Ndali Lodge

Thanks to reforestation efforts in the 1990s, Ndali Lodge sits in an area rich in indigenous trees, where all sorts of birds and monkeys can be seen flitting and swinging through the branches.

You’ll stay in a banda, a stone and thatch cottage which combines a traditional construction with vintage decor and high levels of comfort. The beds are four-posters, while the bathrooms feature bathtubs overlooking the forest. From your private veranda, you can also take in stunning views over the Rwenzori Mountains. Inside, your banda has a homely feel, with colourful floral cushions and comfy sofas to relax on.

Dining at Ndali Lodge is a homely affair, with multi-course home-cooked meals showcasing fresh local ingredients and Ugandan and international cuisine, accompanied by a range of cocktails and fine South African wine. Fortifying packed lunches can also be provided for the days when you’re out chimp trekking or enjoying other activities.

The lodge’s comfortable lounge overlooks the vast Lake Nyinambuga, which sits in the crater of a long-extinct volcano. Attached to the lounge is a library stocked with local and international books, while wooden walkways connect the lounge to the dining room and reception. A stunning outdoor pool overlooks the forest and the mountains and is the perfect place to cool off on those hot afternoons.

Kibale National Park is rich in wildlife including Africa’s largest concentration of chimpanzees, which can be tracked on guided excursions led by expert naturalists. The Bigodi Wetlands, meanwhile, are a birdwatcher’s paradise, being home to such rare species as the white-winged warbler and the papyrus gonolek.

The nearby farmland is home to cassava, coffee and vanilla plantations, where guided tours can give you an insight into the production process, while kayaking trips are a great way to explore the beautiful Lake Nyinambuga.