Ndali Lodge

OVERVIEW:

Ndali Lodge is perfectly placed to explore Kibale and the neighbouring area. Kibale Forest has the largest concentration of chimps on the continent and the nearby Bigodi is a twitcher’s heaven: the African Grey Parrot, Yellow-Billed Barbet and Black-billed Turacos all on show. The park’s trailhead for chimpanzee tracking is only an hour from the lodge. Ndali is built on a site that once formed part of a tea estate belonging to Major Trevor Price and his friend Hugh Naylor (1920’s adventurers who voyaged south from Egypt after WW1 in a model T Ford!). The lodge itself opened in 1996, and is still run by Trevor’s grandchildren, Aubrey and Lulu, to this day.

ACCESS & LOCATION: 

Ndali Lodge is situated on the edge of Nyinambuga crater lake, approximately 10 km west of Kibale National Park. The Kibale area is usually accessed via light-aircraft flight from Entebbe International Airport followed by road transfer (60 mins), or road transfer alone if you are approaching from another of Uganda’s holiday destinations. Ndali is found at the end of a pleasant grassy track, within beautiful gardens…and has a prime spot with views out across the Rwenzori Mountains.

ACCOMMODATION & FACILITIES AT NDALI LODGE: 

The communal lodge is constructed from timber, stone and thatch, with glass-panelled doors and long rectangular windows. There’s a comfortable lounge with seating around coffee tables and wildlife artwork. A small library provides plenty of reading matter, as well as a telescope for gazing at the mountains or starry sky. The dining area is elegant, the food very good. All lodge rooms boast superb views out over the crater lake. Guests can also tuck into meals on one of Ndali’s various dining terraces overlooking the spectacular scenery. There’s also a sparkling swimming pool, flanked by sun loungers and deckchairs.

Guest accommodation consists of eight cottages (and one brand new larger honeymoon suite!), also made out of timber, stone, and thatch. All are spacious enough to sleep a family of four and each has comfy furnishings. There’s no electricity at the lodge: all lighting comes from candles and storm lanterns. Windows to the west provide views of the ‘Mountains of the Moon’ - the Rwenzori mountains. En-suite facilities comprise flush toilet, washbasin with mirror, and bathtub with shower attachment. Charming little details are a theme throughout the cottages: such as fresh flowers, snug rugs, and stencilled pictures of wildlife. Each room has a private veranda; a perfect place to relax between activities and gaze out across the mountains!

There's also the world's most beautiful gym - it's a gazebo on the edge of the crater. So spectacular they serve meals here on request - (obviously without the weights littered around!). There's a big trampoline for kids and a lovely path around the crater that guests can take unguided.

**Please be aware that the swimming pool here has no depth markings, so take care before you jump in!**

ACTIVITIES AT NDALI LODGE:

Being in such a great location bordering different parks, there’s a wide range of things to do at Ndali Lodge:

• Chimp trekking

  - The main reason people visit this area! Head out to Kibale National Park to enjoy chimpanzee trekking and forest walks. The rainforest is home not only to chimps but also to 12 other primate species and over 350 types of bird. Elsewhere in the park, there are lion, leopard, golden cat, serval, mongoose, otters – and even elephant occasionally make their way along the corridor linking Kibale and Queen Elizabeth NP.

• Mountain hikes

  - The lodge will recommend all the best routes for your level. The intrepid can visit the Rwenzori Mountains for some serious mountain trekking!

• Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary

  - A community-based project for the conservation of monkeys, other mammals and rare birds - such as the white-winged warbler, white-collared oliveback, and papyrus canary. You can enjoy walks around the tea estate and the Ndali vanilla-processing plant: this is a very interesting activity…as sights along the way include crater rims, vanilla and banana plantations, coffee terraces, and oil drums full of brewing alcohol.

• Lake Kayaking

  - The lake provides many pastimes: such as swimming, kayaking, and looking out for the five different species of kingfisher!

• New projects

  - On the way for 2023 - they’re building a tennis court, croquet lawn, putting green and a small club house (all in a lovely area just below the lodge). Please chat to one of our Uganda specialists for an update!

*This property is unfenced and located in a wildlife area, so large and potentially dangerous animals do pass through. If you opt to stay here, always be alert when walking around the camp and request for a member of staff to escort you if you have any concerns. Any guest is escorted after dark as a matter of course.