ATC - Grassland Safari Lodge

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.

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.

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.

Horse Riding at GrasslandsHorse 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.

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.

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 SkillsTool Making & Survival CraftsmanshipTraditional GamesSong & DancePhilosophy & StorytellingThe philosophy session is often the most powerful.

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.