2 Best Hotels in Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park, The Northern Cape

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.

Offering clean, comfortable self-catering accommodations just a short drive away from the Twee Rivieren gate to the Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park, this is the kind of unique place that's worth seeking out. A compelling narrative is often the key to getting the most out of a destination, and retired zoology professor Anna Rasa (herself a story) translates the story of the broader Kalahari and the transfrontier park exceedingly well. Observe the meerkat family on her 9-acre property, go on a game drive, and learn about this bewitching landscape and its inhabitants. Morning and evening walks are very popular, with the sundowner drives a favorite. Tours are offered in both German and English. There are also some bush-camp accommodations for those who would rather rough it.