About Kulala Desert Lodge
With mountains to the east, and the great Namib Sand Sea to the west, Kulala excels at natural grandeur.
The exclusivity of a private reserve makes the setting feel even more special, and with its own private entrance into the Namib-Naukluft National Park, Kulala Desert Lodge takes a lot of beating.
Blending almost seamlessly into the scenery, the thatched roofs at the heart of the lodge rise to a peak, mimicking the surroundings. Natural wood, stone floors and rough white walls help to minimise the desert heat, while touches of greens, browns and burnt orange reflect the natural world.
During the day, discover the majesty of the dunes by 4WD. Nearer to home, explore the reserve on foot, take to the air in a hot-air balloon, or round off the day with a sundowner drive.
And then to bed. Meaning “to sleep” in the Oshiwambo language, “kulala” here refers to the chalets – and with good reason. There may be 23 of them, but in this vast environment each feels like a tented oasis, with a private veranda, comfortable beds, and a ceiling fan to enhance the cooling breeze through mesh windows.
Best of all, though, is to fall asleep on your own roof terrace, the myriad stars of the Namibian night sky above, the desert all around. Just how cool is that?
Our view
Kulala is a very comfortable lodge in a lovely setting and has long been a favourite of the Expert Africa team. While the rooms may be in need of renovation, the welcoming team and relaxed, informal atmosphere that we have always enjoyed remain unchanged. The private entrance to the national park is a real bonus for guests on an organised excursion with the lodge as it's substantially closer than the main gate, offering a fantastic opportunity to make the most of the early-morning light. However, guests who prefer to drive themselves to the dunes should bear in mind that it's quite a long way to the main gate at Sesriem.
Country manager: Namibia
Accommodation
23 kulalas
Children
Fine for all ages
Open
All year
Activities
4WD Safari
Guided walking safari
Helicopter
Hot air ballooning
Mountain biking
Private activities
Sleeping under the stars
Traveller reviews of Kulala Desert Lodge
364 real, un-edited reviews from Expert Africa's travellers.
Expert Africa's gallery
When we travel we take lots of photos ourselves to give you a real and un-edited view of the safaris. See our 48 pictures of Kulala Desert Lodge to get the candid view.
View gallerySafaris visiting Kulala Desert Lodge
Just ideas, we'll always tailor-make a trip for you
Caracal Self-drive Safari
14 days • 8 locations • 1 country
WINDHOEK AIRPORT TO WINDHOEK AIRPORT
The quintessential Namibian self-drive adventure exploring the highlights from Sossusvlei and the Namib Desert to Damaraland’s wilderness and a safari in Etosha. A great mix of accommodation and excellent value.
Visiting Namib-Naukluft, Damaraland and 4 other areas
US$3,360 - US$4,210 per person
Flamingo Fly-in Safari
6 days • 3 locations • 1 country
WINDHOEK AIRPORT TO WINDHOEK AIRPORT
Short on time but big on experience, this luxury fly-in safari takes in Sossusvlei’s famous dunes and Etosha National Park’s captivating wildlife with stays at two excellent luxury lodges.
Visiting Namib-Naukluft, Etosha and 1 other area
US$5,910 - US$6,890 per person
Hoopoe Fly-in Safari
11 days • 4 locations • 1 country
WINDHOEK AIRPORT TO WINDHOEK AIRPORT
This relaxed fly-in safari reveals Namibia at its best. Generous timings and a wide choice of activities help travellers to enjoy the best of the country’s most spectacular areas.
Visiting Windhoek, Namib-Naukluft and 2 other areas
US$8,100 - US$10,460 per person
Kulala Desert Lodge: Our full report
Situated on the 210km² private Kulala Wilderness Reserve, Kulala Desert Lodge offers spectacular views.
To the west it looks over the Namib Sand Sea; to the east, to the Namib-Naukluft Mountains. Having opened in 1996, south of Sesriem, to make the most of the vista, its other defining attraction remains a private entrance from the reserve into the Namib-Naukluft National Park (please note only guided trips from the lodge are permitted to use this entrance).
We have visited Kulala several times over the years, and despite its size have been impressed by the relaxed atmosphere, friendly staff and particularly warm welcome.
Two adjoining thatched roofs, each climbing to a peak redolent of the dunes, shelter the central area. Beneath this you will find the reception area, office, curio shop, kitchen and restaurant, which spills over to a veranda. In good weather, dinner is served outside by candlelight. Adjacent to the dining area is Kulala's bar and lounge, decorated in warm shades of browns, reds and burnt oranges. An open fireplace in the lounge is often lit during the 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. In keeping with the natural feel of thatch and stone, a clay wall encompassing two sides of the central building helps to keep any adverse weather at bay.
At the side of the main building, the swimming pool is a good size, particularly considering it’s in the desert. You may find yourself sharing this with the birds, which often swoop in for a quick drink. It's a large, walled off area with sunloungers and some thatched shady spots to escape the sun during the heat of the day.
Kulala Desert Lodge’s 23 chalets are known as "kulalas", a term derived from an Oshiwambo word meaning "to sleep". Each of these spacious kulalas is made of canvas and wood with a thatched roof, and raised slightly off the ground to allow a through flow of air. This, along with a ceiling fan, helps to keep the rooms cooler during the hot summer months.
Inside, twin or double beds sit on polished wooden floors, and white bed linen with bright, bold cushions and throws give a very fresh feel. Bright reading lights are mounted on the wooden headboard, behind which hides a small writing desk and luggage rack. Each room also has a closet with a small safe, full-length mirror, and tea- and coffee-making facilities; flasks of hot water are provided on request and usually with your morning wake-up call. On our last stay, in May 2016, we thought that the rooms were looking a little tired and in need of some renovation, which we are told is in the pipeline.
At the back of each chalet, a stepladder leads up to a private roof terrace above the bathroom, where guests can sleep out under the stars in comfortable bedrolls – an experience that we have particularly enjoyed over the years. Outside, on a private covered deck to the front of the kulala, a small wooden table and two canvas directors’ chairs are perfectly placed to enjoy the views of the surrounding desert.
Beneath the roof terrace, the clay-and-brick en-suite bathroom has a flushing toilet and shower, and is kitted out with shampoo, body lotion and soaps. In an effort to conserve water in this arid environment, Kulala provides a bucket in each bathroom to catch cold water until it runs hot, and this water is then used to clean the chalet.
In keeping with their family-friendly approach, Kulala has a family room with two bedrooms that share one bathroom and a wooden deck. Additionally, four en-suite kulalas are set up in pairs, each pair sharing a large wooden deck. These would work well for families with older children, or for small groups of friends travelling together. Occasionally, though, when the lodge is very busy, they are also used for two separate couples.
The most popular of the activities at Kulala Desert Lodge is a guided 4WD morning drive into the dunes, to include a visit to Sossusvlei and Dead Vlei. The Kulala Wilderness Reserve has its own private entrance into the Namib-Naukluft National Park, less than ten minutes' drive from the lodge, so participants don't need to access the dunes via the gate at Sesriem. However, guests who prefer to explore the dunes on their own must drive 14km to the entrance of the Kulala reserve, from where it's about 19km to the Sesriem gate, then a further 60km through the park to the 2WD parking area.
Other possible activities at Kulala include guided and unguided walking trails, and sundowner drives on the nature reserve. For an extra cost, it is also possible to take an early-morning balloon flight from Kulala Desert Lodge. Following a flight over the desert of around an hour, an extravagant champagne breakfast is served amongst the dunes. This is not an inexpensive option, but we highly recommend it.
If you are travelling around Namibia on a self-drive trip, it is possible to book Kulala Desert Lodge with Expert Africa in two different ways:
- Dinner, bed and breakfast (half board), which excludes lunch, most drinks and activities. Guests may either drive themselves around the area, or pay on an ad hoc basis to join one or more of the activities organised by the lodge. However, travellers have commented to us in the past that the cost of activities at Kulala was unexpectedly high when purchased directly at the lodge – more so than if they had booked on a full-board and activities basis (see below) – so you might wish to check the latest prices before booking any excursions here. For any drinks that you consume, you settle the bar bill on departure.
- Full board and activities, which includes lunch, most local drinks, and two daily activities organised by the lodge. Premium brand or imported drinks and hot-air ballooning will always cost extra.
Geographics
- Location
- Namib-Naukluft National Park, Namibia
- Ideal length of stay
- At least two nights, although three would usually be necessary if you plan to do a hot-air balloon flight.
- Directions
- The entrance to the Kulala Wilderness Reserve is approximately 19km south of Sesriem. It is then about a further 14km along a well-signposted route to the lodge. There is shaded parking near reception.
- Accessible by
- Self-drive or Fly-and-Transfer
Food & drink
- Usual board basis
- Half Board
- Food quality
- A breakfast buffet is laid out in the lodge's dining area for guests heading out on activities in the morning, between about 5.30am and 6.30am depending on the season. On our most recent visit, in May 2016, we found a great selection of freshly baked muffins and bread, cold meats, cheeses, cereals, fruit and yoghurt. Cooked breakfasts are made to order. If you're not joining an activity and would prefer to have breakfast a little later, a suitable time can be arranged.
Lunch is usually a two-course set menu, served between about midday and 2.00pm. We didn’t have lunch on our last visit but on a previous visit it took the form of a Waldorf salad, followed by spaghetti with a tomato and olive sauce. The alternative was a toasted steak sandwich with a small salad.
Breakfast and lunch packs can also be ordered from the lodge, but these need to be arranged the day before.
A three-course dinner is served from about 6.30pm. We started with butternut squash soup, then moved on to beef or hake with rice and mixed vegetables. Dessert was a pecan and coffee cake, a delicious end to a well-rounded meal. - Dining style
- Individual Tables
- Dining locations
- Indoor and Outdoor Dining
- Further dining info, including room service
- No
- Drinks included
- Drinks are not included for those staying at Kulala Desert Lodge on a half-board basis except house wine with dinner and water throughout the day.
However, if you book into the lodge on a full-board basis, house wine, beers and soft drinks are included in the rate.
Premium spirits, champagne, imported wines or premium brands are never included, and must always be paid for separately at the lodge.
Special interests
- Photography holidays
- The iconic dunes of the Namib Desert are a must for landscape photographers in Namibia. Kulala's private entrance into the Namib-Naukluft National Park means that visitors on a guided excursion can make the most of the morning light on the dunes.
- See ideas for Photography holidays in Namibia
Children
- Attitude towards children
- Children of all ages are welcome at Kulala Desert Lodge.
- Property’s age restrictions
- Kulala Desert Lodge welcomes children of all ages and there are no age restrictions on any of the guided activities.
- Special activities & services
- None
- Equipment
- There are three family units at Kulala; two have two separate en-suite chalets set up on a single deck, and one has two rooms that share a bathroom, entrance and deck. One cot is available on request for young children.
- Generally recommended for children
- With three family-style units and no age restrictions on activities, Kulala would work well for families with children of all ages. Having said that, they don't provide child or baby seats for children in the vehicles.
- Notes
- The pool area is walled off and has a gate, but children must remain under the supervision of their parents at all times.
Our travellers’ wildlife sightings from Kulala Desert Lodge
Since mid-2018, many of our travellers who stayed at Kulala Desert Lodge have kindly recorded their wildlife sightings and shared them with us. The results are below. Click an animal to see more, and here to see more on our methodology.
94% success
22% success
15% success
11% success
6% success
4% success
2% success
0% success
0% success
0% success
0% success
Communications
- Power supply notes
- Despite their best efforts and improvements to the solar system, Kulala is still somewhat reliant on a generator, which is switched on at peak times to top up the system.
- Communications
- There is cellphone reception around the lodge, but the use of cellphones in the public areas is discouraged. There is no WiFi but there is a computer with internet access in the reception area, which guests are welcome to use on a complimentary basis.
- TV & radio
- None
- Water supply
- Borehole
- Water supply notes
- The lodge has flushing toilets and the showers are plumbed in. In their efforts to conserve water, a bucket is provided in each chalet to catch cold water until it runs hot in the shower. This is then used to clean the chalet.
Health & safety
- Malarial protection recommended
- No
- Medical care
- Guides are trained in first aid and a doctor is on call for telephone advice 24 hours a day. Otherwise there is a nurse based in a small clinic at Sesriem. In the event of a serious medical emergency, guests would be evacuated to Windhoek by air.
Quadbike warning: quad-biking is sometimes available as an activity in this area. As with any potentially dangerous activity, it’s vital that you take responsibility for ensuring that you have adequate travel insurance prior to getting involved. Be aware that some insurances cover quad-bike activities only for bikes with lower engine ratings: check such clauses particularly carefully before you get on a bike. - Dangerous animals
- Low Risk
- Security measures
- When we where last at Kulala, they were building a reception area at the main entrance to the Kulala Reserve to monitor comings and goings. There are locks on the room doors and a small safe in each room.
- Fire safety
- There are fire extinguishers in the chalets and around the main area.
Activities
4WD Safari
Guided walking safari
Helicopter
Hot air ballooning
Mountain biking
Private activities
Sleeping under the stars
Extras
- Disabled access
- On Request
- Laundry facilities
- A complimentary laundry service is included for guests booked on a full-board and activities basis. For those staying on a half-board basis, the service is available at an additional charge, ranging from N$4 (approx 20p) for a pair of socks to N$15 (75p) for a pair of trousers and N$20 (£1) for a dress. A small pot of washing powder is provided in each room for guests who wish to do a little hand washing.
- Money
- Kulala does not offer currency-exchange facilities. There is a small safe in each room to store valuables.
- Accepted payment on location
- Cash in Namibian dollars or South African rand, along with Visa and Mastercard, are accepted methods of payment, but American Express cards are not. US dollars and euros would be accepted in an emergency.
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Kulala Desert Lodge's location
Look closer at the environment and surroundings of Kulala Desert Lodge.
Excursions from Kulala Desert Lodge
Optional extra day-trips and excursions possible whilst you're staying at Kulala Desert Lodge. Talk to us: these are usually best arranged before you go.
Ballooning in the Namib Desert
Half day, including breakfast
Ballooning over the world’s oldest desert is an experience you shouldn’t miss. Enjoy spectacular views as the sun rises over the dune-covered plains and rocky mountains of the Namib Desert. You may even spot the occasional oryx or black-backed jackal punctuating the landscape below.
More about Ballooning
Scenic flights in Namibia
Variable, depending on the flight
Namibia is famed for its stark beauty and boundless desert vistas and there is no better way to soak these in than from the air. A scenic flight gives you a unique perspective on this stunning and varied country, and may even provide a bird’s-eye view of areas that are out of reach to those restricted to terra firma.
More about Scenic flightsOther lodges in Namib-Naukluft National Park
Alternative places to stay in this same area.
Hoodia Desert Lodge
The owner-run Hoodia Desert Lodge offers a high standard of accommodation, delicious food and excellent service in a stunning, peaceful setting just 22km from Sesriem.
BullsPort Lodge & Farm
A traditional Namibian farm, BullsPort offers warm hospitality and a genuine rural experience, with excellent hiking and horseriding.
Sossus Dune Lodge
One of only two properties inside the Namib Naukluft Park, Sossus Dune Lodge has a superb location, for visiting the dunes.
Desert Homestead
With great-value accommodation in a lovely setting, Desert Homestead is a great base for exploring Sossusvlei.
Little Kulala
A high-end lodge with spectacular views, Little Kulala, makes a great base for visits to Sossusvlei or a balloon ride over the Desert.
Rostock Ritz
The igloo-style chalets at Rostock Ritz offer exceptional desert views and make a convenient stopover between Swakopmund & Sossusvlei.
Barkhan Dune Retreat
Barkhan Dune Retreat is a welcoming lodge close to the impressive Spreetshoogte Pass, majors on hiking and relaxation.
Sossusvlei Lodge
Sossusvlei Lodge is one of the larger options in this area. However, it occupies a convenient location next to the Sesriem gate into the Namib-Naukluft Park.
Namib Outpost
About 30km from the gate to Sossusveli, Namib Outpost is a great base for exploring the dunes and surrounding attractions.
Dead Valley Lodge
Dead Valley Lodge is inside the Namib-Naukluft National Park, affording guests almost unprecedented access to the dunes.
Desert Camp
Desert Camp is an economical option for independent travellers who want to self-cater, and is well situated for access to Sossusvlei.
Desert Quiver Camp
Desert Quiver Camp is an economical option self-catering, well located for access to Sossusvlei.
Elegant Desert Lodge
Elegant Desert Lodge can be used as a base to visit Sossusvlei. It offers comfortable accommodation and facilities in the desert.
Corona Guest Farm
In central Namibia, north-east of the Namib-Naukluft, Corona Guest Farm offers a traditional farm stay and rugged hiking.
Namib Desert Lodge
Namib Desert Lodge is a good budget option in the Namib-Naukluft although, it is further from Sossusvlei than we'd typically suggest.
Sonop
Away from the hustle and bustle of the area immediately surrounding Sossussvlei, Sonop offers a luxurious stay in a remote part of the Namib Desert.
Camp Sossus
Camp Sossus is a offers top notch guiding in a remote wilderness area of the Naukluft Mountains with easy access to the famous dunes of Sossusvlei.
Desert Hills Camp
Conveniently located for the renowned dunes of Sossusvlei Desert Hills Glamping Camp offers a simple but comfortable tents in picturesque surroundings.
Le Mirage Lodge
Le Mirage Resort and Spa offers accommodation and a range of massage and beauty treatments in a Moroccan-style building in the desert.
Desert Grace
A stylish offering giving access to the famous dunes in the Namib-Naukluft National Park as well as to activities on a private nature reserve.
When to go to Namib-Naukluft National Park
Our month by month guide: What it's like to visit Kulala Desert Lodge in Namib-Naukluft National Park
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Namib-Naukluft National Park in January
January marks the start of the main rainy season. The Sossusvlei area may experience localised thunderstorms, creating a striking contrast against the red dunes. The Tsauchab River might flow, running through the usually dry Sesriem Canyon and out onto the desert sands. The landscape begins to green, offering a refreshing change and a beautiful backdrop. Many birds in the park are in full breeding plumage, their numbers increased by the arrival of summer migrant species. The Naukluft Mountains may see more reliable rains, bringing on nutritious vegetation for mountain zebras, springbok and oryx to feed on.
- Variable weather: hot days, possible rain
- Occasional localised thunderstorms
- Desert blooms if rain has fallen
- Wildlife dispersed, away from waterholes
- Few tourists, lower rates for accommodation
Our view
This is not a great time to visit
Weather in January
Namib-Naukluft National Park in February
February is often the wettest month in Namib-Naukluft National Park. The Sossusvlei area may experience short, spectacular thunderstorms, occasionally generating flash floods in ephemeral rivers. These events can temporarily transform the usually dry landscape, creating stunning photographic opportunities. The park's vegetation is at its greenest, with insects and smaller creatures uniquely adapted to the desert more easily seen. In the Naukluft Mountains, heavier rains can make some hiking trails more challenging but also more rewarding with lush vegetation. Wildlife viewing in open areas like Sossusvlei might be trickier due to the abundance of water and food allowing animals to disperse widely.
- Hot days, chance of rain and thunderstorms
- Desert vegetation lush if rains occurred
- Dramatic skies as backdrop for photographs
- Wildlife still dispersed across the park
- Low tourist numbers, great for solitude
Our view
This is not a great time to visit
Weather in February
Namib-Naukluft National Park in March
March usually sees the main rains tailing off in Namib-Naukluft National Park. The Sossusvlei area may still experience occasional afternoon thunderstorms, but these decrease in frequency as the month progresses. The landscape is often at its most vivid, with the red dunes contrasting beautifully against green vegetation, and often dry gravel plains now covered in waving grasses. This creates excellent photographic opportunities, especially at sunrise and sunset. The Naukluft Mountains may still have some water in streams, making it a good time for hiking. Wildlife viewing can be challenging as animals are widely dispersed, but patient observers may be rewarded with sightings of desert-adapted species.
- Weather becoming drier as month progresses
- Desert landscapes starting to dry out
- Animals looking healthy after rainy months
- Wildlife viewing improving in drier areas
- Few tourists, peaceful park experience
Our view
A good time to visit, with pros & cons
Weather in March
Namib-Naukluft National Park in April
April typically brings dry weather to Namib-Naukluft National Park, with a decreasing chance of rain. Temperatures begin to fall, making it more comfortable for activities like hiking in the Naukluft Mountains or climbing dunes in Sossusvlei. The park often remains verdant from the recent rains, with animals in fantastic condition. This is an excellent time for photography, with clear air and spectacular landscapes. Stargazers will enjoy increasingly clear night skies as the month progresses. Wildlife viewing may still be challenging in some areas as water and food remain in plentiful supply, allowing animals to roam widely. Birdwatching opportunities along the coast, especially Sandwich Harbour, remain impressive.
- Cooler nights, pleasant daytime temperatures
- Landscapes transitioning to golden hues
- Migratory birds begin to leave the park
- Wildlife easier to spot around water sources
- Easter can bring a surge in visitor numbers
Our view
A good time to visit, with pros & cons
Weather in April
Namib-Naukluft National Park in May
By May, Namib-Naukluft National Park is usually drying out fast. If rains have been good, the land remains green, creating a striking contrast with the red dunes of Sossusvlei. Wildlife starts to congregate around more permanent water sources, improving viewing opportunities. The air quality and clarity can be amazing, making this an ideal month for photography, especially in iconic locations like Deadvlei. Typical days are warm with crisp, clear mornings and blue skies, perfect for activities like hiking in the Naukluft Mountains or hot air ballooning over Sossusvlei. Evenings are cool, ideal for stargazing. At the coast, seal pups begin to take to the water and are playful around kayakers. May's good-value rates, increasingly good wildlife sightings, and crystal-clear air make it one of the best months to visit the park.
- Dry, warm days and cool nights
- Excellent photography conditions
- Wildlife returning to waterholes
- Ideal for hiking in Naukluft Mountains
- Moderate visitor numbers, good value
Our view
A very good time to visit
Weather in May
Namib-Naukluft National Park in June
Namib-Naukluft National Park is dry in June, with cloudless blue skies. Days are warm and dry, while nights can be cold, especially in desert areas like Sossusvlei. Early morning game drives or hikes require warm clothing. Wildlife viewing in areas like the Naukluft Mountains improves as animals are more active in cooler weather and seek out permanent water sources. The park isn't busy yet, allowing for a more secluded experience. Photographers benefit from superb air clarity and minimal dust of the early dry season. The contrast between the now-dry landscape and the vivid red dunes is striking, especially in early morning or late afternoon light. June is an excellent time for activities like sandboarding or quad biking in the dunes, as well as scenic flights over the park.
- Clear skies, cold nights and mornings
- Perfect conditions for stargazing
- Wildlife viewing productive at waterholes
- Great for dune climbing and desert walks
- Moderate accommodation rates available
Our view
A very good time to visit
Weather in June
Namib-Naukluft National Park in July
July in Namib-Naukluft National Park offers usually warm daytime temperatures and excellent wildlife sightings. The clear skies and dry conditions make for great photographs, especially of iconic locations like Sossusvlei and Deadvlei. Nights can be very cold, particularly in the desert areas, so warm clothing is essential for early morning activities. As vegetation continues to dry, animals congregate near water sources, improving wildlife viewing opportunities. The Naukluft Mountains may offer sightings of mountain zebra, gemsbok and other hardy desert species. This is a popular time to visit, so book accommodation and activities in advance. Consider seeing the park's vast landscapes and unique geological features by land and by air.
- Dry days, crisp nights ideal for stargazing
- Peak season for Sossusvlei visits
- Cool temperatures for hiking
- Popular time for hot air balloon rides
- Higher rates, book accommodations early
Our view
Fantastic: the very best time to visit
Weather in July
Namib-Naukluft National Park in August
August is the height of winter in Namib-Naukluft National Park. Expect cloudless skies and warm sun during the day, but nights can drop to freezing in desert areas like Sossusvlei. Dress in layers for early morning dune climbs or hikes. The landscape appears stark and harsh, emphasising the park's dramatic geology and beautiful colours. Look out for unique desert creatures, such as the toktokkie beetle standing on his head to catch dew droplets in this dry time. This is the most popular time to visit, especially for families, so book early. Activities like hot air ballooning over Sossusvlei are particularly popular now, offering stunning views of the desert landscape in the crisp morning air.
- Dry climate, warm days and cold nights
- Peak season for park visits and activities
- Sossusvlei and Deadvlei highly photogenic
- Sandboarding and quad biking popular
- Advance booking essential for lodges
Our view
Fantastic: the very best time to visit
Weather in August
Namib-Naukluft National Park in September
September in Namib-Naukluft National Park brings blue cloudless skies and the occasional windy day. As the month progresses, days and nights get warmer. The air becomes dustier, creating atmospheric conditions for photography, especially during golden hour at Sossusvlei and Deadvlei. Desert animals congregate around remaining water and food sources. It's a popular time for visitors, particularly safari enthusiasts. The contrast between the parched landscape and the vivid red dunes is at its most striking. Humpback and Southern Right whales can be spotted off the coast whilst on a marine cruise.
- Warming temperatures, remaining dry
- Excellent month for wildlife viewing
- Naukluft Mountain hikes highly enjoyable
- Whales can be seen along the coast
- High season rates, popular travel time
Our view
Fantastic: the very best time to visit
Weather in September
Namib-Naukluft National Park in October
October is usually the hottest and driest month in Namib-Naukluft National Park. Temperatures can exceed 40°C/104°F, especially in the Sossusvlei area. The end of the dry season sees wildlife watching at its best, particularly around water sources. The stark beauty of the desert is at its peak, with the red dunes of Sossusvlei standing out dramatically against the cloudless sky. This is an excellent time for photography, with dust haze making for spectacular sunsets. Activities like early morning balloon rides or kayaking on cool waters are popular. October is popular among wildlife enthusiasts, but visitor numbers can decrease towards the end of the month, allowing for last-minute bookings.
- Hot and dry, true desert conditions
- Prime time for viewing desert-adapted wildlife
- Sossusvlei dunes at their most dramatic
- Scenic flights offer spectacular views
- Peak rates, book well in advance
Our view
A very good time to visit
Weather in October
Namib-Naukluft National Park in November
November in Namib-Naukluft National Park can be unpredictable. Early in the month, conditions are often still hot and dry, similar to October. As the month progresses, there's an increasing chance of afternoon thunderstorms, particularly in the Naukluft Mountains. These storms can create spectacular photographic opportunities, especially when lightning illuminates the desert landscape. Any rain quickly brings new life, with desert-adapted plants springing up rapidly. This is an excellent time for birdwatchers, with migrant species arriving. Wildlife may begin to disperse if rains come, making game viewing more challenging but animals look healthy, with shiny coats, due to the increase in food. The changing conditions create a dynamic environment, offering visitors a unique perspective on the desert ecosystem.
- Variable weather as rainy season starts
- Possibility of dramatic desert storms
- Landscapes may start to green
- Wildlife dispersing if early rains fall
- Shoulder season, good value for visitors
Our view
A good time to visit, with pros & cons
Weather in November
Namib-Naukluft National Park in December
December is often a dry gap between the short November rains and the main rains in January in the Namib-Naukluft National Park. Occasionally the park experiences dramatic afternoon thunderstorms. These rains transform the landscape, with dormant plants springing to life and dry gravel plains quickly turning green. The contrast between the green vegetation and red dunes creates stunning visuals. Many animals give birth during this time, offering chances to see young wildlife. Birdlife is abundant, with many species in breeding plumage. The holiday season can make the park busier, especially around Sossusvlei, so early bookings are advisable.
- Hot days, possible afternoon showers
- Desert may bloom with early rains
- Migratory birds return to coastal areas
- Christmas brings increase in local tourism
- Mix of green and golden desert vistas
Our view
A good time to visit, with pros & cons
Weather in December
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