While the worries about the sustainability of safaris and safari lodges and their impact on the surrounding communities may seem novel to some travelers, the trend toward safari sustainability is not a new one.
!Xaus Lodge is located within the Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park in South Africa and is owned by the local Khomani San and Mier communities, two groups who had been at a disadvantage for years due to their differing claims to the area’s land. The creation of the lodge was a part of the settlement of their land dispute in 2002. !Xaus empowers the two communities economically, both by providing an overall portion of the profits to community members, as well as providing employment to the communities’ impoverished populations. The lodge also works to receive funding from donors to provide health, agricultural and educational resources.
The Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park’s game reserve is home to several antelope species and almost 20 carnivores, including the black-maned lion. The lodge offers game drives for visitors looking to spot the native wildlife, but that’s not the activity the lodge pushes the most. Guided walks and visits to the cultural village are more closely aligned with the lodge’s focus on supporting the Khomani San and Mier communities. Guided walks begin at dawn with Bushman trackers who teach guests to identify birds and plant life, as well as how to use the native plant life medicinally. The cultural village is where guests can watch local craftsmen at work and purchase their wares while learning about community traditions. !Xaus Lodge is also working toward recognition as one of the world’s few International Dark Sky Parks and the first International Dark Sky Park in Africa, free from light pollution and home to exceptionally dark skies.
Read This Next
#TrazeeTravel
Insta FeedTravel Goods
Nov 21, 2024Never Lose an Item Again with Apple’s New Share Item Location Feature
It’s your worst nightmare: Your plane is taxiing and you’re looking out the window, only to realize you’ve left your iPad or laptop in the airport. Thanks to a new feature from Apple, these fears can be allayed, ensuring we always know where our valuables are, whether traveling or at home.
Sponsored Content
Seoul: Your Favorite Worldwide City
Seoul is the place for your next bleisure destination.
Dining/Entertainment
Nov 20, 2024Experience the Only Restaurant Made Entirely of Ice in America
You’ve heard of ice hotels, but what about ice restaurants? When ice Hôtel de Glace de Québec opens in January 2025, it will be home to the only restaurant made entirely of snow and ice in America thanks to a partnership with Fairmont Le Chateau Frontenac.
Destinations
Nov 20, 2024What Destinations Are Trending in 2025?
Luxury travel company Scott Dunn looks ahead to 2025 with predictions of hot destinations to visit. These focus on under-explored locations, sustainable tourism and exclusive experiences.
Sponsored Content
Discover Greece’s Tower Towns: A Journey Through History
Greece's tower towns offer a captivating blend of history, architecture and stunning landscapes that make them perfect for curious travelers. These towns, particularly found in the Mani region of the Peloponnese, are defined by stone towers built during the medieval period. Constructed for both defense and as symbols of family pride, the towers stand as a testament to the region's turbulent history and its residents’ resilience.
Destinations / Europe
Nov 20, 2024Where to Find the Best Stargazing Spots in Ireland
This year, the Northern Lights put on quite the display across Ireland, but don’t think these lights are the only thing you can see in Ireland. In fact, many spots across the country provide some of the best opportunities to stargaze thanks to low levels of light pollution. Ireland has three International Dark Sky Parks and even more spots which, although not accredited, are worth a visit for anyone wishing to see the sky in its unfiltered form.
ShareThis