Stay at luxury Ngoma Safari Lodge in the stunning Chobe region and experience the best of the low season in Botswana
IF YOU are looking to escape the dull, grey weather this winter, why not change scenery and experience Botswana’s magical green season, with Africa Albida Tourism (AAT), Southern Africa’s leading hospitality developer? Running from November to March, this time of year is, some might say, when Africa’s birding opportunities are at their best, and sightings of young wildlife are abundant. Stay at AAT’s much-loved Ngoma Safari Lodge just outside the flourishing Chobe National Park, which offers safari-goers and adventure seekers a beautiful five-star location from which to base themselves and enjoy exhilarating game drives, all the while avoiding the usual costs of peak season.
Also known as the low season, these months during Botswana’s green season are the perfect opportunity for budding bird-watchers to set their sights on some of nature’s most beautiful birdlife, including the colourful carmine bee-eaters, yellow billed kites, and many different waders. It is a time when more than 300 species migrate to the Chobe from Europe, and the skies and waters of the region light up with the beautiful wings of these birds in flight – a photographer’s paradise.
During the early months of the green season, just after the rains have fallen, guests staying at Ngoma Safari Lodge are likely to spot such sights as warthogs, wildebeest, impala and other antelope species, such as tsessebe and lechwe. These magnificent animals arrive in the area to drop their young, gathering creches and forming herds as big as forty or fifty. Guests relaxing with a sundowner or gourmet breakfast on Ngoma’s spectacular deck can enjoy a stunning panoramic view of two of the most popular watering holes, where these animals are known to gather for some respite from the heat of the day.
As well as admiring the beauty of new animals coming to life, the vulnerability of this wildlife attracts predators such as lions and wild dog, so guests can witness some dramatic scenes. Whether it is on a game drive with one of Ngoma’s expert guides, or viewing from the comfort of your own private plunge pool back at your luxury villa, the possibilities for spotting everything from birds to game are endless.
Whilst staying at Ngoma, guests can make the most of exciting full-day game drives, stopping for a picnic at one of Chobe’s countless lunch spots under the shade of a baobab tree or by a lake, before heading back towards the lodge for a relaxing sundowner, keeping eyes peeled for elephants and giraffes that frequent the lodge’s grounds regularly. For those after a little extra excitement, Ngoma offers exhilarating night drives after dinner, to spot the more nocturnal and elusive game such as leopard, honey badger and hyena.
During Botswana’s low season, considerably reducing its rates so guests can enjoy an unforgettable safari holiday without having to break the budget completely. AAT also offers benefits for longer stays, with three and four night stays discounted by 15 per cent, and five or more night stays by 20 per cent.
“We love hosting guests at Ngoma at this special time of year, when the bush is so thick and the animals are young and lively,” AAT Chief Executive Ross Kennedy told Essential Journeys. ” The location of Ngoma Safari Lodge overlooking the floodplains from an elevated site affords wonderful game viewing and birding opportunities, especially in the early mornings and late afternoons/early evenings.”
Rates at Ngoma Safari Lodge start from $480/£386 (all prices in GBP according to today’s exchange rate) in the Green Season per person per night, fully inclusive of all meals, drinks and activities, when booked for a 3-4 night stay. There is no single supplement charged during the Green Season.
