Reviews of Kulala Desert Lodge
Wildlife sightings and reviews
353 independent comments and wildlife information from our travellers who have visited Kulala Desert Lodge and kindly agreed to share their thoughts. They do not necessarily represent the views of Expert Africa
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"Kulala Desert Lodge great"
The only issue was finding the place! The instructions we were sent indicated that it was signposted from the C27 road but the map on p260 of the Bradt guide showed the route going from Le Mirage and so we thought we had missed the turning. We stopped at the place advertising ballooning to ask and the woman there directed us so we did eventually join the usual route from the C27. It was after sunset and so were starting to worry a bit but all was fine in the end.
And when we left a couple of days later we did see the sign from the C27, we just hadn't gone far enough." See all these reviews: 14n in Namibia
"Kulala Desert Lodge review"
The main course in all the meals we ate was always well cooked and full of flavour. Dessert was disappointing, though; cheesecake was still frozen and creme caramel (served with cinnamon replacing the caramel) was bland. This didn't spoil our experience. We enjoyed our time there and they helped us celibrate our wedding anniversary by presenting us with a bottle of sparkling wine.
This was a great place to see and photograph the stars, we were fortunate that the moon set early in the evening while we were there. As it is outside the park, it is not possible to be at the dunes at sunrise and photographers may be disappointed by the crowds that have beaten them to locations like Dead Vlei.
We thoroughly enjoyed the early morning balloon flight with its wonderful champagne breakfast. We were hoping to pass over the dunes but wind conditions meant that that was not possible. Even so, it was a great experience." See all these reviews: 17n in Namibia
"Kulala Desert Lodge review"
Very Eco friendly hotel which was great and hot water bottles in bed (it was close to zero degrees Celsius at night when we were there) highlighted the attention to detail. Lovely communal area with a roaring fire. Standard of food was excellent with particularly good breakfast. Early morning trip to sand dunes lived up to expectations but if you visit in July ,as we did ,bring down, merino or fleece as it's very cold for the first few hours. It was also refreshing to see black Namibians in management roles.
All the staff were excellent and great with kids (one young man played chess with Tom our 8 year old boy)" See all these reviews: 22n in Namibia
"Disappointing"
They seems to cater for people without their own transport and charge a ludicrous amount to drive to the dunes through a "private entrance" which guests who self drive are forbidden to access. Do NOT waste your money on that if you have a car. We drove round through the main entrance and saved about £150 for four people. They could do so much better with not much more work.
The dunes themselves are great. Highly recommended. Just do it yourself. Very easy indeed." See all these reviews: 7n in Namibia
"Kulala Desert Lodge is amazing"
The staff were excellent and couldn't have been more helpful and the food was great." See all these reviews: 12n in Namibia; 2n in Zambia
"Kulala Desert Lodge"
"Kulala Desert Lodge is a super place to stay"
"Lovely setting"
It was difficult getting the meals clarified even with prior information about my food restrictions. This lead to some awkward (for staff) pre meal discussions. Could have been avoided.
I'm a sensitive person so perhaps I would feel this more than others but I didn't get the feeling that the staff enjoyed their work or working in that environment . There was a tension in the place I didn't experience elsewhere. While I was using the computer next to the office I heard on several occasions one staff person (manager?) scolding another very loudly." See all these reviews: 6n in Namibia
"Kulala Desert Lodge review"
--> Of the four camps we stayed at in Botswana and Namibia and the restaurants we went to in the non-Safari part of our trip (Swakop, Vic Falls and Cape Town), the food at Kulala was close to the worst. It was the only place that I regularly passed on a dish or ate a fraction of the food. My kids seemed to think it was fine and ate without complaints.
--> We found the guide who took us into Sossusvlei to be fine, but he was fairly disengaged and only offered up any comments when asked specific questions." See all these reviews: 7n in Namibia; 5n in Botswana; 2n in Zimbabwe
"Warm welcome at Kulala Desert Lodge"
Holiday styles & special interests in Namibia
From birdwatching breaks to walking holidays, find great ideas for your trip in Namibia.
Other 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.
Zebra River Lodge
Zebra River Lodge offers a range of hikes around the Tsaris Mountains from a comfortable and homely base.
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.
Corona Guest Farm
In central Namibia, north-east of the Namib-Naukluft, Corona Guest Farm offers a traditional farm stay and rugged hiking.
Elegant Desert Lodge
Elegant Desert Lodge can be used as a base to visit Sossusvlei. It offers comfortable accommodation and facilities in the desert.
Namib Naukluft Lodge
Namib Naukluft Lodge offers clean, comfortable rooms with pretty views, although it's 60km from the Sesriem Gate into the Namib-Naukluft Park.
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.
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.
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.
Solitaire Country Lodge
Solitaire Country Lodge is a good stop-off on the way to Sossusvlei and can be used as a base to explore the Naukluft Mountains.
Desert Hills Camp
Conveniently located for the renowned dunes of Sossusvlei Desert Hills Glamping Camp offers a simple but comfortable tents in picturesque surroundings.
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.
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.
The Nest
Designed to emulate the appearance of a sociable weaver nest the opulent Nest at Sossus is arguably the most exclusive private property in the Sossuvlei area.
