A wonderful experience, good for the soul with very friendly and helpful staff. We were welcomed by guides who drove us over the dunes to this special place called !Xaus. We were expecting to see more animals so were slightly disappointed on that score but on all else 10/10. Many thanks!
We were on a 9 day trip through Kgaligadi. We could not find a camp for 1 night, so we decided, although !Xaus was 3 times more expensive then the Wilderness caps/Chalets that we will stay there. BIG MISTAKE!. They offer you the Bushman experience/way of life. What you do get after a hours drive to get there a lecture by the arrogant Operational Manager ("I paid for the water on the table, it is free". No Richard, The quest already paid for it) of what you must do and when. In our group was also a family with two young kids. Richard made it very clear that the kids must stay in their Chalet. Richard, they paid for the so called experience. It sounded to us that you want to put the poor kids under quarantine. Normally, check-in-time is at 14h00 and check-out-time 10h00. We only arrived at the camp at 17h00. (they need to escort us). They made sure the next morning we leave at 08h00. They took us on a game drive - 1 dead snake and a Steenbok that got "lost". There is really no game to write home about. I needed my 4x4 fridge to be charged - not permissible. The rooms do not have a fridge to keep things cold - the rest of SANPARKS Camps and Luxury tents do have fridges - Solar Power. Instead of having Supper prepared the "Mier way", as advertised, you get tasteless fine-dining. Nothing about the Bushman way of life. They advertise that there is a curio shop - really!. Is that what you called a curio shop?
Bottom line: I will never recommend anyone to !Xaus. It was a very expensive bad experience that was a total waste of time. I will give SANPARKS-Kgaligadi a 10 and !Xaus a 1.
Thank you for the review, and sharing your thoughts.
At the outset, please can we say that we are really sorry that you did not enjoy your time at the Lodge. We have reviewed our correspondence and discussed details with our managers, and offer the following feedback:
Sadly !Xaus Lodge does not have charging facilities for 4x4 fridges. We simply don’t have the type of battery system that’s needed, since our generator only runs for a short period in the evening. In retrospect it’s such a pity that you never told us you’d been looking for that service so that we could have pre-warned you. You are quite right that SANParks do have those facilities, although we don’t because it’s really rare that our guests have that requirement.
In terms of the message about the water it sounds like an unfortunate ‘lost in translation’. We are always careful to explain to visitors that drinking water is not charged for (contrary to what happens at many game lodges in Southern Africa). We do this because we try to encourage people to remain hydrated. Because guests pay for alcohol, we find it best to clarify that drinking water is not charged separately.
We hope you will be pleased to know that your concern about the children’s well-being was unfounded. When they left the Lodge we were told quietly by the parents that because of the time that Richard had spent with them teaching about the stars they would be getting a telescope at home. As the only un-fenced accommodation in the Kgalagadi that allows children, we take child safety very, very seriously and prioritize that. When they can also leave with a new-found passion for something they experienced while visiting – well that’s a bonus.
This lodge is situated 33 km off the main road so it's very isolated. There's not much game to see and nothing much to do here except relax. Food is ok but nothing to get excited over. Activities are limited. Night drive was not very productive. Prices to stay here are outrageous and can't justify the costs. Luxury costs but not the service. Felt like we were taken hostage for the two days we were here. Found stink bugs and some others in our beds but the manager didn't seem to be too worried. Mattresses were badly stained. Spiderwebs hadn't been cleaned out for weeks. Sorry, I expect more for the price.
I just lived a three nights stay in Taus Lodge 29th March to 1st April at a total cost of over 26000 Rands for two persons full board with game drives in an area without game. Upfront I was of course aware of the exorbitant price for a Lodge-stay in this area but I assumed to support a positive institution for the support of the SAN and I also hoped to get some specific input to this nature , its inhabitants and some special insights into the specific area. E.g. night active animals. When I learnt that the owners of this Lodge only pass on 17% of the revenues to the San people I was completely disappointed. The price is outrageous for what it offers. The lodge itself is nicely positioned and the people in the lodge try their best to offer good service. Unfortunately the Lodge is positioned not far from a game-farm where the animals can freely be shot for their valuable Trophies! Not my taste.
The lodge is well situated; staff & management friendly but value ( cost of accomodation)is only average. Refreshments were well priced. Maintenance ,particularly with regard to hot water, needs attention. The lounge/seating area could be bigger ; eleven guests were almost too many in this area.
Thank you for your review. Your comment about water is noted, and will be addressed.
