Read 32 traveller reviews of Kulala Desert Lodge

Situated on the 210 km2 private Kulala Wilderness Reserve south of Sesriem, Kulala Desert Lodge is the only lodge in the Sossusvlei area that offers such a close and spectacular view over the Namib-Naukluft Dune Sea. In fact, the lodge's defining feature and main reason for its popularity are the incredible views of the red desert dunes located literally on your doorstep. The camps main area and each of its 16 'kulalas' (chalets) have been built to make the most of this magnificent vista.

Kulala Desert Lodge's central area comprises of a main area under two adjoining thatched roofs each climbing to a peak mimicking the shape of the dunes. Under this you will find the main reception area, the manager's office, curio shop, kitchen and restaurant which spills over to the verandah on one side and the bar and lounge on the other. An open fireplace on one side of the lounge is often lit during the cold winter months (mid June – August) when night-time in the desert can be particularly chilly. During the rest of the year the high thatched ceiling and stone floors keep the main areas cool, which is balanced out by warm shades of browns, reds and burnt oranges used for the soft furnishings.

On the south side of the main building is a swimming pool which you may share with birds as they often swoop in for a quick drink whilst in flight. You can relax here during the heat of the day on the comfortable loungers. On the opposite side of the building, steps lead up to a roof terrace built above the office and kitchen which doubles as a viewing platform and an ideal sundowner spot.

In keeping with the natural feel of thatch and stone, a clay wall encompasses two sides of the central building which would help keep out any adverse weather.

The rooms here are known as 'kulalas' – a term derived from a local Oshiwambo word meaning to sleep. Each of the well-appointed kulalas is spacious and cool, with polished wooden floors and two queen-sized or one large double bed. Made of canvas and wood with a thatched roof, the kulalas are all raised slightly off the ground allowing for maximised air flow to keep the rooms cool during the hot summer months. Built onto the back of your tent is a clay and brick en-suite bathroom.

A step ladder leads up to a private roof terrace above each bathroom where guests have the option of sleeping out under the stars in comfortable bedrolls. On our last visit here we particularly enjoyed this experience, made extra special by a full moon! (Note that you won't get a lie-in here, as other guests getting up early will probably wake you up!)

The interior décor is made up of large bold designs in natural colours giving an African feel whilst complimenting the surrounding environment. In each room there is a small writing desk, luggage rack, laundry basket, stand-alone fan and closet covered with a colourful hand-made African print cloth. The stylish bathroom contains a full length mirror, flush toilet, open shower and amenities such as shampoo, body lotion and soaps. Outside, on a private covered verandah is a small wooden table and two canvas directors chairs to sit whilst you enjoy the views of the surrounding desert.

Four of these kulalas are joined together in pairs on one large wooden deck; these are designed for families or a small group of friends traveling together.

During our last visit to Kulala we were impressed by the particularly warm welcome and friendly staff. We found the camp to have a lovely, relaxed atmosphere. We were happy to see the introduction of a personal water bottle for each guest. These can be filled up from a water cooler in the bar at anytime throughout your stay and are a small, but very important, method of reducing plastic waste and doing their bit for the environment.

The most popular activities offered at Kulala Desert Lodge are guided 4WD morning drives into the dunes, which include visits to Sossusvlei and Dead Vlei. The private Kulala Wilderness Reserve has its own private entrance to the Namib-Naukluft National Park which means that it isn't necessary to travel via the gate at Sesriem to reach the dunes provided you join this excursion organised by the lodge. Other possible activities include walking trails, both guided and unguided, and sundowner drives on the nature reserve.

It is possible to take an early morning balloon flight from Kulala Desert Lodge. This experience includes approximately a 50 minute flight over the desert followed by a delicious champagne breakfast amongst the dunes. This is not an inexpensive option but we highly recommend it.

Note that if you are arriving on a self-drive trip, the it is possible to book Kulala Desert Lodge with us in two different ways:

Book on a Dinner, Bed & Breakfast basis, and your activities are not included. You then have the choice of driving yourself around the area, or paying to join onto one or more of the activities organized by the lodge. Your drinks are not included in this economic rate; you settle the bar bill on departure.

Book on a Full Board and activities basis and this also includes lunch, as well as both of the daily activities organized by the lodge. The cost of drinks is included with this rate; see below for details.

Not to be confused with Kulala Desert Lodge, but in the same area and also run by Wilderness Safaris, are several other lodges: Kulala Wilderness Camp (formerly known as Kulala Tented Camp), Little Kulala and Sossusvlei Wilderness Camp

Lodge overview

Lodge type: Safari

No. of bedrooms: 16 chalets (kulalas)

Season: Open Year Round

Ideal length of stay: 2 nights

Geographics

Location: Namib-Naukluft National Park, Namibia

Directions: Fly-in or self drive

Accessible by: Self-drive or Fly-and-Transfer

Key personnel

Owner: Wilderness Safaris

Food & drink

Usual board basis: Half Board

Food quality: For guests participating in an early morning activity such as an excursion to the Sossusvlei or the balloon trip, tea, coffee and rusks are served at the lodge before departing. For guests who aren't joining an early morning excursion breakfast is available from 08:00. A breakfast buffet is laid out in the lodge's dining area and offers a selection of dishes to whet your appetite from freshly baked scones to hard boiled eggs, cold meats to a variety of cheeses and cereals to yoghurts. When breakfasting at the lodge you also have the option requesting a cooked breakfast made to order. When on the morning 4WD excursion to Sossusvlei, brunch is served at a fully laid table set under the shade of camelthorn trees. All the same tempting choices are included here as at the lodge with the exception of the cooked breakfast. A buffet selection of cold dishes is offered for travelers requiring lunch at the lodge. These might include quiche, a selection of salads, fresh bread and finger foods such as chicken wings or spicy meatballs. Dinner is a 3-course affair served either outside on the verandah by candle light or indoors depending on the time of the year. Meals usually begin with a tasty starter, we had potato and leek soup with freshly baked bread. This is followed by a main course which is served at your table, in our case this was game sirloin with onion marmalade, roast potatoes and fresh steamed vegetables including spinach, mushrooms and cauliflower. Our meal was rounded off nicely with a light desert – apple crumble with custard – before tea and coffee were served. We last visited Kulala Desert Lodge in April 2007, and we found the food to be of a reasonable standard, although the variety and presentation wasn't as good as we'd experienced at some of Namibia's other lodes of a similar standard. Since then, we understand that the lodge management, who were very new when we visited, have been training the kitchen staff with the aim to improve the cuisine – and new managers started at the start of September 2007.

Dining style: Inidividual Tables

Dining locations: Indoor and Outdoor Dining

Room service: No

Drinks included: Drinks are not included if staying at Kulala Desert Lodge on a DBB basis. However, if you book into the lodge on a Full Board basis then house wine, beers, and soft drinks are included in this rate. Note that premium spirits, champagne, imported wines or premium brands like top whiskies are never included, and are always paid for separately at the lodge.

Children

Attitude towards children: Children of all ages are welcome at Kulala Desert Lodge.

Age restrictions: There are no age restrictions for visitors to the lodge. Families with children younger than 12 year must book a private vehicle for any activities.

Equipment: Kulala Desert Lodge has one sleeping cot available on request for young children.

Generally recommended for children: Yes

Notes: Children are solely the responsibility of the parents.

Central communications

Power supply: Generator

Communications: The camp sells flexi-call cards which are prepaid phone cards. There is mobile reception around lodge, but the use of mobile phones in the lodge's public areas is discouraged.

TV & radio: No

Health & safety

Malarial area: No

Medical care: The nearest doctor is in Mariental or guests are evacuated during daylight hours in cases of emergency. The airstrip does not have reflectors so no night time evacuations are possible. The camp management is trained in first aid and a doctor is on call (on the phone) 24-hours to advise in necessary situations.

Dangerous animals: Low Risk

Security measures: When we where last there the lodge was busy building a reception area at the main entrance to the Kulala Reserve to monitor the comings and goings. There are locks on the room doors and a small safe in each room.

Fire safety: There is a fire extinguisher outside each room and these are checked regularly.

Extras

Disabled access: On Request

Laundry facilities: A full laundry service is included for guests who have booked at the lodge on a fully inclusive basis. This service is available at an additional charge to guests booked at a half board basis. A small pot of washing powder is made available in each room for travelers who wish to do a small amount of hand washing.

Money: Yes travellers cheques can be exchanged

Accepted payment: Visa, Mastercard and travellers cheques are all accepted as methods of payment. American Express cards are not accepted.

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