3 Days Cheap Gorilla Trekking Experience
March 3, 2026
Lake Mulehe Gorilla Lodge
March 3, 2026
One And Only Gorilla Nest is an ultra-luxury forest retreat located at the foothills of the Virunga Volcanoes near Volcanoes National Park, the premier destination for mountain gorilla trekking in Rwanda. Surrounded by lush eucalyptus forests and dramatic volcanic scenery, the lodge offers an intimate and exclusive experience designed for high-end travelers seeking both adventure and refined comfort. Its location in Kinigi places guests just minutes from the park headquarters where gorilla trekking briefings begin, making it one of the most convenient luxury lodges for gorilla trekking. The lodge is approximately a 2.5-hour scenic drive from Kigali International Airport, with helicopter transfers available for guests who prefer a faster and more exclusive arrival.
Accommodation at One And Only Gorilla Nest is designed to blend contemporary African elegance with the natural environment. The Forest King and Forest Twin Lodges feature spacious bedrooms, private terraces overlooking the forest, cozy fireplaces for cool mountain evenings, and luxurious en-suite bathrooms with freestanding bathtubs and rain showers. The Virunga Suite offers expanded living areas and added privacy, ideal for honeymooners or couples seeking a romantic escape. For the ultimate indulgence, the Silverback Suite provides multiple bedrooms, expansive indoor and outdoor spaces, a private heated plunge pool, and dedicated butler service, making it perfect for families or VIP travelers. Every room is thoughtfully designed to provide warmth and relaxation after a day spent trekking in the misty rainforest.
Dining at the lodge is a refined culinary experience inspired by fresh, locally sourced ingredients. The Nest Restaurant serves farm-to-table cuisine combining Rwandan flavors with international techniques, while the Nest Bar offers fine wines, premium spirits, and handcrafted cocktails in an elegant yet relaxed setting. Private dining experiences, including romantic forest dinners or in-villa meals, can be arranged for special occasions.
Beyond gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park, guests can enjoy golden monkey tracking, the Dian Fossey Tomb hike, guided nature walks, birdwatching excursions, and cultural visits to nearby communities. The One&Only Spa provides post-trekking relaxation with holistic treatments, therapeutic massages, yoga sessions, and a fully equipped fitness center.
One&Only Gorilla’s Nest also plays a significant role in conservation and community empowerment, supporting initiatives that protect endangered mountain gorillas and promote sustainable tourism in Rwanda. With its prime location, world-class service, luxurious accommodation, and immersive experiences, One&Only Gorilla’s Nest stands as one of Rwanda’s most prestigious safari lodges, ideal for travelers seeking an unforgettable and indulgent gorilla trekking adventure.
Rooms At
Forest King Lodge
The Forest King Lodge is designed for couples or solo travelers seeking a luxurious, intimate retreat in the heart of Rwanda’s forest. The room features a spacious bedroom with a plush king-sized bed dressed in high-quality linens and soft pillows, ensuring restful nights after a day of gorilla trekking. Floor-to-ceiling windows frame breathtaking views of the surrounding eucalyptus forest, letting in natural light and offering the serenity of the Virunga Volcanoes.
A private terrace extends from the room, perfect for enjoying morning coffee while listening to the sounds of the forest or watching the sunset over the mountains. Inside, a cozy fireplace adds warmth to the lodge during cool mountain evenings. The en-suite bathroom is elegantly designed, featuring a freestanding soaking tub, a separate rain shower, double vanities, and premium toiletries. Modern amenities include high-speed Wi-Fi, a minibar stocked with refreshments, a personal safe, and climate control. Guests enjoy personalized butler service to attend to their every need, from unpacking luggage to arranging excursions.
Forest Twin Lodge
The Forest Twin Lodge is ideal for friends or travelers who prefer separate beds while still enjoying a luxurious and secluded forest experience. It offers the same spacious layout and natural views as the Forest King Lodge, with two comfortable twin beds. Guests can relax on the private terrace overlooking the lush forest or cozy up by the in-room fireplace.
The en-suite bathroom mirrors the elegance of the King Lodge, with a freestanding soaking tub, a rain shower, and high-end fixtures. Modern conveniences such as Wi-Fi, a minibar, a personal safe, and climate control ensure that guests experience both comfort and convenience. Butler service is available to personalize the stay, whether arranging trekking permits, spa treatments, or private dining.
Virunga Suite
The Virunga Suite is a premium option designed for couples or honeymooners seeking maximum privacy and luxury. The suite includes a large bedroom and an expanded living area with floor-to-ceiling windows that provide panoramic views of the forest and Virunga Volcanoes. The private terrace is perfect for enjoying sunrise or sunset in absolute tranquility.
The suite’s bathroom is indulgent, featuring a freestanding bathtub, a double rain shower, and high-end bath amenities. An in-room fireplace creates a cozy atmosphere in the cooler evenings, while plush seating areas offer comfort for reading or relaxing. Personalized butler service ensures that every need is met, from organizing excursions to arranging private dining experiences. The Virunga Suite is designed to combine romance, elegance, and immersion in the natural surroundings.
Silverback Suite
The Silverback Suite is the lodge’s most exclusive accommodation, ideal for families, VIPs, or travelers seeking the ultimate luxury experience. This expansive suite features multiple bedrooms, each with king-sized beds and forest views, ensuring privacy for all guests. Large indoor and outdoor living areas provide ample space for relaxation, family gatherings, or entertaining.
The suite includes a private heated plunge pool, perfect for unwinding after a day of trekking, as well as a dedicated host and butler to attend to all personal needs. The terrace offers uninterrupted views of the forest and volcanoes, providing a secluded and serene environment. Bathrooms are outfitted with freestanding tubs, rain showers, double vanities, and premium luxury products. The Silverback Suite ensures a seamless combination of high-end comfort, privacy, and a close connection with nature, making it the pinnacle of luxury at One&Only Gorilla’s Nest.
How To Reach There
One& Only Gorilla’s Nest is conveniently located in Kinigi, near the headquarters of Volcanoes National Park, making it one of the most accessible luxury lodges for gorilla trekking in Rwanda. The lodge is surrounded by lush eucalyptus forests at the foothills of the Virunga Volcanoes, offering stunning views and serene surroundings.
By Air
The nearest international airport is Kigali International Airport (KGL), approximately 116 kilometers from the lodge. The drive typically takes 2.5 to 3 hours, offering scenic views of Rwanda’s rolling hills, farmland, and small villages. For travelers seeking a faster or more exclusive arrival, helicopter transfers can be arranged directly from Kigali Airport to the lodge. This option provides breathtaking aerial views of the Virunga Volcanoes and surrounding forests.
By Road
From Kigali, a private car or lodge-arranged transfer will take guests on a scenic drive north toward Musanze and Kinigi. The route passes through Rwanda’s picturesque countryside with hills, tea plantations, and small villages, giving travelers an immersive introduction to the country’s natural beauty. Roads are well-maintained, and the lodge can assist in arranging comfortable 4×4 vehicles or luxury sedans depending on group size and preference.
Accessibility from Other Regions
Guests traveling from neighboring countries such as Uganda or the Democratic Republic of Congo can also reach One&Only Gorilla’s Nest via private transfers or regional flights to Kigali, followed by road or helicopter transfer. The lodge team provides guidance and can arrange all logistics to ensure a smooth and stress-free journey.
No matter the mode of arrival, One&Only Gorilla’s Nest ensures that guests experience a seamless transition from travel to luxury, with staff ready to welcome visitors and assist with luggage, check-in, and itinerary planning for gorilla trekking and other park activities.
