South Africa/NC: Khalagadi NP – Xaus Lodge

To truly appreciate the park, you need to get deep into the nomansland of red dunes that the Kalahari Desert is famous for. There is one private lodge located deep in the park’s wilderness – !Xaus Lodge. This lodge is an absolute gem and probably one of the most unique and finest wilderness lodges we have ever stayed at in Africa and beyond. !Xaus Lodge (pronounced “Kaus” and meaning “heart” in the local Nama language) is situated on a private concession owned by the Khomani San and Mier communities of local people, totally remote and secluded. It is completely off-grid, only accessible via a long and scenic 4×4 ride through the heart of red dunes. The location is stunning – on a high ground above the giant salt pan! There are 12 thatched chalets, each with a private deck overlooking the salt pan, everything is solar-powered. There is even a pool – you can lounge in the heat of the day when temperatures get into 40-50s in the summer and watch wildlife – gemsboks, hyenas, jackals, birds – come to the waterhole at the edge of the salt pan. And the location is the world-famous “dark skies” – zero light pollution, making it one of the best places for Milky Way viewing in the entire world!