Lodge of the Week - !Xaus Lodge

a comfortable retreat during the stay

A Desert Interaction

Owned and run by the Khomani San and Mier communities, !Xaus (the “!” represents a vocal click in the San language, but can also be pronounced as a K) Lodge blends into the Kalahari landscape and creates a window into the lifestyle of two very friendly cultures. The main lodge and 12 chalets overlook a vast salt pan and into the dune landscape and operates without electricity. Inspired by the surroundings and incorporating local crafts, the rooms are a blend of canvas and thatch and offer a comfortable retreat during the stay. The main building has a comfortable indoor dining area, a cosy lounge and an outdoor viewing area that is used for meals when the weather permits. The furniture and decorative features in the lodge were crafted by the local people. The refreshing swimming pool is the ideal place to take a dip and still enjoy the view of the pan or dunes. On the deck is a telescope allowing guests to spot wildlife on the furthest dunes. A small curio shop displays crafts and artwork by the local San community in the adjacent areas. Due to the isolation of the lodge, there is a limited selection of drinks available and the lodge needs to be notified in advance of any special dietary requirements. The Mier community prepare “Kalahari cuisine” using their traditional flavours and adding a modern twist. 

The Kgalagadi Transfronteir Park is a large preservation and conservation area that combines the Kalahari Gemsbok National Park in South Africa and the Gemsbok National Park in Botswana. The landscape of dunes and sparse vegetation is dotted with occasional trees in dry riverbeds. The desert teems with life and the riverbeds are heavily populated by antelope species such as springbok, hartebeest and gemsbok. The famed black-mane lions, leopard, cheetah and hyena occur here but have over 90 000 hectares to roam freely. !Xaus Lodge will take guests on sunset and night game drives, guided walks and a visit to the modern bushman village to watch them make their crafts. For guests staying three nights or more an additional riverbed game drive is included. In the Kalahari the focus is not on the big 5, but rather on how the animals have adapted to a desert environment to ensure their survival. The Kalahari is known as “big sky” country where the evenings reveal every possible star and constellation - the lodges’ observation deck is perfect for star gazing.

 !Xaus Lodge is suited to anyone who has travelled to a safari destination before and who is not interested in ticking off the big 5. The silence and the vastness of the Kalahari is ideal for anyone who wants a quiet breakaway. !Xaus is suitable for couples, families or small groups and a three night stay is recommended. !Xaus may not be a typical safari experience, but it certainly is different and a spectacular way to learn about the unique indigenous peoples of the Kalahari region.

Owned and run by the Khomani San and Mier communities

RATINGS BREAKDOWN
Core Ratings:	Sun Rays
Lodge and Camp	7.1
Safari Experience	5.4
Service	7.1
Facilities	4.7
Unique Rating	7.0
Conservation	4.7
Social involvement	7.2
OVERALL RATING:	7.1

Read more about !Xaus on The Game Lodge Index