!Xaus Lodge

"!Xaus (pronounced Kaus ) Lodge is located within Kalahari Gemsbok National Park, in the arid Northern Cape Province of South Africa. This large, sandy swath of protected land is part of the greater Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park—the first ever transboundary park in southern Africa, meaning its political borders remain unfenced and wildlife moves freely between South Africa, Namibia, and Botswana. In addition to black-maned lion sightings, a stay at !Xaus promises to directly benefit the surrounding community. The oldest hunter-gatherer tribe in southern Africa, the San Bushmen were greatly disrupted when Kgalagadi was established in the 1930s. In 2002, however, they reached a settlement with SANParks and the government of South Africa. They now own !Xaus Lodge and the neighboring land, and receive a portion of the revenue it generates. It’s not hard to enjoy an off-the-grid experience at !Xaus. The 12 clay, thatched-roof cottages sit above a salt pan and freshwater hole, meaning guests can often see animals from the comfort of their cabin. The lodge’s remote desert location also makes it an ideal place for stargazing. There’s no cell service or Wi-Fi, but a generator runs during daylight hours to provide the camp with electricity. There’s also bottled water for drinking and limited borehole water for bathing. From the Twee Rivieren border post, !Xaus is a two-hour safari drive through the rolling sand dunes of Kgalagadi."

Unique Stargazing Experiences in Belize, South Africa, and Beyond

"!Xaus Lodge, located within the park, is perhaps the best place to see why. Also managed by the local ‡Khomani San and Mier communities, the lodge includes a telescope and observation deck where local experts lead nighttime explorations of the constellations."

Xaus Lodge, a Design Boutique Hotel George, South Africa

"Xaus Lodge offers secluded accommodations within 43 mi of Twee Rivieren. The lodge is owned by traditional South African communities and the chalets are designed like their own traditional dwelling places. The lodge features a restaurant. Each Chalet is tastefully decorated with furniture to enhance the authentic atmosphere of the Kgalagadi. Guests are provided with high quality linen and comforters. The chalets include a private bathroom with a a shower and toilet. Enjoy the view of many animal species at the water pan. Guests are taken out on guided bush walks and visit bushmen artists in their village. Xaus Lodge offers a free shuttle service." - My Boutique Hotel (en)