Wildernest Safari Inn - Upper Tract, West Virginia

Judy L.

The Wildernest Inn is a nature lover’s destination. It is a unique, comfortable, artistically-decorated and sophisticated hideaway near the Monongahela National Forest, WV. Because it is located on a mountaintop, the tree canopy is in line with the bedroom's large-scale windows and birdwatching is as easy as using binoculars from comfy armchairs. In the early morning, the sun bathes layers of undulating mountains in a lovely pink glow, the trees awash in their autumnal glory. The mist rolls in silently over a lake in the valley.

At night, we used the adjacent balcony to gaze the diamond-studded sky with the perfectly arched smear of the Milky Way directly overhead. It helps the area around the Inn is a designated astronomical dark sky. We were delighted when the local astronomy club set up telescopes at the local lake for a public romp of the planets and stars. Our spectacular hosts, Sonja and Tom, invited us to the special event. Next time, when there is more time, we will look for owls on the property.

The Inn is a perfect home base for incredible hiking at Dolly Sods, and on our occasion, a difficult 4- hour, but rewarding hike to Chimney Top. The panoramic views of the geology were spectacular. It is about a 30-40 minute drive to wonderful hiking destinations either in the Monongahela National Forest or to nearby Lost River. Because the Inn is an all-inclusive accommodation with delicious multi-course breakfasts and dinners home-cooked by Sonja and Tom, the stress of finding restaurants, other than typical fast-food take-out, evaporates. Just what you wish for when you only have 3 days to escape.

Sonja and Tom are the perfect hosts. Gracious and interesting. Their Inn is a veritable museum of beautiful native African art, textiles, ceramics, photography (Tom’s) and sculpture, a nod to their past living in multiple different African countries over a 30-year span. We stayed in the lovely Elephant Room with Tom’s incredible close-up of an African Queen over the bed. We bonded with our hosts over our mutual love of nature and animals—and food!

The Wildernest is a special place. We enthusiastically recommend it as a retreat from the everyday where one can reflect on the beauty and healing ability of nature and great company. We hope to return soon. Judy and Irv

Park W.

The Wildernest Safari Inn is a unique getaway hidden in the West Virginia mountains. Tom and Sonja have created a luxury safari vibe that begins with the welcome drink on the patio and continues as you explore the inn’s décor, particularly the themed rooms (we stayed in the Elephant Room). The stay comes with both dinner and breakfast, both of which are delicious and plentiful. Dinner of course was accompanied by an excellent selection of South African wines. The inn has magnificent views of the valley and we caught glimpses of the local wildlife. We only wish that we had stayed longer to take advantage of hikes and other activities in the area. We will be going back.

Barbara S.

Hosts Sonja and Tom have created an amazing get-away with wonderful food, comfortable rooms, and first-class hospitality. The Inn has beautiful decorative items from their travels throughout Africa, while the deck provides stunning views of the surrounding mountains. It's a perfect spot for family reunions or company retreats, a "home base" while exploring the rivers and hiking trails in the region, or just relaxing. It's a must-see!

Gary H.

The Quintessential Bed and Breakfast

My wife and I wanted a short get-away to celebrate our 49th wedding anniversary and we found the perfect place at the Wildernest Inn. We made our decision to visit the Inn because it was within a few hours of our home and the very complementary reviews by prior guests. We were also intrigued by the idea that dinner would be provided in addition to breakfast.

Upon our arrival in the middle of the afternoon we were greeted by the owners Tom and Sonja who proceeded to give us a tour of the Inn and a bit of background on how they acquired and furnished the property. They were extremely gracious hosts and made a point of asking if we had any dietary restrictions or food allergies.

The property is unbelievably beautiful and unique! The Inn is located at the top of a mountain, accessed by a well maintained gravel road a mile off the main road. The views from the Inn are spectacular. The entire Inn, as well as each of the six guest rooms, are furnished with amazing art works collected by Tom and Sonja during their years of travel and work in Africa. We stayed in the “Elephant” room. The bed was very comfortable and the bed linens were high quality.

Our dinner was served in the main dining room where we were seated so we had a beautiful view of the adjacent mountain range. The dinner was delicious and filling. A bit after dinner and conversation with Tom and Sonja, we were served the most delicious homemade apple pie baked by Tom. In the morning we again had a beautiful view of the mountains as we were served a hearty breakfast. I purposely am not spilling the beans on what we were served, but I can say we were given several choices and it was accompanied by a loaf of homemade bread and jams.

My wife and I had a lovely stay at the Wildernest Inn and it was nice meeting Tom and Sonja and getting to know them and share a bit about us. We are truly looking forward to another visit in the future…maybe for our 50th wedding anniversary!

Trevor P.

This is one of the best Bed & breakfast Places I have ever stayed in. Tom And Sonja are the perfect hosts and do everything they can to support their guests.
The breakfast was incredible and I would rate it like a five star restaurant, I highly recommend this place to anyone who wants a beautiful country experience and the views from this location are spectacular.
The Rooms are the cleanest I have ever even compared in a five star hotel.
I actually did not want to leave and talked with hosts for over two hours, If I could give this place more then five stars I would.
Great Job Sonja & Tom words can not describe how perfect this place is.

KP P.

Absolutely one of the best places we have stayed since living in Europe. The view can speak for itself as it is stunning! As for the Inn and owners, Tom and Sonja, it simply feels like visiting an exotic friend's house. Lovely sitting rooms with intriguing decor, little nooks full of interesting things, and a lovely bar and dining area. The rooms are unique and elegantly decorated from the owners time in South Africa and the food is amazing. We came up the hill after a day of hiking and canoeing and enjoyed wine on the deck, a four course meal and lively conversation followed by the best night's sleep I have had in a while. Tom and Linda have thought of every detail to make your trip comfortable and memorable. They are truly the type of hosts that make you feel relaxed and cared for. Take a weekend......slow down, connect with nature, and remember life as should be. Love this place!

Connie C.

My husband and I really needed a weekend out of the city and this hit the spot! Only 2.5 hours from Northern Virginia, lovely drive to this amazing inn. Tom and Sonja are lovely, interesting people and fantastic cooks. The room and on suite bathroom were spotless and well appointed. They served drinks a four course dinner upon our arrival followed by a peaceful, quiet sleep, and a wonderful breakfast. The views are absolutely breathtaking. If you're looking for a quick get away in the country, this is the place to go! The price is fantastic for all the accommodations you get per night. We will be back!

Tammy K.

We visited the Inn today for Mother’s Day and were treated to a delicious lunch. The owners, Sonja and Tom, are very hospitable and welcoming. The safari name comes from the decor they collected over many years while living in Africa. Each guest room is named and themed with unique animal decor. Many items are one of a kind and commissioned for the Inn such as wall hangings and dinnerware.

Tom’s passion for photography and animals finds many of his works of art hanging in the Inn.

From the time you enter the driveway, the details are evident. The yard boasts life-sized replicas of animals native to Africa🦒 🦓 🐘 and birds.

I must mention that the view of the WV Mountains is breathtaking from the guest rooms, dining and living room areas and deck.

We look forward to visiting again soon and relaxing on the deck or by the pond and enjoying a delicious meal!