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Briefly (I'll write in more detail later when I have time), I recently spent two nights at !Xaus Lodge. It is a very different experience from the KTP camps, focusing more on the smaller things and the Khomani San culture than on large(r) mammals. There are special discounts for South Africans and others should also ask about special considerations, you never know. And remember that the cost covers everything -- three delicious meals, drives, walks, cultural talks, so IMO it is real value for money. The only extras are wine and other liquor and soft drinks.

I particularly wanted to do the walking in the dunes with bushmen trackers and I had a brilliant time and learned an amazing amount. The sunset and night drives I joined were also fun, as was the visit to the bushmen cultural village, just a group of local bushmen who spend the day working on various crafts projects. These crafts are sold both at the village and in the lodge shop. The lodge staff are all drawn from the local San and Mier communities and are wonderfully welcoming hosts. You really do feel that you're among friends!

The setting of the lodge, on a salt pan more than a kilometer across, is breathtaking, very different from KielieKrankie. There is a small waterhole in front on the ledge, but there wasn't much activity there during my stay. Rather, we saw gemsbok and red hartebees far across the pan. But the light changes constantly so just observing those changes is most rewarding. I enjoyed considerable time just relaxing on my deck.

I can definitely recommend a stay at !Xaus as part of a KTP trip. You are collected at Kamqua picnic spot and esxcorted 30km across the dunes. If you drive a 4x4 you are allowed to drive your own vehicle in with the escort and to drive back out on your own. For me, with a sedan, parking is provided close to the !Xaus (no entry) turn off, and you are transported to/from the lodge, usually in an OSV. The drive through the dunes can also be rewarding in many ways and the scenery is stunning!!

Hi everybody,
Has anyone been to the !Xaus logde recently, It'll be my big 50 bday in June and thinking of treating myself and 2 daughters there. It is quite costly but if you take into consideration you get 3 meals, walks and drives included, it isn't to bad. You only get 50 once
Any info will be appreciated.
Thanks

Hi pajero4us,
There is some info here not very recent I am afraid Just wondered if you had read it.

There was a recent program broadcast on UK Channel 5 that featured the lodge, Charley Boorman's South African Adventure. He stayed there and went lion tracking with a couple of the rangers and the park manager. Very interesting but only a brief glimpse of the lodge.

Hi, it will be difficult
I spoke to some one, sorry can't give you a reference, we were sitting on a terrace having some wine and because of the word Kalahari we talked more.
He was in the lodge with his children and found it a special experience, the tracking with the ranger, the set up, nothing negative, but...... after that he stayed in KTC and as honest as children can be they liked that more because they could make their own fire and food! He was glad he did both.

A link to some more info Xaus Lodge

Thanks everyone,
Jonkers yes that is true about the children but fortunately they are 14 and 17 and we have been coming to the Kgalagadi since 1988 and have camped numerous times in Rooiputs etc. I thought of !xaus lodge for a special treat and I wondering if any formumites have stayed there and experienced it.

Did you look at the comments in the first link that Dotty provided? It includes my comments on my visit to !Xaus. It's very different from KTP but I found it most worthwhile.

yes I did Arks thanks, I was just wondering for a more recent vistit

just do it! special birthday, special place
and enjoy every minute of it, no matter what other people experienced

pajero4us - I can reccomend !Xaus Lodge for your 50th birthday. I have been there 3 times already and once stayed for 2 nights and the other times only for a night.

Yes it is a different experience to the other camps in KTP, but you experience the Kalahari in another wonderful facet. We were "fortunate" to be there with only one or 2 other huts occupied (on all 3 occasions) - which made these visits all the more tranquil and special. The Sundowner drive, Night drive and the morning walks in the veld all adds to this. The staff are friendly and down to earth and the food, views and accomodation awesome.

I see this as a must visit if you can (prices are very steep - think R 2000 pppn) - also look out for specials and it doesn't cost you anything to ask them for a better deal (which worked for us last time around)

I personally would not stay there for more than 2 nights as I have a little bit of ADD - but I would if at all possible always go back.

Morning All

I see this is not a busy thread, but will post some information anyway:

We are booked in for 3 nights at the end of August. Normal rate is R3100 / person sharing. However, the SADC rate is R1600 per person sharing, this rate includes all meals and activities.

No one has attached any images, here are a few:

Thanks for the photos!