Plan Your Visit
Plan Your Trip to !Xaus Lodge
!Xaus Lodge is remote; deliberately, beautifully so. Getting here takes effort, and that effort is part of the experience. But once you understand the route, it’s simple.
The Journey to !Xaus
If you’re arriving from the South African side, your journey begins at Twee Rivieren, the southern entry gate to the Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park. It’s about 260 km from Upington on a good tar road.
The Three-Step Journey
Twee Rivieren to Kamqua
Drive 64 km along the Auob River bed. This takes at least 90 minutes. Enjoy the safari—wildlife sightings are common here.
The Meeting Point
Meet your lodge guide at 2:30 PM sharp at the Kamqua Picnic Site.
The 90 Dunes
From Kamqua, it’s a 30 km traverse over 90 red dunes to reach the lodge.
Transport Details
4×4 Owners: You are welcome to self-drive in convoy with the guide
Sedan/4×2 Drivers: We provide secure parking at Kamqua and transfer you in an open safari vehicle (included in your stay).
Fly-in Guests: Overland transfers from Upington to Kamqua can be arranged upon request.
What to Expect
A Lodge Built for the Desert
Connectivity
No Wi-Fi. No phone signal. No television.
Power
Generator runs for a few hours daily. Solar backup for lights and fans at night.
Water
We use reverse osmosis for drinking water. Showers are naturally saline, offering a gentle desert salt scrub.
Linen
To save precious water, we do not offer laundry services or daily linen changes.
What to Pack
Desert Essentials
- A warm jacket (even in summer)
- Comfortable walking shoes
- A wide-brimmed hat, sunglasses, and high-SPF sunscreen
- Binoculars for birdwatching or stargazing
- A headlamp or torch
- A willingness to unplug
Dietary Note: Our supply chain is long. Please inform us of dietary needs before arrival so we can source the freshest local ingredients for you
Crossing Borders
The Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park spans South Africa and Botswana.
Entering/Exiting same country
No immigration required.
Entering Namibia (Mata Mata)
Requires a passport and pre-purchased E-Visa (if applicable).
Crucial Step
Complete border exit formalities at Twee Rivieren before driving to the lodge if you plan to exit to Namibia later.
Still have questions?
Just ask. We’ve helped thousands of guests prepare for this journey and many return, changed by it.
- info@xauslodge.co.za
- +27 21 701 7860
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to go through immigration when visiting the Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park?
If you enter and exit the park through the same country, you generally do not need to complete immigration formalities. If your itinerary exits the park into another country (South Africa, Botswana, or Namibia), standard border procedures apply and immigration clearance must be completed at Twee Rivieren / Two Rivers.
Where are border formalities completed?
All customs and immigration controls are completed at the Twee Rivieren / Two Rivers border complex, even if exiting via Mata Mata.
Can I exit into Namibia via Mata Mata during my trip?
Yes, but cross-border travel within the park is regulated. SANParks requires a minimum 2 night stay inside the park for cross-border exit via Mata Mata, and immigration clearance must be completed at Twee Rivieren / Two Rivers before you proceed. Passports are required for all cross-border travel.
Do I need to arrange a visa for Namibia in advance?
If your nationality requires a visa for Namibia, it must be obtained in advance. No visas are issued at the Mata Mata border post. Travellers who require a visa must pre-purchase it before travel via the official Namibian e-visa and visa-on-arrival system.
Where can I pre-purchase a Namibian visa if required?
Eligible travellers must pre-purchase a Namibian visa in advance via the Ministry of Home Affairs, Immigration, Safety and Security e-services portal at https://eservices.mhaiss.gov.na/visaonarrival. There is no facility to obtain a visa at Mata Mata.
Quick reference: which border posts matter for typical itineraries?
South African and Botswana border formalities are handled at the Twee Rivieren / Two Rivers complex. The Namibian exit point within the park is Mata Mata, where no visas are issued.