!Xaus Lodge

During morning walks with the guides you will ‘read the newspaper’ of the night before –seeing the animal spoors, being taught about plants and desert life.The distance covered depends on the abilities and interest of the guests.

There are mid morning walks provided too, where you walk out on the salt pans and learn quite how far reaching and expansive these desert pans really are.

!Xaus Lodge is owned by the local ‡Khomani San and Mier communities. Guests are invited to meet the craftersat the school, and get an insight into the modern lives of thelocal Bushman community, as well as an opportunity to purchase crafts from the original artists.

The school is set up to give elders an opportunity to pass on traditional skills to the younger generation who do not necessarily live a traditional lifestyle. Guests will thus experience the interaction between ancient traditions and modern lifestyles.

Afternoon or evening game drives are offered, allowing guests to see the dunes. While bird sightings are frequent and beautiful, other sightings are unpredictable and fascinating.

Guests are welcome to enjoy the treat of sundowners on the dune and watch – and hear! – the day set around them.

Given !Xaus’s seclusion from ambient light, its night sky is spectacular. Learn about the constellations with your naked eye, or view the Milky Way through our telescopes.

This river drive is freely available to guests who stay for four nights and can be discussed and arranged for guests who so desire, for an additional fee.