Reviews of Kulala Wilderness Camp
(92%) From 63 travellersThey do not necessarily represent the views of Expert Africa.
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Kulala Wilderness Camp review
Not in the same league as some of the other places we stayed at, but we had a very good time and the staff were incredibly welcoming.
Read more about the whole safariKulala Wilderness Camp review
Complimentary house wine with dinner was a bonus.
Read more about the whole safariKulala Wilderness Camp review
Overall, we were disappointed with KWC.
First, the camp is nearly 2 hours away from Sossuvlei and the reserve on which it is set is really nothing special (though we were coming from Wolwedans so maybe this was just several notches below and we were influenced by why we had left). This means that the focus is really Sossuvlei, but the day trip is quite tiring so we were a bit stuck on the second day.
Also, we happened to be there at the same time as about 15 travel agents/TOs so on the second day there was actually no car to take us anywhere, until we complained and Enrico managed to find a car from KDL, but it wasn't smooth anyway. In the end we made our own arrangements and went back to Sossuvlei with our car.
We were not impressed by the work of the 2 managers, Enrico and Petronella. They were not particularly nice nor efficient: we didn't get a mosquito net for our daughter until the last of 3 nights, which caused a lot of discomfort and dozens of bites, Enrico didn't organise properly our visit to Neuras winery when we left (miscommunication with the daughter of the owners, who in the end thought we were not coming), the problem with the car mentioned above, etc... Generally the staff are less efficient and friendly than elsewhere and we blame the managers for this.
Finally, this is not a camp for kids. I share a part of responsibility as I insisted to go there, but with the high platforms with no proper fencing (around the pool or dining area or in the room -> inexplicably, we were given the room with the highest elevation between the balcony and the ground, surely not a clever choice for a family with a child) and the type of activities on offer, our 2-year old had a difficult time and so did we.
On the positive side:
Our guide was very good: Dawid.
The swimming pool and the views were great.
The camp has the "Wilderness Safaris" touch insofar as the atmosphere and ambiance at the camp are great, we made good friends with some other guests.
stunning establishment and location
The main lodge is delightful and the room/cottage spacious, confortable and beautifully decorated in a Namibian style with a private terrace giving access to the spectacular views. All the staff were very welcoming - nothing seemed too much trouble.
My guide, Robert, was outstanding, excellent company and added hugely to the trip with his extensive knowledge of the area and wildlife.
Kulala Wilderness Camp review
Again stunning location and enjoyed informative drive from Wolwadens.
Ambience a little poorer than others - possibly due to lighting (dark or stark!)
Our first disappointment
Something about Kulala didn't add up for us. We were greeted by the exuberant Petronella, who told us they were suffering from snakes, scorpions and mosquitos (none of which we saw) and that the water wasn't drinkable.
We felt a bit pressurised to sign up for activities but declined the sunset drive (which at 650 we thought was expensive). The virtually all day trip to the dunes and the Sesriem canyon was also fairly pricey but felt like good value and was well worth it - we had an excellent guide. The food was okay (although the staff felt as though they were in training) but not as good as we'd experienced previously and the rooms (we were in 1) basic but comfortable.
The mosquito netting - the only time we had to use it during our trip - had some holes in it, as did the netting on the windows which was a bit of a concern given what we'd been told about mosquitos. I did enjoy the 'loo with a view' though that might leave some people feeling exposed. And it was very hot - but that is not their fault! It did leave us concerned that we were to stay in two further Wilderness Safari lodges but in fact both the others (Doro !Nawas and Ongava) were much better - the latter probably the best of the whole trip.
The 7km drive to the lodge was in poor condition - a trial at the end of a long day.
a real wilderness location
We were told their road was fine for 2 x 4 vehicle but in parts it was very treacherous. Certainly a good 15 minute drive from the main road. We loved Moses' greeting at the reception point. Very friendly.
It should be born in mind that if clients are not brilliant on their feet it can be a quite a long walk over uneven paths from some of the tents. Very friendly welcome.
Trip to the dunes was very good although we felt the guide could have been a bit more forthcoming on information - we felt that although he was very knowledgeable, we had to ask the questions rather than it be spontaneous.
We had our first and only puncture at Kulala but they were very helpful in changing it for us. At Solataire they did not have a new tyre the correct size so we had to have it repaired.
The last road D854 from Bullsport was appalling and made the last part of the journey very tedious
We found all the guests very friendly and pleasant. The tents were good and spacious and we loved the open window infront of the loo!
Kulala Wilderness Camp review
This is an excellent lodge. The manager met us on arrival and made feel very welcome and gave us information about the lodge, safety issues and activities available ect. All the staff were extremely helpful and friendly and took a real interest in their guests.
We had a fantastic early morning trip out to the sand dunes, Sossusvlei and Sersiem - the guide was very knowledgeable and helpful.
At this lodge I wasn't well and the staff were so considerate, visited me in my room, offered to bring my dinner down to me and made every effort to offer me food that I could eat - I felt really well cared for.
Also here we had a slow puncture and the manager arranged to have it repaired for us.
Balloons and Dunes with the best guide
This was a lovely camp extremely friendly and well run.
The guide who was assigned to us for our introductory sundowner tour and early morning visit to the dunes was Moses who was excellent, friendly and informative and obviously cared passionately about his country and its wildlife. The dunes were majestic and stunning in appearance. I didn't climb "Big Daddy" but the daughters went part way.
Sesreim gauge was awe inspiring and golden in the evening light - more sundowners, I could get used to this way of life!
On our last morning the balloon ride was magical - what more can be said. An experience I would not have missed for anything and would love to repeat some day.
We have always believed that acting responsibly is the only way to approach tourism and we're one of
the few companies to hold AITO's original coveted 5-star status for responsible tourism. It's a lead
that others are now following.
