Neeltjie (de Graaff) Bower owner and professional safari guide at Grassland Safari Lodge is a native Botswana and fifth-generation citizen and resident in Ghanzi. Neeltjie’s family arrived in Ghanzi in 1898 with the Dorsland trek from South Africa. Neeltjie grew up on a cattle ranch where she and the San (Bushman) children shared the pleasure of a free childhood in a natural environment. She is the eldest daughter of Willie and Annatjie de Graaff and has three sisters. After attending college in South Africa, studying travel and tourism, she obtained her professional safari guide license in Botswana in 1996 and worked with some of the top safari operators in Southern Africa. With Neeltjie’s vast knowledge of the culture, animals, and country, she will guide you through a magnificent experience observing the interaction of the world’s oldest living people together with nature in the ancient Kalahari.
Neeltjie has a close affinity with the San and shared love for all things natural and it is apparent from the outset. Guests at Grassland Safari Lodge can take advantage of this special relationship, as Neeltjie can introduce you to the local people, who are all too willing to give you an insight into their world and give guests a true Bushman experience. Communicating in Naro (a bushman language which some refer to as “clicks”, because of the curious clicking sounds made with the tongue) there is an obvious close bond between the local people and Neeltjie. She is married to Tiaan Bower who helps to manage the lodge. Tiaan is an industrial engineer but uses his skills to help manage the lodge alongside Neeltjie. They have two daughters, Anri and Nelien, who are also fluent in the Naro bushman language. Neeltjie and her family, together with the Bushman, can’t wait to welcome you to Grassland Safari Lodge.
Grassland Safari Lodge is a hub of excitement and adventure! While guests are welcome to relax and enjoy the unique ambiance of the lodge, there’s always something new to explore.
