Eucalyptus canopy lair
Guests trade gorilla-trekking stories beside open firepits, tucked into an ancient eucalyptus forest beneath the peaks of the Virunga volcanoes.
“The calm, eucalyptus-shaded grounds of One&Only Gorilla’s Nest are a welcome respite from the bustling neighboring city of Musanze.”
Where it shines
Exceptional
Trek recovery service with muddy boot cleaning, ribbon-wrapped laundry, outdoor soaking tubs, and custom gorilla gear.
Remarkable
Stilted timber treehouses nestled in eucalyptus canopy, featuring floor-to-ceiling glass, gas fireplaces, and private larchwood decks.
Remarkable
Traditional imigongo geometric patterns, volcanic stone masonry, farm-sourced agatogo dishes, and evening dance performances around the fire.
What they say
Two Michelin Keys
Michelin
Forbes Five-Star
Forbes Travel Guide
2026
Also in AFAR.
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.
Tucked away
A place apart: the property is the destination.
The forest sits in the Kinigi foothills, five minutes from Volcanoes National Park headquarters for mountain gorilla and golden monkey treks.
The 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 heated pool
Bring a swimsuit.
The heated saltwater pool extends across a broad timber deck enveloped by tall eucalyptus trees.
The spa
Open-air treatment rooms face into the trees, pairing Terres d'Afrique botanicals with an outdoor cold plunge pool.
Restaurant
The Nest
Covered timber decks look out over eucalyptus trees, serving daily-changing dishes with produce from the organic garden.
At the table
The Nest Bar pours cocktails infused with garden botanicals over a textured stone counter beside a roaring fire.
How it began
Wildlife expert Jack Hanna once lived on the grounds. His restored cottage now preserves original furnishings, historic photographs, and a guest game room.
Good to know
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One&Only Gorilla's Nest
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Volcanoes National Park
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Our shorthand
How we rate hotels.
The medals
Gold
Extremely rare. Sets the global standard.
Silver
Brilliant execution. And we’re picky.
Bronze
They did this well. You’ll notice.
Listed
A defining trait. Makes the hotel what it is.
The eight vibes
Design
Built around a vision. Even the door handles have a designer.
Luxe
Cared for at every turn. The bath is drawn before you ask.
Local
It could only be here. You wake up knowing where you are.
Social
Where the city goes out. The bar is full and the night is young.
Heritage
A building with a story. Once a palace, a monastery, a station.
Wellness
You leave feeling new. Rest, sweat, soak and sleep like a stone.
Classic
The city grew up with it. Same rituals, same regulars, same bar.
Resort
A world of its own. Something to do from breakfast to nightcap.
The scene
Lively
Where things happen: restaurants, shops, people.
Central
Well-located: walkable to some things, a short ride to more.
Quiet
Away from the crowds. Getting around takes intention.
Secluded
A place apart: the property is the destination.