Fodor's Expert Review !Xaus Lodge

To experience one of South Africa's most beautiful and isolated parks and gain insight into an ancient culture, stay at this simple but comfortable lodge, owned by the ‡Khomani San and Mier communities and located deep in the desert, 32 km (20 miles) along a track across the red dunes of the Kalahari. The main reception area and rustic en-suite chalets (built with clay, wooden poles, and thatch to authentically blend with the environment) overlook a heart-shaped salt pan. Activities include game drives in an open safari vehicle, walks with San trackers, and watching San artists at work. At night, the stars are dazzling, especially at new moon; a telescope combines modern technology and ancient tradition as the San share their legends of the night sky with you.