Raptors and Red Dunes

A rustic art-inspired boutique hotel only 8kms from South Africa’s biggest airport, Johannesburg – O.R Tambo Airport and the Gautrain. Well-known for their warm South African hospitality, rustic, vibrant charm and a love to focus their attention on the smaller details. The 24 rooms are all individually decorated with a unique piece of South African art and have a private patio so guests can enjoy the tranquil gardens. The perfect spot to unwind, take a deep breath and have a glass of fine wine.

Mokala is SA’s newest National Park, found 70km south-southwest of Kimberley, and west of the N12 freeway to Cape Town. Nestled in the hills, Mokala’s landscape boasts a variety of koppieveld (hills) and large open plains.

When you pass through the hills and are confronted by the large open sandy plains towards the north and west of the Park. From these hills form little tributaries that run into the plains and drain into the Riet River.

Some of the more interesting species found in Mokala are the White and Black Rhino, Bat-eared Fox, Tsessebe, Roan antelope, Black Wildebeest and the White Backed Vulture.

Mosu Lodge, our accommodation during our stay at Mokala, boasts a cool sparkling swimming pool for the warmer months, restaurant with bar facilities, outside lapa, lounge and entertainment area with built in fireplace. Game drive activities complete an unforgettable experience here at Mokala.

The Khoisan people called it “Aukoerebis”, or the place of Great Noise, as this powerful flow of water is unleashed from rocky surroundings characterized by the approx. 18km ravine of the Orange River.

If you would like to see red dunes and scrub fade into infinite horizon …. herds of gemsbok, springbok, eland and blue wildebeest…imposing camel thorn trees provide shade for large black-maned lions and vantage points for leopard and many raptors… then the Kgalagadi Transfrontier National Park is the place to visit!

From the amalgamation of the Kalahari Gemsbok National Park in South Africa and the Gemsbok National Park in Botswana, the Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park comprises an area of over 3,6 million hectares and is one of very few conservation areas of this magnitude left in the world.

!Xaus Lodge’s isolation allows you to experience the unspoiled splendour of the vast, arid Kgalagadi Park. Crafted to blend into the landscape, this 24 bed thatched luxury safari lodge, owned by the Khomani San and Mier communities, overlooks a large salt pan. Relax on the viewing deck and observe the animals at the waterhole below, cool off in the plunge pool or browse through the curio shop.

Join our guides on a morning wilderness walk through the dunes. ‘Listen’ to the sun set on an early evening drive or enjoy an after-dinner game-drive, with the accompanying desert sounds. ‘Touch’ the stars as you gaze at the splendour of the night sky.

Meet the Bushmen, legendary hunter-gatherers, at work in the serenity of their craft village and marvel at the tastes of the Mier’s unique culinary offerings.

And then, fulfilled in spirit recall the words of Laurens van der Post: “This ancient African land seen through the eyes of the Bushmen is mystical, magical and spiritual”. The lodge is equipped with a generator as there is no electricity.

In order to limit the environmental impact, the generator operates for 4 hours in the evening and 2 hours in the morning.

Kalahari Tented Camp is situated high up on a red sand dune, overlooking a waterhole in the dry bed of the ancient Auob River. This exclusive getaway boasts 15 desert tents each elegantly decorated with rustic finishes using wood, sand and canvas exteriors all in the resonate colours of the park. The tent camp is only 3 km from the Mata-Mata Rest Camp where Kalahari Tent Camp one can refuel and get basic supplies at the shop. This tented camp is designed in such a way to make you feel that you have just yourself and the desert for company.

No phone reception is available at the camp which adds to the tranquillity and peaceful atmosphere of Nossob Rest Camp. A generator provides electricity for 16.5 hrs per day. The camp itself lies about 3,5 hrs drive north of Twee Rivieren. It has a reception, swimming pool, predator information centre, shop and fuel facilities.

Twee Rivieren is the largest rest camp in the Park. It is situated on the banks of the Dry Nossob Riverbed. Activities and facilities are diverse, as are the animals and plants found both within the camp and in the surrounding areas. Twee Rivieren has a reception, shop, fuel, restaurant, information centre and swimming pool. This is the only camp in the National Park with 24 hrs electricity and cell phone reception.

Situated in the town of Vryburg, Game View Lodge is an upmarket lodge situated in tranquil surroundings, bordering the Leon Taljaard Nature Reserve. Whilst enjoying a sundowner on our deck you will be able to view game which includes 2 of the big 5.