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Ngoma Safari Lodge - Machaba Safaris

Chobe Forest Reserve, Chobe National Park 7800 Botswana
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Traveller (535)
Room & Suite (108)
Dining (39)

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About

#4 of 33 lodges in Chobe National Park
Location
Cleanliness
Service
Value
Ngoma Safari Lodge is a 5 star bush property located in Northern Botswana within the Chobe Forest Reserve. Accommodation available include eight luxury suites that overlook the Chobe River and Caprivi Floodplain. Designed with an emphasis on space, peace and luxury, from here you will experience the abundance of wildlife in Chobe and relax in your own secluded sanctuary, or dine al fresco on our elevated deck with panoramic views.
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Property amenities
Free parking
Free High Speed Internet (WiFi)
Pool
Free breakfast
Boating
Fishing
Free airport transportation
24-hour security
Parking
Wifi
Pool with view
Outdoor pool
Private pool
Bar / lounge
Restaurant
Breakfast available
Complimentary Instant Coffee
Complimentary tea
Complimentary welcome drink
Outdoor dining area
Snack bar
Special diet menus
Walking tours
Airport transportation
Shuttle bus service
Baggage storage
Gift shop
Mosquito net
Non-smoking hotel
Outdoor fireplace
Outdoor furniture
Sun loungers / beach chairs
Sun terrace
Sun umbrellas
First aid kit
Umbrella
Express check-in / check-out
Laundry service
Ironing service
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Room features
Bathrobes
Air conditioning
Dining area
Housekeeping
Private balcony
Coffee / tea maker
Minibar
Bath / shower
Safe
Seating area
Bottled water
Wake-up service / alarm clock
Complimentary toiletries
Hair dryer
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Room types
Suites
Good to know
HOTEL CLASS
5.0 of 5 stars
HOTEL STYLE
Romantic
River View
Languages Spoken
English

Location

Chobe Forest Reserve, Chobe National Park 7800 Botswana
Ngoma Safari Lodge - Machaba Safaris
Getting there
Kasane Airport
48.7 km
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Mpacha Airport
783Reviews18Q+A100Room tips
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aymb wrote a review Dec 2023
Mumbai, India9 contributions1 helpful vote
To quote “spectacular food”. Even better location and ambiance. Attentive and helpful staff. Great sightings; six lionesses lolling around. Added to that was a lioness with two very young cubs tucked away in thorn bush. Our guide Moremi is very knowledgeable with a far reaching reputation
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Date of stay: November 2023Trip type: Travelled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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Response from Marketing Coordinator, Owner at Ngoma Safari Lodge - Machaba Safaris
Responded 6 Dec 2023
Dear Global61956482378 We are thrilled to hear you enjoyed your stay at Ngoma Safari Lodge! Your words are our greatest reward! 'Spectacular food,' breathtaking location, and attentive staff. We are delighted Moremi made your experience even more memorable with her expertise. Thank you for sharing your delightful experience with us! Sincerely the Machaba Safaris Team.
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
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Alison T wrote a review Nov 2023
Chichester, United Kingdom216 contributions88 helpful votes
Second visit here and it did not disappoint. Excellent game drives and boat cruises. The staff are so friendly and make you feel at home. The guides are very knowledgeable and there is so much wildlife. Great food as well!
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Date of stay: October 2023Trip type: Travelled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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Response from Marketing Coordinator, Owner at Ngoma Safari Lodge - Machaba Safaris
Responded 6 Dec 2023
Dear AST203, Thank you for your recent review, "A touch of luxury in the bush." We're thrilled to hear that your second visit to Ngoma Safari Lodge was just as exceptional as the first. Your kind words about our game drives, boat cruises, friendly staff, knowledgeable guides, abundant wildlife, and great food mean the world to us. We're grateful for your continued support and we Look forward to welcoming you back for another fantastic experience in the bush! Sincerely the Machaba Safaris Team.
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
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Julie Q wrote a review Oct 2023
7 contributions4 helpful votes
Ngoma Safari Lodge was a fantastic lodge for our first safari trip! From the welcome from the General Manager, Glorious, to the great meal service by Linnah and the SPECTACULAR game drives organized by MK - we were treated like royalty. I love the small, cozy nature of the property. We had customized service wherever we went - they remembered our preferences, etc... The room was great - we had them configure for two twin beds, which were comfy and perfect. Room was spotless every day (they came whenever we left to straighten up). I loved having a "couch" in the room to relax on, the Nespresso machine was a personal highlight, and the dipping pool and shower just outside was such a cool relief after long drives. The pick up at the airport was easy and seamless. The game drives were varied and really nice - it was just the two of us in our vehicle for every drive and we found lots and lots of animals - lions, leopards, elephants, giraffes, hippos, water buffalo, zebra, etc.... We felt very safe and very well take care of! Food was great - again, they remembered our preferences and incorporated those into meal planning (we were the only two guests one night) and in the meals prepped for our lunch and our sunset cocktails while out on game drives. Would definitely stay there again - and would try their "sister" properties as well. Such a GREAT vacation.
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Date of stay: September 2023
Value
Location
Service
Trip type: Travelled with friends
Room Tip: I stressed about what to wear/bring - just bring muted color clothes that can work as layers. ...
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This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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Response from Marketing Coordinator, Owner at Ngoma Safari Lodge - Machaba Safaris
Responded 31 Oct 2023
Dear Julieq367, Thank you for taking the time to share your wonderful experience at Ngoma Safari Lodge. We are delighted to hear that our lodge played such a memorable part in your first safari trip, and we're incredibly grateful for your kind words. We're delighted that you enjoyed the cozy nature of our property, and that you felt treated like royalty and appreciated the personalized service from Glorious, Linnah, and MK. Our team takes great satisfaction in not only remembering our guests' preferences but also in tailoring our offerings to provide a personalized experience to enhance your stay. We're thrilled that all these elements in camp as well as the exciting game drives contributed to a fantastic vacation. We look forward to welcoming you back in the future, and we'd be delighted to introduce you to our Machaba Safaris sister properties for another exceptional adventure. Thank you once again for choosing Ngoma Safari Lodge. Sincerely the Machaba Safaris Team.
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
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needtogetaway2 wrote a review Sept 2023
Evanston, Illinois101 contributions53 helpful votes
This was THE place to go! Cannot say enough about this lodge! Accommodations were top notch super comfortable! Outstanding views everywhere. Food was to die for, cappuccinos in the morning, eggs benedict - whatever you want. The staff was also the nicest we ran into! They seemed super happy all the time which filters down to your service. Rooms had indoor/outdoor showers, soak pool, chaises all looking out on the plains. Simply beautiful. Our guide Tebbe was the best & we saw everything! Super fun. Go here if you can!
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Date of stay: August 2023
Value
Location
Service
Trip type: Travelled with friends
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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Response from Marketing Coordinator, Owner at Ngoma Safari Lodge - Machaba Safaris
Responded 4 Oct 2023
Dear Needtogetaway2 Thank you so much for your incredible review! We are absolutely thrilled to hear that your experience at our lodge was nothing short of exceptional. We take great pride in providing our guests with the best possible overall experience, and it's delightful to hear that you enjoyed the outstanding views that surround our lodge, the food, and the safari experience. We understand the importance of delicious cuisine, and we are delighted that you found our food to be "to die for". All our staff are truly dedicated to ensuring our guests have a memorable and enjoyable stay, and your kind words about their friendliness and enthusiasm mean the world to us. We believe that happiness is infectious, and we are pleased that it translated into exceptional service during your stay. It's fantastic to hear that Tebbe, your guide, made your experience even more enjoyable. We are fortunate to have such knowledgeable and fun guides who are passionate about sharing the wonders of our surroundings. Thank you for choosing Ngoma Safari Lodge for your stay and for sharing your fantastic feedback with us. We hope to welcome you back in the future for another unforgettable experience. Until then, safe travels and adventures! The Machaba Safaris Team.
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
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Mandybows wrote a review Aug 2023
St. Albans, United Kingdom15 contributions
+1
We had the most amazing time at the Ngoma lodge. The staff were wonderful. The position above the plane quite spectacular and the food amazing. We felt really spoilt on our honeymoon. Wouldn’t hesitate to recommend this place. Quite magical Thank you.
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Date of stay: August 2023Trip type: Travelled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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Response from Marketing Coordinator, Owner at Ngoma Safari Lodge - Machaba Safaris
Responded 5 Sept 2023
Dear Mandybows, We are absolutely thrilled to receive your wonderful review and to hear that Ngoma Lodge served as the perfect backdrop for your honeymoon. The abundant wildlife, indulging in our delicious cuisine, and experiencing the exceptional service provided by our staff are some of the most cherished aspects of our lodge, and we are delighted that you had such a magical experience. Thank you for your recommendation, we sincerely appreciate your kind words, and it was our privilege to spoil you and be part of your honeymoon memories. Thank you for choosing Ngoma Lodge, and we wish you a lifetime filled with happiness and love. We look forward to welcoming you back to create more memories. Sincerely The Machaba Safaris Team.
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
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vernice27 wrote a review Jul 2023
Cape Town Central, South Africa35 contributions24 helpful votes
Wonderful safari camp and so easy to get to only 1 hour from Kasane. I was traveling on my own and they made me so welcomed and had an unbelievable sighting of the Elephants crossing the Chobe river. I will be back!
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Date of stay: July 2023
Value
Location
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Trip type: Travelled solo
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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Response from Marketing Coordinator, Owner at Ngoma Safari Lodge - Machaba Safaris
Responded 6 Aug 2023
Dear Vernice27 Thank you for taking the time to write a review of your recent stay at Ngoma Safari Lodge. We are thrilled that you had a wonderful experience and that you found our location convenient for your travels. We are delighted to have made you feel welcomed during your solo adventure. The sight of elephants crossing the Chobe River sounds incredible – moments like those are what make safaris truly unforgettable. We can't wait to welcome you back for another remarkable journey in the future! Sincerely The Machaba Safaris Team.
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
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Kyle H wrote a review Jun 2023
Glenwood Springs3 contributions
This review is long overdue. We were at Ngoma in January. It was one of the most magical places my wife and I have ever been!! From the moment we arrived, everything was perfect. Nelson and his staff greeted us like family and were treated that way during our whole stay. The room was 100% world-class. The bed looks out over the Chobe flood plain and there were always animals of all types to be seen. Even after a full-day game drive, we could never put our binoculars down. Zita our waitress was so incredible with a smile at all times. Sam was our guide and he was so knowledgeable about all the wildlife. We are really into birds and his willingness to show us even the smallest of birds was amazing. We actually left another camp a day early to come back to Ngoma for our last day in Africa!! We will return to this incredible place!
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Date of stay: January 2023
Value
Location
Service
Trip type: Travelled as a couple
Room Tip: You cannot go wrong at Ngoma. Do one water-based game drive.
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This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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Response from Marketing Coordinator, Owner at Ngoma Safari Lodge - Machaba Safaris
Responded 28 Jun 2023
Dear Kyle, We were absolutely thrilled to read your wonderful review of Ngoma! Even more so that it was your first trip to Africa and that your stay at Ngoma Safari Lodge played such a significant role in making it the greatest trip of your lives. We want you to know that your review had a profound impact on our team. We are delighted to hear that Nelson and our staff made you feel like family throughout your entire stay and that Sam with his passion for wildlife large and small, went above and beyond to show you even the smallest of avian wonders. Your decision to return to Ngoma for your last day in Africa, even cutting short your stay at another camp, is the ultimate compliment. It means the world to us that you found Ngoma to be an incredible place worth revisiting. We are already looking forward to welcoming you back with open arms whenever you decide to return. Once again, thank you for taking the time to share your glowing review. Your kind words serve as a reminder of why we are so passionate about what we do. We feel honored to have been a part of your extraordinary journey in Africa and hope to create more unforgettable memories for you in the future. Sincerely The Machaba Safaris Team.
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
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Donncha wrote a review May 2023
Ireland95 contributions35 helpful votes
I picked this lodge as it has guided walks on offer, and was not disappointed. The walks are short, and limited to the area near the lodge in Chobe Forest Reserve, as walks in Chobe National Park are not allowed. Even in a limited area, my guide Jo was able to find plenty of interesting plants and tracks, including the fresh track of lioness. The lodge itself is lovely, with a warm welcome from Nelson, Nellie and the staff. It faces west over the river and so perfect is for sunsets. Food top class. Game drives take place in the Ngoma section of Chobe Park, which is a lot quieter than the eastern Kasane end. The vehicles we saw were almost all from the handful of lodges on the escarpment where Ngoma Lodge is located. The tracks are a bit rough, which is one of the reasons I enjoy the walk alternative when available. I've visited wildlife reserves throughout Southern and East Africa, and Chobe ranks up there with the very best in terms of proliferation of animal and birdlife.
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Date of stay: May 2023
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Location
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Trip type: Travelled solo
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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Response from Marketing Coordinator, Owner at Ngoma Safari Lodge - Machaba Safaris
Responded 22 Jun 2023
Dear Donncha Thank you so much for sharing your wonderful experience at our lodge. We greatly appreciate your kind words and positive review. We're thrilled to hear that you chose our lodge specifically for the guided walks and that you were not disappointed. It's fantastic to know that your guide, Jo, was able to showcase the beauty of the surroundings, including interesting plants and even some fresh track of a lioness. We're pleased that you had the opportunity to explore the area and witness the abundant animal and bird life that Chobe has to offer. It's an honor to be compared to some of the best wildlife reserves in Southern and East Africa. We hope to have the pleasure of welcoming you back in the future for another unforgettable experience. Warmest regards from The Machaba Safaris Team.
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
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Mark T wrote a review May 2023
Wellington, New Zealand13 contributions13 helpful votes
Those who are fortunate enough to stay at Ngoma Safari Lodge will be greeted by the most spectacular views off the bar and dining areas in all of Botswana. After being greeted by Nelson (the lodge manager) and some of the other members of the Ngoma team. We had a lovely introduction and was then shown around the amenities on offer and our room with a stunning outlook. We were then treated to a very nice lunch... in fact, the food at Ngoma is just divine... breakfast, lunch and dinners. Like all the safari lodges in Botswana, "he aha te mea nui o te ao?" what is the most important thing in the world?... it is the poeple, it is the people, it is the people which makes your stay a pleasurable one (memories that last forever), not the lodge itself. I can honestly say that Ngoma has etched a multitude of memories in my brain. One particular person who was responsible for this was Zita, Zits was the backbone and heart of our stay. Zita shared her love and passion for Botswana and her language, being setswana. Apart from making sure she looked after us during our stay, Zita kept building on and increasing our knowledge around setswana and challenged us every day. We will be forever indebted to Zita for her tireless work and patience to teach us setswana while still thoroughly enjoying our stay...  "Ke a leboga Zita!". And then there was Masole (the soldier), just as eager to help Zita out, along with the lovely, Linah. I have vivid memories of the number of times you guys burst into laughter when I said something which was either inappropriate or wrong...  they are the special memories of Ngoma which I shall take away. The whole team was awesome but the last acknowledgement and our gratitude must go to Jo, our guide. While Sam and Tabby were apparently good, you had an advantage becasue you had the number #1  tracker in all of Botswana in your truck, me! hahaha! You had great way of explaining things to everyone and a wealth of knowledge and you were open to sharing that. Outside of the safari game drives, we thoroughly enjoyed the visit to you home village, Mabele. Your people must be extremely proud of you Jo and to get to see where you grew and your kids now also go to school was touching. I highly recommend Jo to anyone who is booking their stay at Ngoma Safari Lodge. Lastly, our combined farewell performances brought many tears of happiness and sadness as we shared a bit of our culture and language with you. We hope to be back one day until then "sala sentle".
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Date of stay: May 2023Trip type: Travelled with family
Room Tip: Nothing is too much for the team at Ngoma and room 2 had a regular nightly (early morning)...
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This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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Response from Marketing Coordinator, Owner at Ngoma Safari Lodge - Machaba Safaris
Responded 22 Jun 2023
Dear Mark T, Thank you so much for taking the time to share your exceptional experience at Ngoma Safari Lodge. We are truly grateful for your kind words and glowing review. You have summed up Ngoma Safari Lodge so perfectly, it does undoubtably have the most spectacular views in all of Botswana! We couldn't be happier to hear that the views from our bar, dining areas and your suite left you awe-inspired. We are also thrilled that the food at Ngoma Safari Lodge exceeded your expectations. Our team takes great pride in crafting divine meals for our guests, and we're delighted that you found our breakfasts, lunches, and dinners to be exceptional. Your heartfelt recognition of our team members, particularly Zita, Masole, Linah, and Jo, warms our hearts. We are fortunate to have such dedicated individuals who are passionate about providing exceptional service and creating lasting memories for our guests. Your review bought tears to my eyes as I read how they each added their personal touch to your stay, allowing you to experience not only the wildlife but the culture and the people as well. They will be thrilled when they read your feedback. Thank you for recommending Jo and Ngoma Safari Lodge to future guests. We are honoured to have been part of your journey, and we sincerely hope to welcome you back one day. Until then, may you be well and may your memories of Ngoma Safari Lodge continue to bring you joy. With heartfelt appreciation, The Machaba Safaris Team.
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
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J Palmer wrote a review Apr 2023
Dallas, Texas4 contributions
There are only about eight units, completely separated with a private plunge pool, an outdoor shower and outdoor furniture. Each structure has a king bed facing large picture windows looking out on the glorious valley below, with an abundance of wildlife wandering by the river. The room was extremely comfortable, excellent A/C, stocked mini bar, luxury toiletries. Our game drives were superb - we especially enjoyed taking a boat down the Chobe River to see the wildlife from the waterside. Elephant families playing in the water, hippos in clusters, it was truly magical. The staff were very attentive and friendly - delicious meals and wines made the experience extra special.
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Date of stay: February 2023
Value
Location
Service
Trip type: Travelled as a couple
Room Tip: We were there in late February - very few guests, so we received a lot of attention from the...
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This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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Response from Marketing Coordinator, Owner at Ngoma Safari Lodge - Machaba Safaris
Responded 11 Apr 2023
Dear Mr Palmer, What a wonderfully detailed and descriptive review, thank you for taking the time to send us your feedback! Ngoma Safari Lodge has a spectacular setting and we are thrilled that you appreciated the sheer beauty of the view! It is simply breathtaking. The Chobe National Park and surrounding areas are really special and we are so happy that you enjoyed all the excursions and activities we offer, especially the boat cruise. Game viewing from a boat is something that is so unique. From your review it is clear that you enjoyed every part of your stay, from the lodge, to the staff, dining, activities, views and game viewing. We look forward to welcoming you back to Ngoma Safari Lodge or one of our other Machaba Safaris camps in the near future.
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
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There are more places to choose from in the Chobe National Park area.
LOCATION
BotswanaNorth-West DistrictChobe National Park
NUMBER OF ROOMS
8
Prices are the average nightly price provided by our partners and may not include all taxes and fees. Taxes and fees that are shown are estimates only. Please see our partners for more details.
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NGOMA SAFARI LODGE - MACHABA SAFARIS: UPDATED 2023 Hotel Reviews, Price Comparison and 573 Photos (Chobe National Park, Botswana) - Tripadvisor

Frequently Asked Questions about Ngoma Safari Lodge - Machaba Safaris
What are some of the property amenities at Ngoma Safari Lodge - Machaba Safaris?
Some of the more popular amenities offered include free wifi, free breakfast, and a pool.
Which room amenities are available at Ngoma Safari Lodge - Machaba Safaris?
Top room amenities include a minibar, air conditioning, and a dining area.
What food & drink options are available at Ngoma Safari Lodge - Machaba Safaris?
Guests can enjoy free breakfast, an on-site restaurant, and a lounge during their stay.
Is parking available at Ngoma Safari Lodge - Machaba Safaris?
Yes, free parking is available to guests.
Are there opportunities to exercise at Ngoma Safari Lodge - Machaba Safaris?
Yes, guests have access to a pool during their stay.
Does Ngoma Safari Lodge - Machaba Safaris have an airport shuttle?
Yes, Ngoma Safari Lodge - Machaba Safaris offers an airport shuttle for guests. We recommend calling ahead to confirm details.
Does Ngoma Safari Lodge - Machaba Safaris have airport transportation?
Yes, Ngoma Safari Lodge - Machaba Safaris offers airport transportation for guests. We recommend calling ahead to confirm details.
Does Ngoma Safari Lodge - Machaba Safaris have any great views?
Yes, guests often enjoy the river view available here.