Ndali Lodge — Hotel in Kabarole

The Paradise of Ndali strikes the perfect balance between all the comforts one desires for an unforgettable holiday without diluting the magic of Uganda.||||As we arrived, our senses began to unfurl. Firstly, the sense of smell: traversing the flower archway, the delicate scent of thyme planted at the entrance gracefully signaling our arrival. Then, Aubry and William's welcoming smiles greeted us, accompanied by the most delightful, fresh blend of passionfruit and pineapple juice. Yet, the true star of the moment reveals itself when, after passing through the dining hall, we are met with one of the most enchanting views I've had the privilege to behold. It's impossible not to sigh in awe when one gazes up through the orchid vines and beholds the crater lake. The emerald hue and hypnotic shimmer of the gentle waves against the sunlight. At this juncture, all else fades away, and one begins to truly live in the present. Your pulse fills with pure air, your ears attuned to every sound, from the birds to the frogs and cicadas. It's an utterly unparalleled experience, all within the initial five minutes of one's arrival. ||As you stroll along a quaint path teeming with an almost impossibly diverse array or flora, each flower more resplendent than the last, it's as though by some magical spell, you find yourself at a secluded oasis, gazing upon the mountain of the moon with yet more crater lakes sparkle in the foreground. The rooms transported me to another era, with open windows inviting in the fresh air and a bath with a view, like every element meticulously designed to enhance every moment of one's stay. ||And all of this within the first 30 minutes of one's arrival.||Once settled, we returned to the pool area, once again treated to the majestic sight of the mountains and endless kilometers of rainforest, which we later learn were lovingly rewilded by the lodge to prevent deforestation, thus safeguarding this earthly paradise.||Throughout our stay, we enjoyed the new tennis court, perfectly nestled in the shade of the trees. We practiced yoga on the lakeside deck, explored the crater lake in kayaks, and engaged in a game of ping-pong after a refreshing dip in the hotel pool.||I shan't continue to recount you with tales of my holiday, reserving some surprises for your own visit, but I can assure you that both the cuisine and service are deserving of five stars. Speaking of stars, one can only imagine the celestial spectacle on a clear night at the Paradise of Ndali. (One truly cannot fathom it, you have to see it to believe it) for it is beyond...

We re-visited Ndali lodge after 14 years and it is still a wonderful tranquil haven. Overlooking crater lakes and on a clear day with a view of the Rwenzoris you can sit in the swimming pool for hours on end.

14 years ago we had visited with my in-laws who loved Ndali so much that my usually stoic Father in-law still states that it is the most wonderful place he has ever visited.

In December 2023 we returned with our 10 year old daughter, who absolutely loved the swimming pool, comfortable beds and opportunity for a bath after an exciting day Chimp Tracking in nearby Kibale Forest (Note: You need special permission from the UWA for Children below 12 to go Chimp tracking).

There is an opportunity to canoe, paddle board or swim in adjacent crater lake, Nyinambuga (You should not swim in many lakes in Uganda due to Bilharzia, however Nyinambuga and some of the other lakes are supposed to be Bilharzia free) . Sadly due to a packed itinerary and an incoming storm we only had the opportunity to stand beside it. I will definitely return just to experience paddling across the lake and taking in the scenery.

The lodge also has an outdoor gym and you can also go on guided or self-guided walks if you wish. However Ndali lodge is to me a haven away from the hustle a bustle with well designed and cool buildings.

A highlight is breakfast / lunch on the veranda with a broad range of options for Breakfast and 3 course meals for Lunch and Dinner. One point of note is that our 10 year old did find the food a little rich / overwhelming due the amount available. On the second evening we asked if she could skip a course and I am sure if we had asked the team would have happily reduced the portions.

The team were very professional and kind. Following chimp tracking for example they offered to clean our boots. At all times somebody was present if you needed them and homemade crisps and other items were offered when relaxing by the pool.

We still love Ndali and shall return, the lodge is mostly suited to couples and adult groups, but don't hesitate to take your Children as there is plenty to do and the surroundings are...

We stayed at Ndali two nights as part of our safari in Uganda. Ndali is beautiful! We arrived after dark because our safari truck broke down and we had to get a lift from another guide. ||Even though we were late, the staff welcomed us with much warmth. We had a fabulous candlelight dinner in the main dining room. You don’t really have a choice of what to eat, but don’t worry, everything they make is delicious. We had two dinners, two lunches, and two dinners. Everything was so fresh! One lunch was similar to a Thai beef salad with fresh cilantro! ||We loved our cottage, which had a fantastic view of the valley below. There were wild flowers everywhere. The cottage was very comfortable with a big bed and bathroom. The bed/pillows made for great sleeping. ||The grounds are lovely and relaxing. The lodge sits on a ridge between two crater lakes, so the views are outstanding. My husband loved the pool! ||You can ask for a wake-up call that includes coffee or tea delivered to your room. Wow! ||The owner of the lodge was very kind. As I mentioned, our truck broke down and the owner lent us a car for our tour the next day. Very kind, indeed! I recommend this hotel without...