Uncover the wonders of Rwanda's evergreen landscape with once-in-a-lifetime experiences that transform your soul
Behold one of Rwanda’s most compelling natural attractions, found just on the doorstep of One&Only Gorilla's Nest. Characterised by diverse flora and fauna, striking landscapes and traditional communities, allow us to reveal the park’s treasures up-close and awe-inspiring, with encounters for every ability.
The ultimate Virunga experience – once-in-a-lifetime and truly transformational. Hiking through misty bamboo forest you’ll track endangered mountain gorillas who roam in this habitat and languish in their troops. Statuesque yet gentle, human-like but entirely wild, you’ll be captivated, endeared, and enlightened as they go about their day, unperturbed. It’s a bucket-list encounter that will stay with you always.
With their prominent golden fur coat, wide fuzzy faces, and beady eyes, the endangered golden monkeys are a thrilling highlight of the national park – amazing to observe up close. Following the fresh leftovers of bamboo, their large groups are usually easy to trace at the bottom of the volcanos. You’ll love simply watching them graze, socialise, and leap dramatically between trees with the aid of long tails.
Trekking to the Dian Fossey tomb is one of the most coveted and rewarding activities in the Volcanoes National Park. The walk to the Karisoke Research Centre, set up by Fossey, takes around 1 to 1.5-hours and is an incredible experience physically and emotionally. You’ll learn about the amazing life and legacy of the American activist and cover incredible floral landscapes with the chance to spot a variety of native creatures, from forest hogs to primates and colourful birds.
Indulge in an epic adventure on the Bisoke volcano, scaling the forest to be rewarded with a spectacular crater lake at the summit. Approximately 4-hours up and 2-hours down, depending on ability, the experienced rangers will reveal a world of wonder as you traverse the rugged landscape. From native flora and fauna to local history, you’ll learn and see a lot during this full-day jungle expedition.
Step back in time to a network of caves formed 65 million years ago by molten lava flows that forged the epic Albertine Rift Valley. 2-kilometers of easy hiking through the caves reveals dramatic rock formations, dotted with cascading light shafts, spilling greenery, and no doubt you’ll meet the local colony of bats, casually hanging from the stone.
This intimate forest is a hidden treasure that holds a great deal of biological and cultural significance. The park is set upon an ancient sacred site that was used for the coronation rituals of Rwandan kings. Rugged trails are forged of cut lava stones, weaving through sprawling plants and towering trees to the natural soundtrack of birds and the flash of colourful butterflies. There are several sites of interest to visit along the way, and plenty of folklore to charm you.
Follow the sounds of thunderous drumming and joyful dancing to this traditional Rwandan village, located just outside the national park. A ‘living museum’, it reveals the rituals of life in the ancient Rwandan kingdom and features hands-on activities to acquaint you with the friendly locals. Some of the presenters and performers are in fact former poachers who have been rehabilitated by the opportunity to work in the village.
For reservations or inquiries, please email:
reservations@oneandonlygorillasnest.com or call: +250 252 589 106.
Gorilla Permits And Trekking Rules
Once a permit is purchased it cannot be refunded or inter-changed. Before confirming your tour, please request availability for all participants as there are only 96 permits issued per day. If you have a cold, the flu or a contagious infection, please avoid gorilla trekking as gorillas are susceptible to human infections, particularly respiratory ones. Permits are not included in the room rates and must be purchased separately. Minimum age 15 years old.
