Voices of Botswana: the tree man of Ngoma

By Roxanne Reid
When you arrive at Ngoma Safari Lodge on the western border of Chobe National Park, the view from the main deck will blow your mind. It looks out over the veld, a baobab tree and a waterhole towards the Chobe River. If you’re lucky when you stay here, you might meet the tree man of Ngoma. A big, burly man, professional guide Bevan Machira can be a little intimidating at first. But show an interest in nature, especially trees, and you’ll make friends very quickly.

As a guide...