Roncook Safaris - 12 DAY ULTIMATE WILDLIFE SAFARI

We leave camp at 0600 after a light early breakfast of toast, cereal, yoghurt, tea and coffee from 0530. We do our safaris in open game viewers so that guests have an all round view of the birds, trees, wildlife and beauty of the Park.

Midway through the drive there is a tea/cold drink stop so guests can stretch their legs before carrying on, looking for new sightings, or following alarm calls to a predator or a kill.

Morning game drives usually return to camp at around 1000 depending on the season.

We leave camp at 3.30pm for our afternoon safaris, after tea in the courtyard. The safaris head out again after the heat of the day, when animals and birds start to get active again after the midday stupor! Your safari guide will aim to stop at a scenic spot just before sundown, so you can enjoy an infamous African Sundowner! Once the sun has set, you will continue on with a spotlight, operated by your spotter, who looks for interesting nocturnal creatures that you are unlikely to see during daylight hours. There is a chance to see nocturnal birds like night-jars, owls and bathawks as well as nocturnal mammals such as honeybadgers, civet, genet, porcupine, leopard and hyaena.

Afternoon drives return to camp at around 7.30pm depending on what you are seeing but the National Park's gate closes at 8pm.

Credit: Dana Allan

Credit: Paul Tiller

Credit: Paul Tiller

Credit: Paul Tiller

Credit: Paul Tiller

Credit: Paul Tiller

Sundowner Credit: Stevie Mann

Family game drive Credit: Rubin family

Game drive Credit: Valentin Lavis

Game drive elephant crossing Credit: Stevie Mann

Game drive with leopard Credit: Valentin Lavis

Kennedy explaining bones Credit: Valentin Lavis

Tea & Coffee break on morning drive Credit: Stevie Mann

Morning game drive Credit: Stevie Mann

The South Luangwa is renowned as the "home of walking safaris", this is where Norman Carr first offered the idea of visitors exploring the Park on foot rather than by vehicle, escaping the noise of the engine and experiencing the thrill and excitement of being at one with the wildlife and habitat at a slower pace. Our safari guides will explain the smaller details of the bush which you can see, hear and smell when on foot, from bird calls to alarm calls to trees and plants which have medicinal uses and tracks of the wild, so you can interpret what you are seeing and hearing with more clarity. Walking is usually enjoyed in the mornings when the temperatures are cooler, but can be enjoyed through the year for longer periods during cooler months. Each walk is usually 3-4 hours long at a gentle pace.

Walking with bull Credit: Dana Allen

Walking safari with giraffe Credit: Dana Allen

Walking safari with elephant Credit: Dana Allen

Unlike many "Traditional Village" projects, Chundu Village is really a living working African village where the local residents have agreed amongst themselves to invite visitors to show them their lives. They then use the money raised by visitors & donations to help the disadvantaged and for their co-operative farming programmes. During the visit, guests can see and help villagers preparing maize for meals, collecting water and visiting their nearby school if lessons are not in progress. The day trip including a local style lunch costs $40 per person. Transfers to the village cost US$75 per vehicle for day trips. Overnight stays at Chundu village are also possible, for a more in-depth experience, meeting the villagers and spending the night in a traditional local hut. Overnight stays cost $80 per person per night including all meals (entirely authentic local dishes – you eat what the villagers eat). Transfers for an overnight stay cost $75 per vehicle each way. If the village visit is chosen to be done instead of either a morning or an afternoon game drive, then there is no extra charge for the transfers for groups or four or more.

A trypical Chundu visit Credit: Kerry McFarlane

Can you do this? Credit: Kerry McFarlane

Traditional huts Credit: Kerry McFarlane

One of the guest huts at Chundu village Credit: Kerry McFarlane

Kids in the village Credit: Kerry McFarlane

Ladies at the well Credit: Kerry McFarlane

A planting we go! Credit: Kerry McFarlane

Get a bird's eye view of the Victoria Falls and Zambezi River on a 15 minute or 30 minute flight. This memorable experience will ‘wow’ you long after you’ve landed.

Safari Par Excellence offers half and full day Zambezi Rafting and River boarding excursions during low and high water seasons. Acclaimed as the best one-day white water run in the world, the river is also recognised as one of the top ten paddling rivers in the world. SafPar are one of the original commercial rafting operations on the Zambezi River and have some of the best qualified guides

who will ensure that you have both an enjoyable and safe day on the river.The days adventure is captured on video and film and the trip includes either a riverside lunch and dinner at a lodge or

lunch at a lodge (depending on which trip is booked).

An awesome way to see the Falls is from the bottom of the gorge. Swimming in the rock pools below the Falls, surrounded by the massive black basaltic rock towering up above you and the water cascading down, seemingly out of the sky, is certainly one of the most breathtaking experiences you will ever have. This activity is a perfect combination with white water rafting.

Enjoy the most spectacular view of the Falls from the island where Dr Livingstone first viewed the Mosi-oa-Tunya (The Smoke That Thunders). At low water the island has its very own bathing pool,

(Devil’s Pool) which forms each year amongst the rocks along the edge.

See the raw, powerful beauty of the Victoria Falls from the best possible angle – above. United Air Charter offers 3 different flight options from their base at Baobab Ridge. The short flight circuits the Falls and offers superb views over the gorges below and the Zambezi above. The longer flight skims over the Zambezi rapids, ascends over the Falls and finishes with game viewing over the

Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park. The adventure flight in a Huey helicopter, flown with doors open at a lower lever, skims over the African bush, deep down into the Batoka gorge and over the falls. A gourmet champagne picnic is the perfect helicopter package, providing a romantic flight over the Falls and into the gorge to an exclusive setting on the banks of the Zambezi River as it rushes down the narrow gorge below the Falls. All flights include transfers to and from our helipad. Airport transfers and charter flights are available.

This unique activity begins with a spectacular scenic helicopter flight over the Zambezi River and Victoria Falls. The helicopter then swoops into the Gorge and lands at rapid 21, where a beautiful riverside spot with stunning views of the river and gorge await you. A beautifully prepared picnic lunch on the white beach at the edge of the Zambezi is a wonderful setting for a relaxing lunch. The ascent out of the gorge by helicopter is the perfect finale to a stunning midday excursion.

The African Queen and the African Princess are berthed just upstream of The Victoria Falls. Fully inclusive morning, lunch and sunset cruises are offered daily, treating passengers to sophisticated

views of the Zambezi River and the surrounding game reserves. We take great pride in our cuisine and friendly service, making The African Queen experience unforgettable.

The Zambezi - river of dreams and romance, evoking images of the great era of adventure and exploration. Wild and captivating, the Zambezi beats to a rhythm and a time that is fast disappearing.

The clear waters of the river and the game reserves that surround it, attract herds of elephant, buffalo, several species of antelope, giraffe, zebra, lion and leopard. Join us on full or half day canoe

trips. You will negotiate small but exciting rapids, canoe through narrow channels and drift down open stretches. No previous canoeing experience necessary.

The Zambezi River below the Victoria Falls is widely considered to be the very best rafting river in the world. A deep channelled, high volume river, the Zambezi has class 3-5 rapids interspersed with tranquil pools. This enables you to marvel at the magnificent beauty of the Batoka Gorge between some of the most exciting and challenging rapids rafted anywhere on the planet. Highly professional guides ensure your safety and enjoyment of this amazing adventure. .

The ultimate safari experience is a day trip to Chobe National Park in Botswana, which boasts the world’s largest elephant population. The game cruise on the Chobe River brings you close to brilliant bird life, pods of watering hippos, primeval crocodiles and elephants, breathtaking in their sheer number. The afternoon’s land-based safari heads deeper into the Park to spot the elusive big cats that make Chobe their home.

On the Victoria Falls tour, led by our experienced guides, you will explore this most awe-inspiring

phenomenon - one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World. At times of high water the mist from this torrent can be seen as far away as 40 kilometres. If you are lucky enough to be here for

a full moon, the magnificent lunar rainbow will take your breath away.

After breakfast the drive will leave from Muchenje and drive to the Jetty on the Eastern side of the park. Our small private boat will depart at approximately 11.30 and spend 2,5 hours exploring the river. The guides know where the elephants prefer to congregate, drink and cross to Sedudu island, so they are making their way to those areas, but on the way they will explore the banks, trees and pools to show the guests the other wonderful wildlife that frequent the Chobe River. Once the boat finds a suitable crossing or drinking area, the boat rests and the guests enjoy a delicious picnic whilst witnessing the elephants gathering on the banks. Watching these magnificent animals drinking as the boat gently drifts in the currents is something awe inspiring.

The activity returns to the vehicles later and enjoys a slow drive through the park along the river back to the quieter western banks.

Although the full day out is long and dusty, the guests have an amazing opportunity to break the usual safari cycle and get to enjoy a more holistic experience within this amazing region.

Muchenje is a 5 minutes drive from the Ngoma Gate of the Chobe National Park. Game Drives use this gate to enter and explore the Western side of the Chobe River. The drives explore the river road and woodland areas that are adjacent to the river, which host a myriad of species. The Chobe flood plains provide an important food source for thousands of animals during the winter (June - November) and witnessing this prolific wildlife is a safari goers dream!

Along with the immense diversity of species of plains game, is an impressive number of predators that also rely on this prolific game activity. Game Drives along the Chobe are rarely uneventful, and during our winter months is a wildlife extravaganza!

Even if you have witnessed a thousand elephants, there is nothing like seeing them on foot. Morning walks within the Forest Reserve is wonderfully rewarding. in the early mornings, before the African heat arrives, the guides explore the river frontage and open pans within easy reach of the lodge.

An opportunity to be totally aware of what is around you and the great African outdoors.

As we have to leave the Chobe National Park at sunset, we therefore offer fascinating drives after dinner each night. Leaving the lodge at about 9pm the drives venture onto the river road in front of the lodge. Without fences between the park and forest reserve, there is the full array of species to find. But for the hour or so that the night drive is out, the smaller nocturnal animals are often enjoyed - such as porcupine, genet, civet etc.

On a 3 night stay we are able to invite our guests to visit the local village of Muchenje. Here they are introduced to Esther a local granny, who looks after her grandchildren at her homestead. A wonderful opportunity to be introduced to the real heart of Botswana, the rural community that support this peaceful and beautiful country. Esther like many women, look after the children, whilst her children work away from home. Her humble home is an authentically Motswanan, where you are welcome to see what duties are being seen to on the day you visit. Maybe the clay bricks for the new room are drying in the sun, or the older girls are doing the laundry.

The drive then stops off at the local Mabele Primary School (at break time) to visit the inaugural Pack for a Purpose project. Supporting 160 children is a big job, but Muchenje has been proud of its association and important role that it has been dedicated to for the decades that we have been operational.

Available when the flood waters arrive on the Western Floodplains - usually April - December. The mokoro trips depart from infront of Muchenje and explore the shallow channels and plains. A wonderful Botswana expereience, especially if only visiting the Chobe Region and not continuing onto the Okavango

A private and excluisive activity that is vailable for guests during their stay - particularly wonderful if you are staying a many nights and want to arrange the pace of your stay to for a slightly leisurely day - or if you arrive later at Muchenje and still want to explore the area before dinner.

Our guides are locals - this is a man of the swamp, born and raised in the area, and you will spend your days in his mokoro (pl. mekoro), gliding through the floodplains and channels

Our guides are locals - this is a man of the swamp, born and raised in the area, and you will spend your days walking under his guidance on some of the many islands in the area, taking in the magnificent scenery and light as well as the abundant game and bird-life of the Okavango.

Cultural interaction at an authentic baYei village

For guests staying a minimum of four nights, Delta Camp also offers privately guided overnight camping trails, for a minimum of two nights – although they recommend three or more to get the best out of this unique safari. The trails are amongst the most sought-after wilderness experiences in the world today, offering an opportunity to experience life in serenity and on its own terms in a way not easily achieved in the modern world. Fly Camp is set up by the guides, chef cooks all meals. Tent is a dome tent with mattress, linen, pillows and bush bathroom.

A charter flight is the quickest and most convenient way to travel to Grasslands. Small aircraft—typically seating 5, 7, or 12 passengers—are usually single-engined and operated by experienced bush pilots. These flights are the backbone of safari travel in the region.

The exact departure time is usually confirmed the day before at your camp, lodge, mobile camp, or during the meet-and-greet. Times may vary slightly, so the best approach is to relax—the team will ensure you’re ready and on time.

Typically, you’ll wait for the plane and pilot to arrive. The pilot, ground crew (Maun, Kasane), and staff will assist with loading your soft bags. Once seated, you’ll receive a short safety briefing before takeoff. The aircraft are small and cozy, so enjoy the views as Botswana’s landscapes unfold beneath you.

Generally, the flight to Grasslands is direct; however, the plane may make one or two stops en route. On approach to a bush airstrip, wildlife on the runway may cause the pilot to circle—this is common, so stay calm and enjoy the adventure.

Upon landing, once the engines stop, you disembark, collect your hand luggage and soft bags, and continue your safari adventure.

Maun Airport Credit: Jack Uellendahl

Grasslands Airstrip Credit: Jack Uellendahl

Credit: Jack Uellendahl

The lodge’s vibrant waterhole, situated directly in front of the chalets and main area, is one of Grasslands’ greatest assets. In the Kalahari, water is a rare commodity, and any permanent source naturally attracts a remarkable diversity of wildlife—both big and small. From tiny birds to eland, gemsbok and even predators, all are drawn to this vital lifeline.

Wildlife activity unfolds throughout the day and often intensifies after dark, aided by subtle lighting that allows for exceptional night-time viewing. Guests can enjoy effortless sightings from the comfort of the lodge day and night, as animals come and go in a steady, natural rhythm.

It’s a scene that feels almost like a movie—yet entirely unscripted. Some animals linger, others arrive briefly to drink and disappear almost immidiatly , creating an ever-changing and truly authentic wildlife experience.

Credit: Alfred Minaar

Credit: Grasslands

Credit: Grasslands

Credit: Jack Uellendahl

At Grasslands Safari Lodge, we are proud to continue a meaningful, hands-on conservation legacy. What began with just two white rhinoceroses has grown into a healthy herd of seven through careful management and long-term dedication. Every calf represents hope, and every thriving animal reflects our commitment to securing the future of this iconic species.

Our approach centres on active and responsible breeding management. By relocating dominant bulls when necessary and introducing new bloodlines, we maintain strong genetic diversity while reducing conflict within the herd. During the dry season, from May to November, when natural grazing becomes limited, we provide supplementary feeding to keep the herd in optimal condition. This also creates exceptional viewing opportunities, as rhinos are regularly drawn to the lodge waterhole—allowing for relaxed, up-close sightings right from the comfort of the lodge.

Rhino conservation requires significant investment, from veterinary care to anti-poaching and habitat management, but for us it is driven by passion and responsibility. When guests visit Grasslands, they become part of this journey—directly supporting conservation efforts and witnessing the real impact of responsible tourism. Together, we are helping ensure that future generations will continue to see white rhinos roaming freely across Africa.

Credit: Grasslands

Credit: Grasslands

Credit: Grasslands

The African wild dog is a critically endangered species, and Botswana is no exception to their challenges. In the greater region surrounding Grasslands, wild dogs often come into contact with domestic livestock, sometimes causing significant damage.
At Grasslands, we serve as a halfway house for these remarkable predators. Wild dogs trapped on commercial farms are brought to our large enclosures. Males and females are kept separate, as we do not run a captive breeding program. Here, the dogs are purposely kept wild, maintaining their natural instincts.
Guests have the unique opportunity to enter the enclosures in a vehicle and observe these incredible animals up close, guided by expert narration. Over the years, wild dogs from Grasslands have been successfully reintroduced to various parts of Botswana, making our work a crucial contribution to national conservation efforts.
These predators, resembling medium-colored dogs, are extraordinary animals. They travel vast distances and den only to breed, with reproduction limited to the alpha male and alpha female. Their social structure, endurance, and hunting skills make them one of Africa’s most fascinating carnivores.

Credit: Jack Uellendahl

Credit: Jack Uellendahl

Credit: Jack Uellendahl

As the African sun begins its gentle descent over the vast Kalahari, join us for a soul-stirring experience that captures the very essence of wilderness living. Our Grasslands Sundowners are more than just drinks at dusk – they are a celebration of stillness, scenery, and simple pleasures in one of Botswana’s most unique and tranquil landscapes.
Set against a backdrop of golden grasses and open skies, you'll be guided to a handpicked location – perhaps under a centuries-old camelthorn tree or beside a waterhole frequented by wildlife. As the light shifts and the landscape takes on a warm, amber hue, you’ll find yourself immersed in the timeless rhythm of the bush.
Enjoy an expertly prepared selection of sundowner drinks – from chilled gin and tonics with a twist of local flair to South African wines and refreshing soft drinks. Served alongside tasty bush nibbles or biltong platters, it’s the perfect moment to unwind and reflect on the day’s adventures.
Whether you’re returning from a thrilling game drive or winding down after a day of discovery, Grasslands Sundowners offer a peaceful pause and a chance to share stories, laughter, and quiet admiration for the beauty around you. With panoramic views and the possibility of distant wildlife sightings, every sundowner is a memory waiting to be made.

Sundowners Credit: Jack Uellendahl

Without question, the Bushman activities at Grasslands Safari Lodge are among the finest and most authentic in Africa. Over the years, the experience has attracted international bloggers, social media influencers, documentary film crews — and even National Geographic,

But what makes this experience truly exceptional is not publicity — it is relationship. Neeltjie and her husband Tiaan continue to nurture and protect this connection. Neeltjie speaks Naro fluently, and her father speaks three San languages fluently — something almost unheard of for a Western individual. This is not a surface-level partnership. It is generational, respectful, and deeply rooted.

The Bushman Activities:

Guests participate in four to five key immersive experiences:
Food Gathering, Tracking & Traditional Hunting Skills
Tool Making & Survival Craftsmanship
Traditional Games
Song & Dance
Philosophy & Storytelling
The philosophy session is often the most powerful.

Credit: Jack Uellendahl

Credit: Chris Courteu

Credit: Chris Courteu

Credit: Chris Courteu

Credit: Jack Uellendahl

Credit: Jack Uellendahl

At Grasslands Safari Lodge, the morning and afternoon game drives are more than just excursions—they’re journeys into the heart of the Kalahari wilderness. Guests travel in specially designed safari vehicles with shaded seating, moving slowly across the property to ensure that every rustle in the grass or flash of movement doesn’t go unnoticed.

As the sun rises or begins to dip, the guides pause regularly, pointing out tracks, birds, and the smaller creatures that often go unseen. Guests are often invited to step out of the vehicle, feeling the warmth of the African sun, inhaling the fresh, earthy air, and taking in the vast landscapes that stretch to the horizon.

What makes these drives truly special is the unique Kalahari wildlife. Here, guests can spot species not commonly seen elsewhere in Botswana, such as Gemsbok, Springbok, and Brown Hyena—all perfectly adapted to the harsh, arid conditions of this iconic desert landscape. Every drive is a chance to witness these remarkable animals up close, turning each moment into a story worth remembering.

Credit: Cris Couteau

Credit: Have NO idea

Credit: Chris Courteau

Credit: Chris Courteau

Credit: Chris Corteau

Credit: Chris C

Rhino tracking at Grasslands offers a rare and deeply authentic safari experience—an opportunity to walk alongside skilled Bushmen trackers and follow the ancient footprints of one of Africa’s most iconic animals.

Moving quietly through the bush on foot, your guides interpret subtle signs in the landscape, from fresh tracks to disturbed vegetation, bringing the wilderness to life in a way few experiences can. Every step builds anticipation as you draw closer to these magnificent creatures.

When you finally encounter the rhino, it’s a truly humbling moment—observing them in their natural environment, undisturbed and free. This is not just a wildlife sighting, but a powerful connection to the land, its people, and one of Africa’s most endangered species.

Credit: Jack Uellendahl

Credit: Alfred Minnaar

Horse Riding at Grasslands

Horse riding at Grasslands offers a unique and exhilarating way to experience the wilderness. The lodge is home to the Boerperd—a rugged, hardy breed perfectly suited to the African bush.

Before heading out, riders are carefully assessed to ensure both comfort and safety in the saddle. Once matched to the right horse, you set off into the landscape at a relaxed pace, guided by experienced trackers.

Exploring on horseback allows you to get remarkably close to wildlife—often closer than you would on foot or even in a vehicle—as animals tend to view horses as a natural part of their environment. The result is a more intimate, less intrusive encounter with nature.

With the rhythm of the horse beneath you and the open bush stretching ahead, it’s a true sense of freedom—an unforgettable way to connect with the wild.

Credit: Grasslands

Credit: Jack Uellendahl

Credit: Chris Courteu

Credit: Chris Courteu

Credit: Grasslands

Credit: Chris Courteu