The Lodge

Location: Kibale Forest National Park, Uganda
Number of Cottages: 8

The heritage of Ndali Lodge is reflected in the shared African and English country-style elements of its architecture and ambience. Built in 1994 by the son of Major Trevor Price, a British colonist who established tea plantations here in the 1920s, the lodge is still a family-run venture. Eight thatch-and-stone cottages surround the main lodge, with sensational views over the Mountains of the Moon. Warm and charming, the cottages feature local décor, en suite facilities with showers and soaking tubs, and private verandas for watching the sunset over the mountains. Enjoy candlelit dinners in the timber-beamed dining room—the lodge has no electricity or generators to mar the tranquil atmosphere, though there are solar lights in the cottages. The dining room and sitting room open onto the terrace with views of Lake Nyinambuga. A full English breakfast is served on the veranda, complemented with freshly squeezed passion fruit juice from Ndali’s vines (in season) and wild honey on homemade bread.

Back to top

Facilities & Amenities

• En suite bathroom with tub and shower
• Hair dryer can be used only when generator is running (hair dryer available on request, or bring your own)
• USB charging outlet in room (all other charging can be done in the main office)
• Central swimming pool
• Small fitness area
• Wi-Fi available
• Laundry included
• Credit cards accepted
• No air conditioning or telephone

Back to top

Wildlife Viewing & Activities

Ndali Lodge is perfectly situated as a base from which to visit an abundance of local wildlife. Kibale Forest National Park, home to the largest concentration of chimpanzees in Africa, as well numerous other primates, birds and butterflies, is just 45 minutes away. Queen Elizabeth National Park, a 2-hour drive, harbors an astonishing range of species—nearly 100 species of mammal and 606 different birds! The Kasinga Channel holds the world's largest concentration of hippos. Also nearby is the Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary, a community-based conservation project home to chimps, red colobus, black-and-white colobus and red-tailed monkeys, bushbuck, sitatunga, mongoose and 138 bird species. At Ndali itself, local guides escort walks along crater rims, to Mahoma Waterfall and through the farm’s banana and vanilla plantations, coffee terraces and plots of cassava, groundnuts and sorghum. Locally made boats offer relaxing cruises on the lake. Guests can also swim or birdwatch from the jetty.

Kibale’s focus is chimpanzee viewing, as well as the 12 other primate species, including the black and white colobus monkey, red-tailed and blue monkeys, and Ugandan red colobus monkey. Rarer sightings may include elephant, duikers, warthogs, and buffalo. There are a number of unique bird species. Exact sightings will depend on seasonality and wildlife movements.

Climate

Conservation

Recognizing the importance of healthy communities in the quest to conserve the nature and wildlife around them, Ndali Lodge is actively involved in supporting its neighbors in need through Ndali Lodge Local Development & Education Ventures. Aside from directly employing many people from the immediate area and being one of the major customers of the local produce market in Rwaihamba, Ndali Lodge also strives to improve the circumstances of local people through sponsorship of children in need, water projects, and affiliation with local schools in need of material support. Adjacent to Ndali is a primary school, which despite its small size and insufficient facilities, is attended by nearly 1,000 children. Ndali has has helped to improve the quality of education at the school by building a classroom, providing supplies and and facilitating teaching volunteers. A portion of the cost of each guests’ stay at Ndali Lodge goes to assist its community development efforts.

Back to top