One&Only Gorilla's Nest
Musanze, Rwanda
Kinigi
Vibe
Guests trade gorilla-trekking stories beside open firepits, tucked into an ancient eucalyptus forest beneath the peaks of the Virunga volcanoes.
“Eucalyptus canopy lair”
Trek recovery service with muddy boot cleaning, ribbon-wrapped laundry, outdoor soaking tubs, and custom gorilla gear.
Stilted timber treehouses nestled in eucalyptus canopy, featuring floor-to-ceiling glass, gas fireplaces, and private larchwood decks.
Traditional imigongo geometric patterns, volcanic stone masonry, farm-sourced agatogo dishes, and evening dance performances around the fire.
In an ancient eucalyptus forest beneath the Virunga volcanoes, five minutes from Volcanoes National Park headquarters.
“Stilted wooden lodges incorporate local volcanic stone and traditional Rwandan imigongo geometric prints; some have outdoor bathtubs on the deck, others frame the encroaching bamboo and greenery from indoor baths.”
Rooms
Floor-to-ceiling glass and private larchwood decks open onto bamboo and eucalyptus, with gas fireplaces and custom-prepared trekking gear in every treehouse.
“The calm, eucalyptus-shaded grounds of One&Only Gorilla’s Nest are a welcome respite from the bustling neighboring city of Musanze.”
Wellness
The spa pairs homegrown rose and coffee scrubs with a heated outdoor saltwater pool and an open-air forest yoga deck.
Backstory
Wildlife expert Jack Hanna once lived on the grounds. His restored cottage now preserves original furnishings, historic photographs, and a guest game room.
Eat & drink
The Nest serves garden-grown Rwandan dishes like agatogo, while The Nest Bar mixes floral gin cocktails beside an open fireplace.
The neighborhood
The forest sits in the Kinigi foothills, five minutes from Volcanoes National Park headquarters for mountain gorilla and golden monkey treks.
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The app
This is one hotel. The app has every one we rate, in your pocket, for the whole trip.
Our shorthand
What makes a hotel special, how well they pull it off, and what it feels like outside the door.
How well they pull it off
Extremely rare. Sets the global standard.
Brilliant execution. And we’re picky.
They did this well. You’ll notice.
A defining trait. Makes the hotel what it is.
The eight vibes
Architecture and interiors lead. There’s a creative vision at work.
The guest is conspicuously well cared for. Requests met before they’re made.
Rooted in place. Local character runs through the whole stay.
Energy and scene. Where the city goes out, whether or not it’s sleeping here.
A building with history. The story of the place is part of the stay.
Built around feeling better. Rest, sweat, soak, spa.
A hotel the city grew up with. Same rituals, same regulars.
A world of its own. No reason to leave the property.
Scene — what’s outside the door
Where things happen: restaurants, shops, people.
Well-located: walkable to some things, a short ride to more.
Away from the crowds. Getting around takes intention.
A place apart: the property is the destination.