Ndali Lodge

Ndali Lodge is one of Uganda’s most beautiful and peaceful lodges. It sits on the rim of a volcanic crater lake with stunning views of the Rwenzori Mountains of the Moon, green tea estates, and tropical forests. The lodge was built on an old tea estate that dates back to the 1920s, once owned by early explorers Major Trevor Price and Hugh Naylor. It opened as a lodge in 1996 and is still run by Trevor’s grandchildren, Aubrey and Lulu Price.

Today, Ndali Lodge keeps that warm, family-run appeal. It feels like staying in a cozy country home, with soft candlelight, beautiful gardens, and friendly staff who make you feel completely at peace.

The lodge is perfectly located for guests visiting Kibale Forest National Park, home to over 1,500 chimpanzees and many other primates. It’s also close to the Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary, famous for birds, monkeys, and nature walks. For anyone looking for a quiet, comfortable place with a real Ugandan touch, Ndali Lodge is a perfect stop on your Uganda safari.

Access & Location

Ndali Lodge is found on the edge of Nyinambuga Crater Lake, about 10 km west of Kibale Forest National Park. Guests can reach it by road from Fort Portal, which takes around 45 minutes, or from Kasese Airstrip if flying from Entebbe. The final stretch is a peaceful drive through small villages and farms, ending with a short grassy track leading to the lodge. When you arrive, you will be welcomed by the calm sound of birds and the view of the shining blue lake below — it feels like a hidden paradise.

Accommodation At Ndali Lodge

Ndali Lodge offers eight individual cottages and a honeymoon suite, all built from natural stone and thatch. The cottages sit on the crater rim, giving each one beautiful views of the lake and the distant Rwenzori Mountains. Inside, the rooms are large, airy, and decorated in a traditional African style with wooden furniture, bright flowers, handwoven rugs, and wildlife art on the walls.

Each cottage includes:

A comfortable double or twin bed with mosquito nets
A private veranda with lake and mountain views
An en-suite bathroom with bathtub, hot shower, and flush toilet
Candles and lanterns for lighting in the evening
A writing desk and armchairs for relaxing indoors

There’s no electricity in the cottages — instead, the warm candlelight adds to the lodge’s romantic and peaceful atmosphere.

The honeymoon suite is extra spacious, with an even larger terrace perfect for sunsets.

Small thoughtful details make your stay special — like fresh flowers in your room, handmade soaps, and cozy blankets for the cool highland nights.

Dining & Facilities At Ndali Lodge

Meals at Ndali Lodge are a delightful experience. The food is fresh, healthy, and cooked with love using local ingredients from the lodge’s own farm and nearby markets.

Guests can dine in the elegant dining room, on the open terrace overlooking the lake, or even in a gazebo on the crater’s edge — said to be the most beautiful gym in the world by guests!

The lodge offers a set menu for dinner, often a three-course meal that might include fresh soup, grilled tilapia or chicken, and homemade desserts. Vegetarian options are always available, and the team happily caters to special diets.

The rooftop terrace bar is a great spot to enjoy a drink as the sun sets, and the lounge provides cozy sofas, books, and a telescope for stargazing or viewing the Rwenzori peaks.

Outside, there’s a swimming pool surrounded by sunbeds — perfect for relaxing after a morning of chimp trekking or a long walk through the crater lakes.

Activities At Ndali Lodge

Because Ndali Lodge is so well located, guests can enjoy many wonderful activities both in the national park and around the lodge.

1. Chimpanzee Tracking

Just an hour’s drive away, Kibale Forest National Park is home to Uganda’s largest chimp population. Guided chimp treks offer a thrilling chance to see these intelligent animals in the wild, as well as monkeys, birds, and forest elephants.

2. Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary

This community-run project protects a wetland rich in birds and primates. You can take a guided walk to see colorful species like the Great Blue Turaco, white-collared oliveback, and papyrus canary. The income from this project supports local families, making it both enjoyable and meaningful.

3. Farm Walks and Vanilla Tours

Guests can explore the Ndali vanilla-processing plant and nearby farms. You’ll walk past coffee terraces, banana gardens, and crater lakes while learning how local farmers grow and process vanilla.

4. Crater Lake Walks

The lodge sits on the edge of the Nyinambuga Crater, but there are many others nearby. Guests can enjoy gentle guided or unguided walks along crater rims with views that stretch across the western Rift Valley.

5. Kayaking and Swimming

The lake below the lodge is safe for swimming and kayaking. While paddling, look out for the five species of kingfisher that live around the water.

6. Mountain Hikes

More adventurous guests can take a day trip to the Rwenzori Mountains — known as the “Mountains of the Moon.” These hikes offer fresh air, waterfalls, and some of the best scenery in Uganda.

7. Local Village Visits

Guests can visit nearby villages and schools to meet friendly locals, learn about daily life, and see traditional crafts.

The Spirit of Ndali Lodge

What makes Ndali Lodge truly special is its feeling of peace and timeless beauty. The lodge has no televisions or noisy distractions — just the sound of birds, wind in the trees, and gentle waves from the lake below.

At night, the sky fills with stars, and you can sit on your veranda listening to crickets and frogs calling from the water.

The staff are warm and genuine, many from the surrounding villages, and they love to share stories about the land and local culture.

Sustainability and Community

Ndali Lodge is proud of its connection to the land. Much of the food served here is home-grown or sourced from local farmers. The lodge supports nearby schools and conservation projects that protect the crater lakes and forests. Power comes from solar energy, and eco-friendly soaps and candles are used in every room. The goal is to preserve the environment while giving guests a comfortable stay close to nature.

Why Stay at Ndali Lodge

One of Uganda’s most scenic lodges, built on the rim of a crater lake
Close to Kibale Forest for chimp trekking
Family-run, with warm and personal hospitality
Great for nature lovers, couples, and families
Offers a mix of comfort, history, and natural beauty
A perfect stop between Kibale, Queen Elizabeth, and Fort Portal

Perfect For

Nature lovers, birdwatchers, honeymooners, and families who want to relax in peace and explore the forests and crater lakes of western Uganda. At Ndali Lodge, life moves at a slower, gentler pace — where mornings begin with mist over the lake, and evenings end with candlelight and the sound of frogs. It’s a place you’ll never want to leave.