Visiting a desert environment with limited water challenges all of us to be responsible travelers. Welcome to some of the tips and tricks that make living in the desert so interesting.
!Xaus Lodge is in an ecosystem that faces a dramatic scarcity of water, relative to the home areas of our guests. The result is that our careful water-wise policies are a priority to conserve every possible drop of water.
In preparation for your visit, here are some pointers to help you understand how you can assist in the responsible consumption of water:
* Because you can’t drink the water out of the taps at !Xaus Lodge (its natural mineral & salt content is too high) we provide drinking water in the rooms in carafes, as well as reusable water bottles that can be refilled as required. For your comfort, it’s very important that you drink sufficient, regular quantities of water to remain well hydrated. Please don’t think of ‘saving’ water by dehydrating your body. When you arrive we’ll explain where and how you get drinking water. Please enjoy each and every drop.
* The water in the showers and basins is the natural borehole water and has a remarkable range of minerals and salt. When using this water for ablutions, please
– Challenge yourself to see what the shortest time is you can use shower water to keep yourself clean.
– Turn off the tap while brushing your teeth or shaving (actually, don’t rinse your toothbrush or razor in the salt water, just use drinking water in the glass provided).
– When washing your hands, soap them before turning on the tap to rinse.
* We have flush mechanisms in the toilets to allow for a short flush. The intention is that you use only the amount of water necessary to flush after use of the toilet.
* We have various waterholes at !Xaus Lodge: one for drinking water for animals (the the pan), and a few for the birds. When the borehole does not deliver sufficient water, we give priority to water for the animals. We thank you for your understanding if the vehicles are not being washed daily to prioritise drinking water.
* We believe that hygiene, comfort, and cleanliness are very important in the hospitality industry. With reduced access to water, we are careful to use as much water as is necessary to keep everything clean, but not to waste any unnecessarily. Please join us in being proud of the red sand of the Kalahari if it seems to get everywhere. It’s a badge of honour that we accept as part of the Kalahari life.
!Xaus Lodge is proudly Fair Trade in Tourism certified. Thank you for joining us in the responsible use of water.
