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Nestled on the fringes of the Central Kalahari Game Reserve in the Ghanzi District, Grasslands Safari Lodge promises immersive adventures in one of Botswana’s most remarkable wilderness areas. Guests enjoy an exceptionally productive waterhole in front of the lodge (day and night), horseback safaris, morning and afternoon game drives, encounters with white rhinos, and an extraordinary Bushman experience that sets the lodge apart.
What truly distinguishes us is our claim to the most authentic and comprehensive Bushman (San) experience in Southern Africa.
Rooted deeply in San culture, the lodge’s authenticity stems from the profound connection of its owners, Neeltjie (formerly De Graaff) and her husband Tiaan Bower.
Neeltjie possesses an exceptional understanding of San heritage. Fluent in Naro, the primary language of the Bushmen, she enables genuine engagement with this captivating culture. As a sixth-generation descendant with close familial ties to the San community, she offers rare insight into their customs, traditions, cuisine, and philosophy. From guided walks and traditional toolmaking to immersive village visits enriched with wisdom from the world’s oldest living culture, the experience is meaningful and deeply enriching.
It boasts exhilarating game drives and comprehensive horseback safaris across the Kalahari grasslands, providing guests with unforgettable encounters with a myriad of wildlife.
Luxury Chalet
Guests at Grasslands Safari Lodge are welcomed into exceptionally spacious and thoughtfully designed chalets, each offering a harmonious blend of rustic charm and modern comfort. Set in a tranquil corner of the Kalahari wilderness, these well-appointed chalets provide an inviting retreat after a day of exploration.
Each unit opens onto a generous, covered veranda, perfect for relaxing with a morning coffee or enjoying the sounds of the Kalahari under a blanket of stars. The chalets are available in twin or queen configurations, ensuring comfort for both couples and friends traveling together.
Inside, the decor is understated yet elegant, reflecting the natural tones and textures of the surrounding landscape. Each chalet features a dressing table, a wardrobe, and a luggage rack for convenience and ease of unpacking. Comfort is a priority, with air conditioning, a ceiling fan, and mosquito nets provided to ensure a restful night’s sleep regardless of the season.
The en suite bathroom is both functional and stylish, offering a shower, wash basin, and flushing toilet, with ample space and privacy. Soft towels, quality toiletries, and thoughtful amenities complete the experience, offering a touch of luxury in the heart of the Kalahari.
Room Facilities
Air Conditioning, Balcony , Balcony / Deck, Bath Towels, Bath, Bed Linen, Electrical Outlets, En Suite Bathroom, Ensuite, Fan, Internet Access (Complimentary), Laundry Service (Complimentary), LED Camp Lights, Lounge Area, Lounge, Mosquito Nets, Mosquito Netting, Outside Shower, Private Lounge / Sitting Area, Pure Cotton Linen, Queen Bed, Safe, Shower, Vanity Cabinet, Verandah, Wardrobe
Property Facilities
Accept Credit Cards, Bar, Battery Charging Facilities, Children Friendly, Communal Dining, Eco Friendly, Guided Tours, Internet Access (Complimentary), Laundry Service, Licensed, Meal On Request, Parking, Pool, Restaurant, Secure Parking, Travel Desk, Vegetarian
Room Facilities
Air Conditioning, Bath Towels, Bath, Bed Linen, Complimentary Wi-Fi, Electrical Outlets, En Suite Bathroom, Ensuite, External Shower, Fan, Hand Towels, Heater, Internet Access (Complimentary), Laundry Service (Complimentary), Lounge Area, Lounge, Outside Shower, Private Lounge / Sitting Area, Pure Cotton Linen, Safe, Shower, Solid Base Camp Beds, Tea / Coffee, Twin Bed, Vanity Cabinet, Verandah, Wheelchair Friendly
Available Services
24-hour Security, Airport Shuttle (Available), Credit Card Facilities, Laundry Service (Available), Meal on Request, Private Vehicle (Available)
Activities on Site
Bird Watching, Game Drives, Game Viewing, Game Walks, Gourmet Picnic, High Tea, Natural History Tours, Rhino Tracking, Safaris, Walks (Guided), Wildlife Tours
Activities Nearby
Cultural Tours, Game Drives, Game Viewing, Game Walks, Natural History Tours, Safaris, Scenic Flights, Wildlife Tours, Wine Tasting
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Meals & Drinks at Grasslands
At Grasslands Safari Lodge, we pride ourselves on the high-quality cuisine we offer our guests. Each day includes a full dining experience with breakfast, a light lunch, and a three-course dinner, complemented by early morning tea or coffee with rusks, as well as high tea and snacks served with sundowners.
A selection of local brand beverages is typically included in your stay, with guests welcome to help themselves and enjoy drinks at their leisure in a relaxed, homely atmosphere.
We do our very best to cater to all dietary requirements, with vegetarian options being the most common. Should you have any specific dietary needs, we kindly ask that these are communicated at the time of booking so we can ensure a comfortable and enjoyable dining experience.
