountain gorillas in their natural habitat. This once-in-a-lifetime adventure is complemented by refined lodges designed with local materials and earthy tones, blending seamlessly into the environment while offering fireplaces, private decks, and sweeping views.
Beyond gorillas, the region’s rich biodiversity invites exploration, from golden monkeys to exotic birds. At the same time, the resort emphasizes eco-conscious living, with sustainable architecture, conservation initiatives, and curated cultural experiences such as Rwandan music, community visits, and farm-to-table dining by Chef Djafari.
The result is an experience where luxury, nature, and sustainability converge, inviting guests to disconnect from the ordinary and rediscover the extraordinary.
Why Is It Cool?
A Once-in-a-Lifetime Wildlife Encounter
Gorilla trekking is rare and regulated for conservation reasons. Few experiences compare to tracking and observing mountain gorillas in the wild. The resort’s proximity to Volcanoes National Park means guests can move from luxury bedding to a guided trek in a matter of hours. The emotional and photographic payoff is enormous.
Luxury That Respects the Wild
One&Only Gorilla’s Nest translates “glamping” into a refined, architected form. Rooms and villas use natural materials and earthy palettes so they feel of the landscape, not on top of it. Private decks, fireplaces, and bespoke dining experiences let guests enjoy five-star service while staying connected to the environment.
Biodiversity on the Doorstep
The region is rich in species beyond gorillas. Golden monkeys, exotic birds, and rare flora populate the slopes of the Virungas. The resort makes this biodiversity an active part of the guest experience through guided nature walks and interpretive programming.
Conservation by Design
The resort’s model ties hospitality to preservation. Permits, ranger-guided treks, and community initiatives are embedded in the experience. Guests are not passive spectators. They are part of a system that funds anti-poaching work, supports local livelihoods, and underwrites conservation education.
Wellness in the Wild
After a day of trekking, guests can unwind with spa therapies inspired by local ingredients, forest yoga, or quiet time on the deck. The resort merges adrenaline and serenity, giving travelers both exertion and mindful recovery.
Why Does It Have Future Growth Potential?
One&Only Gorilla’s Nest sits at the intersection of several powerful, long-term shifts in travel and hospitality:
Partnerships and Storytelling
One&Only can amplify impact through partnerships with conservation NGOs, research institutions, and cultural programs. These collaborations add narrative weight and credibility, making the resort a hub for conservation storytelling as well as hospitality.
Experiential Luxury Is Rising
Travelers now pay more for singular, story-rich experiences than for generic luxury. A night at a standard five-star hotel is very different from a stay that includes hiking with rangers and meeting a gorilla family. Resorts that offer authentic, hard-to-replicate encounters will keep premium demand strong.
Conservation-Linked Tourism Scales Responsibly
Rwanda has built a model where tourism revenues directly support conservation and community projects. When luxury resorts align their revenue model with local protection efforts, the business case and the ethical case reinforce each other. This makes the concept resilient as travelers increasingly seek purpose in their choices.
Wellness and Meaningful Disconnect
Guests are craving trips that combine physical wellbeing with emotional depth. Gorilla trekking is physically engaging and emotionally transformative. Add carefully designed wellness offerings and the product becomes highly relevant to wellness-seeking Millennials and older travelers alike.
High-Value, Low-Volume Sustainability
Because gorilla permits and conservation priorities limit daily visitors, the market favors low-volume, high-value stays. The resort’s pricing and exclusivity model fits a sustainable tourism blueprint where fewer visitors yield higher impacts and better economic outcomes for local communities.
Resourced Links:
Gorilla Experiences | Dian Fossey Fund | One&Only Rwanda (oneandonlyresorts.com)
One&Only Gorilla’s Nest – Rwanda Hotels – Ruhengeri, Rwanda – Forbes Travel Guide
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