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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"Good base for a desert adventure"
The rooms were wonderful and the opportunity for some to sleep out on the roof. The overall service was fine, but a bit sloppy. We were not given fully accurate information on arrival and not fully briefed on possible activities. That said, it was correctly assumed we would visit the dunes in the morning and we thoroughly enjoyed our outing on the fat-tire bikes - not to be missed!
Food was fine, but definitely the poorest of our ten days in Namibia.
This lodge could improve its game I think - it is trying to be high end but falls a bit short." See all these reviews: 9n in Namibia
Brown Hyena
1 sighting
Oryx
10 sightings
"Great place in largely unspoiled desert"
Oryx
Multiple sightings
"Excellent “Back Door” to Sossusvlei"
The sand storm was still raging the following morning, but this then highlighted the advantage of staying at this lodge. Although we had booked the morning trip to Sossusvlei, we had been expecting that this might be cancelled. However, our guide, Alfred, assured us that it was "good to go". And so it was. Starting early, we made it to Deadvlei, which was quite an eerie experience in the storm. By the time we got back to Sossusvlei, the storm had worsened, and we learnt later that many tours had only got that far before turning back. For us, it was really worth staying at Kulala for its private gate. The only downside of the experience was that the zoom function of one of our compact cameras stopped working, because of sand in the mechanism - photographers beware!
The Sesriem Canyon trip, which we joined in the evening, was not really worth it. Alfred, our guide, was entertaining enough, but if you have your own vehicle, then it is easy to get there and you won't miss much by doing it yourself.
Food at Kulala was OK, but some of the meat courses unimaginative; vegetarian options rather better. The house wine (2 glasses included in D, B&B) was very reasonable.
Checkout was a somewhat chaotic affair, as we had to wait for bar accounts to be sorted; and the promised help with our luggage never materialised. Overall our impression was favourable, but with a few "niggles"." See all these reviews: 20n in Namibia
Oryx
4 sightings
"Kulala Desert Lodge"
The Sossusvlei sand-dunes were amazing.
The only criticism was the unevenness of the paths out to our room." See all these reviews: 18n in Namibia
Oryx
10 sightings
"Good"
"Kulala Desert Lodge review"
We loved the conservation ethos (no single use plastics, conserving water etc).
Dinner on the deck was great, and the singing from the staff added to the atmosphere." See all these reviews: 17n in Namibia
Oryx
10 sightings
"Kulala Desert Lodge review"
We did two tours and the guide was helpful and knowledgeable. Activity pricing seemed higher than anywhere else we stayed. Oryx snoozing in the shade of our room was pretty special. Food was fine.
Roads on the the 2-3 hrs prior to reaching the lodge was a little substandard." See all these reviews: 12n in Namibia; 2n in Zimbabwe
Oryx
10 sightings
"Kulala Desert Lodge review"
Right on the edge of the National park so access to dunes was shorter - and we did make it to the top of the dune before MOST people - though I think you could self drive from the main gate and get there just as quickly.
The decent from the dunes down into Deadvlei was great fun." See all these reviews: 15n in Namibia
Oryx
1 sighting
"Great desert vibe"
Oryx
5 sightings
Zebra
2 sightings
"Overpriced"
There is no benefit to staying at KDL as regards to getting into the park early. The dunes were swarming with people who had come from Sesriem by the time we arrived." See all these reviews: 7n in Namibia
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.
