Named 'kaus', this lodge offers a one-of-a-kind opportunity to immerse yourself in this distinctive desert landscape. It serves as the perfect accommodation for visitors exploring the wilderness of the Kalahari. Perched atop the 91st dune along the Auob River Road, the lodge boasts individual accommodation units connected by an elevated walkway leading to shared facilities.
This serene setting is ideal for a peaceful reflection of the desert and provides an exceptional backdrop for stargazing under the shimmering night sky.
Children are welcome.
For safety considerations, regrettably, children under the age of 12 may not participate in the wilderness walks.
!Xaus Lodge, nestled in the Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park, is the perfect destination for visitors seeking an authentic Kalahari experience. The lodge consists of a central building lodge and 12 individual chalets, each with a private deck offering sweeping views of a saltpan and a freshwater-fed waterhole. For families, they do have a family unit that can comfortably accommodate up to four people.
The welcoming reception area has a unique wall hanging created by the Vezokhule sewing co-operative in Upington. The cozy lounge, with a fireplace and a library, is ideal for relaxing before dinner. The dining area has hand-made furniture from Upington and is decorated with art by Bushman artists. It overlooks the pan which offers a mesmerizing view during meals.
A visit to the arts and crafts shop at the lodge allows guests to purchase locally-made Bushman crafts and other Kalahari-inspired items. The large observation deck is an ideal location for stargazing, a truly magical experience under the open skies. In keeping with the local environment, the boma fire is made traditionally, providing a warm, communal space for guests to gather.
The chalets are comfortably equipped with modern amenities to enhance your stay. Each en-suite chalet is supplied with purified desert water, found in a flask in your bathroom. To ensure comfort throughout the year, electric blankets are provided for chilly nights, and ceiling fans offer relief during the hotter months.
!Xaus Lodge operates within an ecosystem where water is significantly scarcer compared to the regions where most of our guests come from.
Full Board (All Meals)
Accommodation
Sunset Game drives
Wilderness walks
Night sky’s star gazing
Visit Khomani San craft village
Return transfer Kamqua picnic site
Guests who stay for four nights or longer at the lodge are treated to a complimentary game drive that lasts about six to seven hours. This adventure takes you through the dunes and along the Auob River, complete with a packed breakfast and a picnic lunch to enjoy during the journey.
August 15, 2024
Sara has been amazing
Sara has been amazing. I threw so many requests at her and nothing was too much to handle. Sara has helped me put together a trip of a lifetime for our family.
August 6, 2024
Dream African experience
Booking our dream trip to Africa with Sara was the best thing that we could have done. Sara made the experience so enjoyable. She worked extremely hard at filling all of our requests and really tailored all of the experiences to our liking. The best stress free investment we have made. I would give Sara six stars if I could!
August 5, 2024
wonderful safari expert
I worked with Sara Van Coillie of Safari.com. She was phenomenal and very responsive. Sara really knows all the options and details for various safaris. I had a limited budget, but Sara found me creative solutions which allowed me to have a wonderful safari experience. I highly recommend you contact Sara at safari.com. Thank you!
Sep 10, 2024
Quick reactions to requests
Quick reactions to requests. Very efficient.
Sep 9, 2024
First Time Safari
Mel provided an amazing itinerary and took our feedback and adjusted accordingly. She was very helpful and would strongly recommend her to anyone new to the process.
Sep 9, 2024
It was a great experience dealing with…
It was a great experience dealing with Shann. She was most accommodating and patient. We managed to sort things out very eventually. The only sore point I have is the 2 % surcharge for the card handling fee, which I find too excessive. Otherwise, I am pleased with everything.
Sep 8, 2024
Keith went above and beyond…
Keith went above and beyond expectations arranging our holiday safari travels (for one vegan and one mobility-impaired traveller, no less:-). Safari.com is lucky to have Keith on board. He helped us feel confident in our choices, keeping us up to date with options, and finessing holiday scheduling issues with aplomb.
Sep 5, 2024
Tanya Lomas was very efficient and it…
Tanya Lomas was very efficient and it was a pleasure booking through her.
Sep 3, 2024
Knowledgable and responsive
Jayson created a fantastic itinerary within budget and answered questions promptly. Super helpful. I can't wait to get going!
Sep 2, 2024
Although we didn’t end up booking…
Although we didn’t end up booking through Safari.com the service we received was great and they were really helpful.
Sep 2, 2024
Trip to Kruger at Mdluli Safari Lodge
I loved working with Anja from safari.com. She put together my itinerary within my price range and was very professional, thorough and empathetic. She followed up with me many times to see if I needed anything throughout my trip and even filled out some forms for me when I was having difficulty. When the lodge I stayed at was not being accommodating in the slightest, she quickly contacted the manager and got them to rearrange their services to meet my needs. I would most certainly use safari.com again due to my wonderful experience working with Anja.
Aug 31, 2024
Nicole at Safari.com is AMAZING!!!
I would love to share my experience with Nicole. She has worked tirelessly to help me make my dream vacation a reality. I had no idea how to start planning. Nicole suggested the most wonderful South African resorts and safaris. No matter how many changes I threw her way it was always received with a happy, positive attitude. I live in Hawaii and even though we were on a 12 hour time difference she was always available to answer any questions or concerns. Her expertise, knowledge and patience are unmeasurable. I was plagued with numerous payment issues from my bank in Hawaii. Nicole never wavered from being patience and more importantly positive that we could resolve each issue and get my trip booked. Nicole is a huge asset to Safari.com and I will scream it from the mountains to let everyone know what excellent customer service I have received. Nicole is a ROCKSTAR!!! We are so excited for our upcoming adventure of a lifetime!