One&Only Gorillas Nest

CEDARBERG RATING

Luxury

Overview
  • Glamorous main facilities and spa
  • Very close to the Park Headquarters in Kinigi
  • Modern contemporary rooms and suites

Gorillas Nest has been taken over by One&Only & has re-opened after an extensive refurbishment. It's located  in a quiet forest of eucalyptus trees, only a couple of kilometres from the Park Headquarters in Kinigi. The top of the nearby Sabyinyo volcano marks the border between Rwanda, the DRC and Uganda. The Virunga Mountains straddle all three countries, and something like half the world's population of around 800 are found in this region.

On arrival you have the rather glamorous reception, bar and lounge area. Golf carts are available to take you to your suite or to one of the two separate, equally stylish main areas. One is the restaurant which also has some private dining options for small groups. The other is a large spa building with heated pool, sauna, steam pool, gym, relaxation room and pool bar.

There are no major mountain views but there is a very strong tranquil forest ambience with the sound of bird call all around. There are extensively tropical gardens throughout the property with pops of colour.

Accommodation

There are 21 rooms, comprising 10 king rooms, 5 forest lodges which are two-bedroom villas, 5 suites and the Silverback (presidential) suite. The style is modern, sophisticated with neutral soft grey tones.

 

At A Glance

  • Off the beaten track
  • Mountain biking
  • Birding hotspot
  • Good Food & Wine
  • Garden
  • Swimming pool
  • Rural location
  • Spa
  • walking
  • Walking Safari
  • Wifi on premises

One&Only Gorillas Nest on the map

Rooms

Forest King

The Forest King rooms have a bedroom, dressing area and decent sized bathroom. Outside was a generous terrace with seating and funky swing chair.

Two Bedroom Forest Suites

The Forest lodge suites each have two bedrooms and are ideal for families. The second room is a children's bedroom with an en suite toilet & basin. There is one main bathroom.

Virunga Suites

The five Suites are much larger with a sitting room with dining area, larger bedroom and an outside bath on the deck. They also face away from the other rooms so have a greater sense of privacy. They are typically on the edge of the property. the Silverback (presidential) suite has its own pool.

One & Only Gorillas Nest – staff review

One&Only Gorillas Nest is ideal for someone who loves a more glamorous and decadent hotel experience. It feels slightly at odds with its surroundings which is jarring for me. But it does deliver a supremely comfortable and serene forest ambience...

Kate Bergh
Co-founder & Director