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Local crafts used to decorate !Xaus Lodge

12 December 2007 The upmarket décor in the lodge was done using local craftsmen and artists and the results are a unique and individual lodge.

News in Images

Hidden away from the mainstream visitors to the vast Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park beyond streets of red dunes is the recently opened !Xaus Lodge. This private concessionaire run lodge, on the tribal lands that have been returned to the Mier and Khomani San, is a 24 bed thatched luxury lodge overlooking the magical Klein Skrij Pan.

The upmarket décor in the lodge was done using local craftsmen and artists and the results are a unique and individual lodge. If you would like to make use of any of the local Northern Cape crafters this who did what:

The ladies of Vezokhule in Upington (contact Gerty Willemse 054 339 3042) made the comforters for the beds, cushion covers, hot water bottle covers and the amazing wall hanging designed by Lida Eksteen. Lida is a retired school art teacher in Upington (082 567 6494).

The Meerkats, tortoise and other animals crafted in paper mache and wood were made by Themba Masala who lives in Raaswater, near Louisvale outside of Upington. His wife, Nombulelo, can be contacted on 054 335 1342. or you can visit him. Everyone in Raaswater can give directions to his house.

The backs of the chairs, bed headboards and mirror surrounds were burnt by four Bushmen artists, Blades, Dawid, Patat and Deon Noubitsen from Andriesvale and Welkom. Deon now works out at the lodge co-ordinating the crafters and trackers. The Bushmen artists also made the necklaces worn by the staff as part of their lodge uniform.

All the furniture for the lodge was hand-made by Andre Steytler (082 578 0902) and his amazing team at Viljoens Kitchens in Upington.

The majority of the pictures hanging in the public areas and guest chalets are prints of originals painted by a Bushman artist Vetkat Regopstaan Kruiper. Regrettably he died about four months ago and has been buried close to the lodge from where he can "oversee" its future.

The upmarket !Xaus Lodge is the only ‘camp’ within the Kgalagadi Park to offer 3meals a day (and afternoon tea) as well as cultural experiences such as guided walks and story-telling with the legendary San. For more information on this exclusive experience go to http://www.xauslodge.co.za

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