Ndali Lodge enjoys a truly stunning setting in the crater lakes region at the foot of the Rwenzori Mountains. Perched on the rim of an extinct volcano that has filled with water to become breathtaking Lake Nyinambuga, the lodge is surrounded by 1000 acres of fertile farmland in the heart of Uganda’s tea plantation country.
Accommodation and Ambiance
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. Lovely lodge with a very homely, English countryside, feel to it - including several, friendly dogs.
Ndali’s eight individual cottages, all of which offer panoramic views of the Rwenzori Mountains and Queen Elizabeth National Park, are built of local stone and thatch and are lit by solar energy. 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. Each cottage, large enough to accommodate a family, has en suite bathroom facilities.
The rooms are large and airy with a private terrace and the en suite bathrooms have large baths and plenty of piping hot water. The main lodge is homely and bright with large windows and French doors leading out to the veranda that runs one side of the house. The dining room and sitting room open onto the terrace with views of Lake Nyinambuga.
There is a pool surrounded by sunloungers and a well stocked and diverse library in the main area. This lodge is a home away from home, the staff will make you feel part of the family and there are even a pair of dogs to welcome you. I loved the dogs on the premises because I missed mine. The view was wonderful. The food was some of the best that we had anywhere.
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Activities and Excursions
Ndali Lodge is perfectly situated as a base from which to visit an abundance of local wildlife. Ndali Lodge enjoys a truly stunning setting in the crater lakes region at the foot of the Rwenzori Mountains.
chimpanzees trekking in kibale national park-tour Uganda
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. Chimpanzee sightings are not guaranteed, however the odds of encountering them have greatly increased in recent years, now standing at 90% or over. You enter the forest and following signs and chimp calls your guide leads you to the chimpanzees. 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.
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. Kibale Forest is renowned for hosting the largest concentration of chimps on the continent, while its community-based neighbour, Bigodi, is a birders paradise with twitchers able to see African Grey Parrot, Black-billed Turacos, and the Yellow-Billed Barbet among others.
There are many activities on offer at the lodge and Ndali provides local guides for walks around the thousand-acre farm and to the Mahoma Waterfall, with the opportunity of spotting a large variety of birds, butterflies and primates along the way. 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. This area is characterised by rolling hills, vanilla plantations, pretty forests and of course the Crater Lakes. For some of the Crater Lakes, the views are actually best from the viewpoints, accessed by roads.
Read also: Explore Shaba National Reserve
Commitment to Community
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.
Additional Information
Beautiful location at the edge of a crater lake, surrounded by the lush greenery. Swimming pool overlooks Ndali estate and in-room massages are available upon request. Lit by candles at night, which may be a hazard for vacationers walking from their rooms to the lounge or dining area for dinner. In-room conveniences are available on request only i.e. Due to lack of electricity at the lodge via power grid or solar panels, it lacks basic amenities like higher beam lighting and fans; rooms uncomfortable for sleeping on hot days, as opening windows can let in bugs.
Rooming rates are on the higher side considering alternative facilities and amenities typical of a deluxe establishment are limited or not available; though, the lodge offers excellent service, ambiance and cuisine that balances the value equilibrium. There are resident dogs that belong to the lodge owners. For those who are allergic to dogs, we recommend that you advise us so we can brief the lodge owners.
Testimonials
Here are some testimonials from satisfied customers who booked through AfricanMecca Safaris:
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- Janet Brown - TEACH Rwanda Founder - United States: "AfricanMecca Safaris offers incredibly knowledgeable and skilled services! Our travel arrangements for 2 months of volunteering with TEACH Rwanda in country were made quickly and economically. Honored to work with Raza!"
- Carol Bobb - Pennsylvania, United States: "I just returned from a month in Africa, specifically Rwanda & Kenya. I am left breathless with my experience. AfricanMecca Safaris coordinated the entire trip for me and left no detail, nothing for me to do."
- Geoffrey Topliss - Northampton, United Kingdom: "Jambo Altaf, Many thanks for a brilliant holiday. Your choice of tented accommodation at the two Tsavos and Amboseli was superb, we didn't have a favourite. We would recommend AfricanMecca to anyone."
- Dan Kobick - Managing Director, PricewaterhouseCoopers - New York, United States: "I cannot say enough about the quality of AfricanMecca. Their teams in Kenya and Tanzania were top notch. Raza, again thanks to you and your entire organization! We will be repeat customers."
- Christine Milan - MT Carmel Travel - Connecticut, United States: "This is to let you know my guests, The Bryant's, had a wonderful time on the trip Samburu, Masai Mara/Kenya, Chobe/Botswana & Victoria Falls/Zambia. Everything was perfect! Thank you.."
- Kim and Mike Claiborne - Texas, United States: "Raza and AfricanMecca Safaris did an outstanding job with all of the arrangements lined up to help make our trip unforgettable. We do thank you from the bottom of our heart."
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