Xaus Lodge is a private lodge built on top of a dune of the Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park.  Set on the 91st dune off the Auob River Road overlooking a heart shaped salt pan. The lodge includes stand-alone accommodation units, with communal facilities accessed on a raised walkway. The ‡Khomani San and Mier communities are the owners of !Xaus.  The Northern Cape is South Africa’s largest and least densely populated province, characterised by wide open spaces and mostly dry terrain, though the Orange River meandering along the northern border creates a compelling contrast to the arid desert landscape

Day 1:            Red Sands Country Lodge, Northern Cape    (Sun, 3 May)

We depart early morning from Johannesburg. On route to Kuruman, we travel through Ventersdorp and Vryburg, lunch on route. We will stay overnight at Red Sands outside Kuruman.  Dinner at the Red Sands restaurant

Overnight: Red Sands Country Lodge          

Located in the Northern Cape, South Africa, Red Sands Country Lodge offers accommodation amidst the tranquil Kuruman Hills. The establishment features self-catering and standard units which all come equipped with air-conditioning, TVs with satellite channels and other conveniences

Day 2:            Kgalagadi Lodge, Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park (South Africa)    (Mon, 4 May)

Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park (South Africa)

Combining the former Kalahari Gemsbok National Park of South Africa and the Gemsbok National Park in Botswana, the enthralling Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park is a wonderland of bright orange dunes, spectacular wildlife and fascinating flora. This hauntingly beautiful desert land is part of Africa’s first transfrontier park, ensuring that conservation is the top priority for this vast ecosystem and its inhabitants - it also supports and protects the indigenous people here, the ‡Khomani San and Mier communities. Visitors can look forward to spotting lions, leopards, hyenas, cheetahs, blue wildebeest, springbok, eland, and more than 200 bird species, including migrating flamingos and pelicans, and numerous raptors.

After breakfast, we continue the journey toward the Kgalagadi Park. The route is via Olifantshoek towards Upington where we will have lunch.  We then drive in a northerly direction towards the town of Askham where we will enjoy lunch. It is a slow drive, and around every corner you will see more dune landscapes. We arrive at the Kgalagadi Lodge (5km from the gate) and check into the well- appointed chalets for 1 night. We relax for the remainder of the afternoon before dinner is enjoyed at the Restaurant.

Overnight: Kgalagadi Lodge

Strategically located only five kilometres away from the Twee Rivieren gate of Kgalagadi National Transfrontier Park, Kgalagadi Lodge is a secluded accommodation set within the vast natural beauty of the Kgalagadi.

Day 3:            Kgalagadi Lodge, Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park (South Africa)    (Tue, 5 May)

After a healthy breakfast, we depart into the park. Driving in the dry river beds we start our search for the animals of the Kgalagadi, visiting various water holes and picnic spots during the day before we return to the lodge in the afternoon.. Enjoy dinner prepared by your host

Day 4:            !Xaus Lodge, Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park (South Africa)            (Wed, 6 May)

Breakfast at Kgalagadi Lodge restaurant before we depart for !Xaus Lodge driving in the direction of Mata Mata. After a picnic lunch at the Kamqua picnic area, it is time to meet the guides from the lodge. We transfer over onto the 4 by 4 vehicles and continue the drive to !Xaus Lodge. The drive over the sand dunes takes 1 hour to get to the lodge. !Xaus means “heart” in the Nama language and it sited next to a large salt pan in the shape of a heart. This lodge offers a remote and tranquil wilderness experience for guests looking for total isolation. Meet the Bushmen community and interact with them on game walks and game drives.

Relax in the luxury chalets, experience the remoteness of the area and enjoy wonderful meals provided by your hosts. Game drives and bush walks will be done. We spend 2 nights at !Xaus Lodge 

Overnight: !Xaus Lodge        

!Xaus Lodge provides accommodation in the Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park for eco-tourists and visitors to the Kalahari. The complex comprises a central lodge building and 12 individual, en suite chalets, each with its own deck overlooking a vast saltpan and waterhole fed with fresh water. The central lodge building comprises a welcoming reception area, a cosy lounge with a fireplace and a lovely library. Visit the large observation deck from which we gaze in wonder at the night sky, and by day the swimming pool provides cool relief from the desert heat.

Day 5:            !Xaus Lodge, Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park (South Africa)            (Thu, 7 May)

On one of the day we have an early wake up call for a walk into the Dunes to learn some of the Bushmen Culture. Returning to the Lodge for breakfast and time to relax before lunch. Late afternoon game drive with sundowners on a dune watching the African sun setting…. followed by dinner at the Lodge.

Day 6:            Namakwari Lodge, Northern Cape      (Sat, 9 May)

We depart early with a packed breakfast that we will have at Kamqua picnic spot. Our road back is over the 92 sand dunes for our return to the Auob river and transfer over to our microbus. We travel from Kamqua picnic spot to Twee rivieren gate enjoying our last game drive until we leave the park. Tonight we sleep in Kathu 

Overnight: Namakwari Lodge          

Namakwari Lodge is located in Kathu, South Africa. The accommodation features comfortably furnished guest rooms that are equipped with modern amenities, including air conditioning, a flat-screen TV, a fridge, a kettle, a patio, a hairdryer, and a private bathroom. Guests can enjoy African cuisine at the onsite restaurant

Day 7:            End of Itinerary      (Sun, 10 May)

Depart after breakfast travelling back to Johannesburg. Lunch on route. Arrive back in Johannesburg late afternoon.