Perched on the edge of a valley overlooking the Chobe River and its floodplains is a lodge that, from the outside, looks unassuming. Enter the reception area, however, and see the view across the plains swarming with wildlife and your perception will change completely. You'll want to drop your luggage and head to the viewing deck. And that's why Ngoma Safari Lodge is regarded as one of the top lodges in the Chobe area. Game drives access the less busy western end of the Chobe waterfront which, during the dry season, is regarded as one of Africa's richest wildlife areas.
Ngoma’s thatched buildings are all made from natural materials, with ethnic fabrics, building material and artefacts providing a local touch. The central area houses the reception, lounge, bar and dining room, below which a waterfall flows into a small pool. Meals (five-star, varied and generous) are generally served on the deck, with views over a floodlit waterhole and its cavalcade of animals. There's wi-fi in both the central area and your suite.
The lodge has eight private suites, two of which can be converted into triples. The decor is understated chic, cleverly allowing the fine views of the Chobe, its floodplain and its inhabitants, including the famous elephants, to dominate. Each suite has air conditioning, overhead fans, a mini bar, an en-suite bathroom with shower and tub, an outdoor shower and a private plunge pool. Want to spend a day in your suite admiring the view? You wouldn't be the first!
It's a 20-minute drive from Ngoma to Chobe National Park, so the main activity is a full-day game drive (anticipate your progress being interrupted by a herd of elephants crossing the road). You can also take an afternoon boat cruise on the Chobe's waterways – there's always something exciting to see. Explore the area on foot, go birding, picnic in the bush or visit a local village, whose people are actively involved in the running of this lovely lodge.
Enjoying a post-lunch dip in your private plunge pool and watching the elephants, buffalo and hippos across the Chobe valley.
Don't be surprised if a mongoose or vervet monkey greets you at your room in the morning - the wildlife here is curious and it's lovely!
It will take you around 20 minutes by car to reach the entrance to the national park but there should be plenty to see along the way.
Ngoma Safari Lodge is owned by Machaba Safaris which deeply values the communities in Botswana and Zimbabwe, and feeds back into them through education, empowerment, and conservation initiatives. They support local schools and programs while working with communities to protect fragile ecosystems and promote human-wildlife coexistence. Addressing infrastructure needs, they provide essentials like water and sustainable gardens. Visitors can contribute through donations, volunteering, or simply by choosing Machaba Safaris for their safari experience.
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Ngoma Safari Lodge can be booked with Timbuktu as part of a tailor-made Botswana trip, rather than as a standalone room reservation. Start online, customising one of our recommended Botswana trips featuring Ngoma Safari Lodge or get advice and suggestions from one of our Botswana specialists who will design the trip around your dates, check availability and handle every booking for you.
Stays at Ngoma Safari Lodge start from around $790, or US$790, per person per night as part of a tailor-made trip. The exact price depends on your travel dates, room type and the shape of the rest of your itinerary. A Timbuktu travel specialist can give you an accurate quote for your dates.
A place for unrivalled elephant sightings in Botswana and serene boat cruises along the mighty Chobe River.
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