Want to truly escape modern life and all its exhausting expectations? Then there’s no better place than the Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park. And within the park, there’s nowhere more indulgent than !Xaus Lodge. This secluded four-star oasis offers endless red dunes, dreamy salt pans and hours spent discovering wildlife and scenery. One Wild fan stands a chance to win an all-inclusive two-night stay for two worth R15,960!
A visit to the Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park is like balm for the soul. At the four-star !Xaus Lodge, a private concession within the park, you will truly be off the grid and removed from life’s many demands. With 12 individual chalets, the lodge prides itself on serenity, captivating landscapes and a desert experience not to be forgotten.

Pictures courtesy of !Xaus Lodge
Dreaming of a trip to the Kgalagadi? These are the five essential experiences you shouldn’t miss out on.
Top 5 Kgalagadi experiences
#1: Top sighting
The Kgalagadi’s leopards are an impressive bunch and most of them have a unique and fascinating story behind all those dots. Learn more through the Kgalagadi Leopard Project and make your own contribution to the research by sharing your leopard sighting.
#2: Top photo

Picture by Willem Kruger
The big open skies of the Kalahari Desert make for spectacular shots at sunset. Scope out your location during the day so that you have everything lined up to take the shot at sunset and get back before the gate closes. If you’re lucky, an obliging animal might walk into the frame.
#3: Top game drive
Driving through the dunes along the Kgalagadi’s Auob River (meaning bitter water) will surely deliver many treats, such as black-maned Kalahari lions and the oh so elegant gemsbok – the park’s emblem.
#4: Top birding
Ask any Kgalagadi lover and they will quickly tell you this desert park is famous for its birds of prey – such as this immature black-chested snake-eagle. Download the Kgalagadi’s birding checklist and see how many species you can identify.
#5: Top pastime after dark
With no ambient light pollution, stargazing in the Kgalagadi promises crystal clear skies and dazzling constellations. But wrap up warm, nights in the desert are rather chilly.
!Xaus Lodge
!Xaus Lodge’s 12 chalets offer twin or king beds and your very own viewing deck – each overlooking the heart-shaped salt pan that is visited by wildlife. Venture out with one of the lodge’s knowledgeable guides to track animal spoor during morning wilderness walks, embark on a game drive in search of the mighty Kalahari lion, or simply relax at the pool admiring the captivating Kgalagadi view.
Making the lodge even more special is the fact that it’s owned by the local ǂKhomani San and Mier communities. Visit the Bushman crafting school and experience how this ancient culture has adapted to the modern world.
Win a stay at !Xaus
What’s included in the prize?
- Guests will be met at Kamqua Picnic Site in the Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park on their day of arrival and be transferred to and from the lodge in a game drive vehicle to enjoy the 35km, 90-dune trip.
- Accommodation for two nights for two people sharing a chalet
- All meals
- A morning wilderness walk and mid-morning walk on the pan
- A visit to the local Bushman crafting school
- An afternoon or evening game drive
- Night sky-viewing and stargazing (!Xaus Lodge provides telescopes)
- Sundowners on the dunes
Good to know
Telecommunication signals do not reach the lodge – this means no TV, cellphones, WiFi or telephone disturbance. Bliss, right?
How to enter
Email the answer to our simple question below to [email protected] (subject line: !Xaus) before 20 November 2016. Remember to include your full names and contact details.
Question: In which national park is !Xaus Lodge situated?
Winner: Deepak Daya
Terms and conditions
The prize excludes SANParks conservation fees (Wild Card member enter the park at no cost), all alcoholic and other beverages purchased at !Xaus Lodge, crafts purchased at !Xaus Lodge and gratuities. Entrants must be 18 or older. The prize is not exchangeable for cash. The competition closes on 20 November 2016 at 12:00. Wild will randomly select a winner after which the winner will be issued with a Wild !Xaus Lodge voucher detailing the prize inclusions and exclusions. The winner will be notified telephonically. A booking must be made before 31 December 2016 and the winner has to use the prize before 31 December 2017. The booking will be subject to availability.
expensive…!!
What’s cheap these days, I am sure you will be treated like a king when you visit, we will visit soon
Never been before.!! Looks lovely.!!
Stunning camp!
What a beautifull setting – a real Africa Bush treat!
a lovely South – African break- away!!
Looks amazing, really hope I win this
Me and my wife visited Xaus in 2014. Heavenly experience, highly recommended!! Would not mind another visit.
See you soon. I,am going to win.
A true experience of a lifetime. Definite Bucketlist.
Excellent. Was there before and would like to visit again.
now this looks like a perfect 100% 10/10 place for me and my husband to celebrate our 50th anniversary.
would rather have a bush holiday than spend a fortune in Europe anytime!!
For 70 + A BIT too much! In dollars sounds OK but for SA pensioners perhaps 50% down could be considered.
This is the kind of place “dreams are made of” Breathtaking…. en Wouter moenie so seker wees nie
… in for the win 🙂
What an idyllic escape from the stresses of city living!
It would be great to visit the Kgalagadi as I have never been there.
Camped in the park few years ago and it was fantastic. Xaus would be a real treat. Hope I win! !!
Where can I submit photo’s for your Magazine?
Hello Jacqui
Thank you for your comment. You can send an email with your pictures attached to [email protected].
Regards, Wild
Would love to win this prize. Last were in Kgalagadi in about 2003, when we camped.
This sounds worthwhile making a trip from Munich!
In it to win it …pleeez ! … can’t wait !
The Kgalagadi is a dream for many years that I still owe to me and my wife to make it come true. From all I have seen and heard, it is just a must do experience.
would love to win a great 55th wedding anniversary present impressive bird list
Yes sir .. my lifelong dream .
[email protected]
The most wonderful experience, have camped there some years back! The serenity and birdsightings amazing,a ” must do” experience
This would certainly only be a “dream come true” opportunity, it was once on our bucket list., my wife and l just love the great outdoors, but don’t have the means to get away at all, not even for a night. We now only enjoy the many wonderful photos that we see of this beautiful country we are blessed to live in.
Just love this place,
Have been to the Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park a long time ago. Unbelievable experience …. truely a trip that trumps anything ever experienced… would love to be able to do it again soon.