A personal account from an African safari specialist
If you’ve ever dreamt of venturing into the soul of Botswana — the true, raw Kalahari — Grassland Safari Lodge is where that dream turns tangible. We’ve just returned from a stay here, and I can say this with certainty: it’s one of those places that quietly gets under your skin.
Getting There
Grassland sits on the western edge of the Central Kalahari Game Reserve, remote enough to feel cut off from the world, yet reachable without too much fuss. Most guests travel through Maun, the main safari hub in Botswana, and from there you have two options:
Charter Flight:
The simplest and most seamless way to arrive. From Maun, you can board a light aircraft and land not far from the lodge. The flight gives you that thrilling aerial view of Botswana’s vast open plains — a landscape that seems endless — before you touch down in the middle of nowhere. It’s quick, comfortable, and ideal if you want to maximise your time on safari.
Road Transfer (5-6 hours):
If you prefer a more grounded route, the road journey from Maun takes around five hours. It’s an adventure in itself — long stretches of open land, the occasional wandering cow or donkey, and villages that give you a feel for everyday Kalahari life. The drive requires a 4×4, as the final stretch can get sandy, but it’s safe and straightforward if arranged through the lodge or your tour operator.
Either way, that first moment when you arrive — the sudden stillness, the warm air, the endless horizon — lets you know you’ve reached somewhere special.
The Lodge
Grassland Safari Lodge is not about opulence; it’s about authenticity and connection. There are just eight chalets, each simple, spacious, and comfortable, with en-suite bathrooms and plenty of hot water. The main area looks out onto a waterhole where animals wander in daily — sometimes even while you’re having breakfast or sitting by the fire at night.
Meals are home-cooked and hearty, served with a smile. The team is small, local, and genuine — people who care deeply about this place. The lodge has that rare balance between comfort and wilderness that makes you slow down, breathe, and listen.
The Experience
What makes Grassland truly stand out isn’t only the wildlife — though you’ll see plenty of it — but the way it connects you to the land and its people.
The San Cultural Walks
This is the beating heart of the Grassland experience. Walking with San trackers through the bush, learning how they read animal tracks, find water, and use plants for food and medicine — it’s an education in awareness. There’s no performance or pretence, just real, time-honoured knowledge shared with pride. Evenings often end around the fire, stories flowing as the stars sharpen above.
Game Drives & Wildlife
The lodge offers morning and afternoon drives through the Kalahari landscape. You’ll find oryx, giraffe, wildebeest, and occasionally predators like lion and cheetah. It’s different from the lush Okavango — more open, more subtle — but equally rewarding for those who appreciate space and silence.
Predator & Rhino Conservation
Grassland is part of an active predator and rhino conservation programme. You can learn about their efforts to protect white rhino and reintroduce species into safe habitat — a rare and inspiring aspect of the stay.
Horse Riding (for those keen)
For confident riders, exploring the Kalahari on horseback is unforgettable — the landscape opens up in a completely new way, and wildlife encounters feel natural and unforced.
Authentic experience
Grassland Safari Lodge is perfect for travellers who want to go beyond a traditional “big five” safari. It’s for those who value authenticity, culture, and conservation.
If your idea of a great trip includes sitting by a campfire under the Milky Way, listening to hyenas in the distance, or walking with San trackers who can read the land like a book — this is your place.
It pairs beautifully with time in the Okavango Delta or Chobe, giving contrast and a deeper sense of Botswana’s diversity.
Final Thoughts
What struck me most at Grassland was its honesty. There’s nothing staged or polished here — just real people, real wilderness, and a genuine sense of connection. It’s the kind of place that reminds you why we travel in the first place: to feel something true.
If you’re planning a Botswana itinerary, consider giving yourself a few nights at Grassland Safari Lodge. Fly in if you want to arrive fresh and ready for adventure, or take the 5-hour drive from Maun to feel the land unfold before you. Contact Sally at AWOL Travel to plan your perfect bespoke Africa Safari — and an experience that stays with you long after you’ve left the Kalahari behind.