Ndali Lodge

Ndali Lodge is set stunningly amidst the Bunyaruguru crater lake region of Western Uganda, 24km south of Fort Portal. It is perched on the rim of an extinct volcano which, since its demise, has filled with water to become the breathtaking Lake Nyinambuga -250 acres in size and 130 metres deep. Ndali Lodge lies at the centre of 1000 acres of privately owned fertile farmland still cultivated in a traditional style and is perfectly situated for viewing a mass of wildlife and flora and the local cultural attractions. Kibale Forest National park, famous home of the largest concentration of chimpanzees in Africa, as well as a bewildering variety of other primates, birds and butterflies can be reached within 45 minutes.

There is a main thatched lodge with spacious sitting room, reception area and dining room, flanked by eight cottages providing luxurious accommodation for 16 guests. The cottages, which face west to offer a panoramic view to the spectacular 'Mountains of the Moon', are built of local stone and thatch. The interiors at Ndali Lodge are imaginatively and comfortably furnished, using local materials. Each cottage, large enough to accommodate a family, has en-suite facilities with bath, shower, WC and hand basin and a private verandah, perfect for watching the sun setting behind the Rwenzori mountains, the snow-capped peaks of which are visible on a clear day. At night the dining room is festooned with candles - the lodge has no electricity. The sitting room, reception and dining room open out onto Lake Nyinambuga and are connected by two open passageways or breezeways: fruit bats, owls and frogs like to use them as a highway to the crater lake.

The food is excellent, and enjoyed in a wonderful environment; for example, breakfast is served on the verandah overlooking the lake: freshly squeezed passion fruit juice (from Ndali's vines when in season) and homemade bread with wild honey go down well with a full English breakfast. All Ndali's water comes directly from the lake, pumped up hydraulic ram based on technology invented in the 1770's.