Reviews of Kulala Desert Lodge
Wildlife sightings and reviews
366 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
0% success
0% success
95% success
21% success
15% success
11% success
5% success
4% success
2% success
0% success
0% success
"Kulala Desert Lodge review 2024 July"
Being on the Kulala Wilderness reserve in the Namib-Naukluft National Park, the location is ideal, the lodging/rooms are amazing, the food and drink are excellent and plentiful, and the staff are superb. Indeed, the friendliness of the staff stood out as a highlight of our entire tour of Namibia. The guide, Anna, was brilliant and knew everything about the flora and fauna; we were so impressed. And she was a real pleasure to talk with, as she was willing to share a bit about herself when asked - providing a fascinating view into the local culture. Thereza, Emilie, and the rest of the staff were equally a pleasure talk with and to get to know.
The night sky was amazingly clear and the sunsets were stunningly gorgeous - we have never seen such vivid, saturated orange and blue colors. The sky is matched by the vibrant hues of the sand dunes and mountains. The view from the room of the sky and distant dunes was wonderful.
Deadvlei was spectacular, much like the photos we've all seen. Expect a lot of people, but if you are patient you can find a pretty quiet and private area. There isn't much to see at Sossusvlei itself, but do expect the most intense "African massage" you can imagine - the intense/violent vibration from driving on the rough and sandy road should be taken seriously (more on this later). And we did see several vehicles stuck in the sand, one of which was stranded overnight. Sesriem was an interesting canyon and a chance to do a short hike. Seeing the campsites and lodging nearby, it made us appreciate how special Kulala Desert Lodge is.
Among the animals we saw were springbok, oryx, blackback jackals, ostriches, social weaver birds, and a Ruppall's Koorhan bird." See all these reviews: 11n in Namibia
Brown Hyena
1 sighting
Oryx
5 sightings
"Kulala Desert Lodge review"
We felt a tad disappointed by the staff around mealtimes. Staff seemed to be a bit confused or reluctant when we ordered drinks and food. Almost like they were in training ... not fully confident with the guests and the menus. All were lovely and helpful, but it just felt like they weren't up to speed on their services." See all these reviews: 6n in Botswana; 5n in Zimbabwe; 4n in Namibia; 1n in South Africa
Oryx
Multiple sightings
"Kulala Desert Lodge review"
Very friendly staff.
Beautiful approach by car to the hotel." See all these reviews: 14n in Namibia
"Kulala Desert Lodge review"
Excellent food and beautiful main lodge. Appreciated the wildlife and plant info boards.
We did the early morning drive in to the dunes/ Dead Vlei, which was amazing - we would happily have gone earlier to take more advantage of arriving before the crowds, as Kulala has its own gate (although they may have found that other guests don't want such an early start?).
Our guide was friendly but not particularly informative, so we decided not to do a guided afternoon activity." See all these reviews: 13n in Namibia
Oryx
10 sightings
"Kulala Desert Lodge review"
Oryx
10 sightings
"Kulala Desert Lodge review"
Oryx
Multiple sightings
"Kulala Desert Lodge review"
All the staff were very welcoming and the food was great.
We took part in the trip to the desert in the morning and a more general drive in the afternoon. Both were with the same guide, who was very knowledgable, and same group of other guests which made it feel very sociable.
Would definitely recommend." See all these reviews: 12n in Namibia
Oryx
Multiple sightings
"Kulala Desert Lodge review"
Giraffe
Multiple sightings
Oryx
Multiple sightings
"Kulala Desert Lodge review"
Groups for the cars were well planned - we were with a similar family.
Sleeping on the roof with extra blanket and hot water bottle was a special experience.
Whilst the location and individual staff were good overall the team seemed a “step behind” compared to other lodges we stayed at. Others anticipated the rhythm of the day whilst during our stay this lodge was full and staff seemed to be on the back foot." See all these reviews: 16n in Namibia
Oryx
4 sightings
"Kulala Desert Lodge review"
Great food/bev, staff, room!" See all these reviews: 22n in Namibia; 3n in South Africa
Oryx
Multiple sightings
Wildebeest
Multiple sightings
Zebra
Multiple sightings
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.
