Where Ngoma Safari Lodge sits
Ngoma Safari Lodge stands on the edge of a plateau in the Chobe Forest Reserve, in the west of the Chobe district, looking out over the seasonal Chobe floodplain. It lies along the route between Kasane and the Ngoma border post with Namibia, well away from Kasane town. The elevated position is the defining feature: the floodplain runs out below the lodge rather than past its front door.
The suites
There are ten suites — eight doubles and two family units — which caps the lodge at roughly twenty guests. Each has a private veranda and its own plunge pool facing the floodplain, so the view is available from the room as well as from the main area.
The main area
The central guest area holds reception, dining and bar, with a large swimming pool, a sundeck and a viewing platform over the plain. Wifi runs in the main lodge and in the rooms.
Game drives
Game drives run into Chobe National Park and the surrounding forest reserve, and night drives are offered — worth noting, because night drives are not permitted inside the national park itself, so the concession side of the programme carries them.
Boat cruises on the Chobe
River cruises on the Chobe are offered, though they are seasonal and depend on water levels. This is an honest constraint of the western end of the district rather than a limitation of the lodge: the floodplain below Ngoma fills and empties with the season.
Walking safaris
Guided walking safaris are part of the standard programme. Walking is where the forest reserve concession earns its place — it is not something Chobe National Park allows on the riverfront.
Birding
The combination of floodplain, forest reserve and river makes for strong birding across a short distance. The seasonal water below the lodge draws waterbirds when it is full, and the teak and mopane woodland behind holds a different set entirely.
Cultural visits
Cultural visits to nearby communities are offered alongside the wildlife activities.
When to visit
May to October is the dry season and the strongest period for concentrated game, with elephant moving to permanent water. The floodplain below the lodge is at its most striking when it holds water. November to April is green, hotter and better for birds and newborn game. Boat cruises depend on water levels, so confirm at the time of booking.
Who it suits
Travellers who want Chobe game from a small, elevated, private lodge rather than a riverfront hotel, and who value night drives and walking — neither of which the park riverfront offers. Children must be ten or older. It suits couples, photographers and families with older children, and pairs well with a Delta camp or with Victoria Falls.
