Meeting mountain gorillas and an unmatched nature in Rwanda

30 years have passed since the release of the film ‘Gorillas in the Mist’, which features the adventurous life of the naturalist Dian Fossey, in Rwanda, dedicated to the study of mountain gorillas, and their defense against poaching attacks. For  her commitment to the safeguard of gorillas she was killed, but the Karisoke Research Center, which she founded, still continues her mission.

Of this animal species, threatened by extinction, less than 900 specimens populate the planet, and Rwanda is one of the three countries where they can be met. The lush mountain reserve where they live is named Volcanoes National Park, and was created as the first national park in Africa by the Belgian colonizers in 1925. In the heart of Africa, just south of the equator, the tropical climate is very pleasant here, with a stable temperature around 15.5 degrees celsius.
 

This area now covers 160 square kilometers and is characterized by a particular mountain ecosystem, with evergreen plants and bamboo forests, swamps and heaths. In its interior there are 5 of the 8 Virunga volcanoes: Karisimbi, Bisoke, Muhabura, Gahinga, and Sabyinyo. The charm of this region is not limited to gorillas, but strikes visitors for its magical landscapes and unusual wildlife, from forest hogs to colorful birds. In this habitat the gorillas roam in groups, gigantic in their size but tender in their attitudes similar to humans: observing them is a totally capturing experience that becomes truly an indelible memory.

Nature apart, just outside the park you can immerse yourself in the customs of the Rwandan people, visiting the Iwacu Cultural Village, a real living museum, where the rhythms of the drums and dances are mixed with practical activities of everyday life everyday and ancient rituals. Some animators working in this village are former poachers who were given the opportunity to rehabilitate themselves.
 

For an exclusive stay experience in this wonderful setting, the One & Only Gorilla Nest is the closest resort to the Volcano Park and the most luxurious in the region. Coming back from the exploration of this enchanted world, the guest can find the extraordinary comfort of a lodge connected with the surrounding nature awaiting him, where the purity of the sounds and the external perfumes pervade the luxurious and cozy room heated by a crackling fireplace, while wide stained glass window offers an exceptional view of the forest. You can also give yourself a relaxing bath in the large tub while continuing to admire the external panorama, or when you decide to go out, a private observation deck allows a close direct contact with nature
If you choose  the suites, the living space extends completely, the bedroom is separated from a living room and dining room, taking on the appearance of a complete home, with its surface of 147 sm. A butler is always available as well as a chef and a kitchen unit to provide a personalized private catering

For all the guests, the appointment for dinner is at a restaurant whose name Nest is already a promise to find a shelter where feeling warmly welcomed, pampered with a thousand attentions, nourished with an amazing food which is prepared with fresh ingredients, by very talented chefs capable  to capture the best of local and international flavors.

Coming here, prepare yourself  to enter a world that it is hard to find elsewhere and it will be very difficult to leave, because forever you will be nostalgic for a lost paradise.