Reviews of Kulala Desert Lodge
Wildlife sightings and reviews
365 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 review"
Our guide, Gabriel, was outstanding throughout. We enjoy a local Bush walk and tracking trip just after arrival. The highlight was an early start to walk up Big Daddy Dune and visit Dead Vlei; here, Gabriel excelled in his care of my wife as she nervously descended the dune face - a big thank you to Gabriel for his kindness and patience.
A tip - if you want to see Dead Vlei before the crowds, go as early as possible and go straight there; see the other parts of the area later. Any delay and you will share your experience with many others!" See all these reviews: 16n in Namibia
"Brilliant location for Sossuvlei"
Our guide for the dunes trip was not as enthused as others we met on the trip, but the excursion itself into the dunes was really amazing - a dream come true.
Food was great and when we left one of the staff spotted some trouble with one of our tires, and arranged for us to see the on-site mechanic who diagnosed damage to the tire wall changed the tire for us, which was amazing - he probably saved us a burst tire on the road!" See all these reviews: 14n in Namibia
"Perfect for the dunes"
There is a small pool, with lounging area around it - it was very cold when we were there!
The main activity is of course a trip into the dunes - it is well organised and the private gate saves a considerable drive and also means you are ahead of the main rush. Other than this we also went on a trip to Sessriem canyon (interesting, worth the drive) and around the reserve (not many animals, but interesting scenery). Our guide Obbie found us some lovely spots for the obligatory sundowners.
Because this is one of the larger camps we stayed in dining is at individual tables rather than communal, so there is less chance for chatting with other guests" See all these reviews: 18n in Namibia
"Superbly situated for visiting the dunes"
The small waterhole provided a few sightings of oryx and silver backed jackals." See all these reviews: 16n in Namibia
"Kulala Desert Lodge review"
Location is excellent provided one is prepared to use the hotel excursions to gain entry to the park
Whilst staying here the travellers took part in a hot air balloon flight and commented:
Everything went according to plan, wonderful experience." See all these reviews: 4n in Namibia
"Very well placed lodge"
We took the early morning trip to Dead Vlei and Sossusvlei. It is an extraordinary area. Our advantage of closeness to the entrance to the park didn't seem to make any difference as we watched a fleet of vehicles from Sesriem flash past us. It was very busy at Dune 45, Dead Vlei and Sesriem and we felt the trip was too hurried. We would have appreciated more time, particularly at Sossusvlei. But it was the peak period so I suppose it was not surprising." See all these reviews: 14n in Namibia
"Great welcome. Ideal location to access dunes"
Stayed in family kulala - actually two separate units with single walkway so kids wanted an adult in each room, which was fine. Plenty of room for third bed in one unit. Slept out on roof one night which was spectacular, chilly but not too cold even in August. Setting quite spectacular but harsh, in site of dunes. A few oryx drinking at waterhole from time to time.
Morning trip into dunes was excellent - but although we had our own vehicle and guide who was good, the main benefits of the trip are really to have direct access into the park to avoid an otherwise even earlier drive round to Sesriem, and 4wd to get to Sossusvlei without using the shuttle. Passed several self-drive 4wd stuck in the sand. Getting pretty hot by mid-morning so kids quite happy to be heading back by lunchtime. Be prepared to do a bit of walking if you want some solitude.
Pool area, central accommodation and bar very pleasant. Food good. Kids menu available if ordered in advance.
Internet connection pretty poor so checkout was a bit slow - be aware if trying to make an early departure." See all these reviews: 16n in Namibia
"Kulala Desert Lodge review"
"Kulala Desert Lodge review"
The chalets/tents were well built and equipped and they have a fantastic option of sleeping under the stars in a small roof area. If you tell the staff you'd like to do it, they set up a mattress on the roof space with a comforter, and hot water bottle. We all did it and loved the incredibly starry night and woke up at sunrise to see a balloon rising in the distance. The staff was very friendly and the food was excellent.
We took advantage of Kulala's private entry way to the park and took one of their guided tours into the desert. While we could have done it ourselves, we saved a great deal of time by going through their entry way, particularly because the regular road from Kulala to the park is long and on some of the worst gravel roads we ran across in Namibia. Also, there are some parts once you are in the desert near deadvlie that are on sand and if you don't know what you're doing and lack a 4x4, there is a risk of getting stuck. Two nights was just right for a desert visit.
As for the balloon, we didn't take it because the cost was ridiculously high. It would have cost our family of 5 over 2K USD for a 45 minute experience. From watching the balloons, we also noticed that they didn't actually go over the desert -- they rise up near the lodge on the edge of the desert, don't go very high, and hardly move. I"m sure its a great experience, but hard to see it being worthwhile for a family. My wife and teen signed up for the eco-bike excursion and had a great time with it." See all these reviews: 14n in Namibia
"Kulala Desert Lodge review"
Cabins / chalets equally lovely with very nice private veranda/terraces in front with the same beautiful views over the desert.
Professional guides, friendly staff - well-organized." See all these reviews: 12n 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.
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.
