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"
I was slightly flummoxed by not being given a key to the room, and felt untrusting when I asked for one. It is a reasonably large lodge with a lot of people staying for a night or two, and we didn't want to leave expensive camera equipment, ipads etc in temptation's way.
My husband and teenage sons went quadbiking with Llewelyn and had a great time. Otherwise we took our own trip into Sossusvlei ( which meant we couldn't use Kulala's gate) in the afternoon. It was v quiet (we had Deadvlei to ourselves), and we still saw the dramatic light on the dunes, but at the end of the day rather than the beginning.
The main lodge, bar, pool, dining area and terraces are excellent, and the food was fine. My only small criticism is that there was obviously a new manager, and there was a sense of the service being a little erratic, ie sometimes monosyllabic responses were given, at other times the staff were so chatty you felt overwhelmed! A member of staff noticed we had a flat tyre and helped to change it which was much appreciated." See all these reviews: 7n in Namibia
"In general, this feedback was really positive and we are delighted. However there were concerns about Kulala and we wanted to reassure your traveller that we have noted them.
When we opened the camp we started by issuing keys to the guests. Unfortunately we started losing keys frequently; we were replacing locks every day for a while. We now issue keys to guests upon request and we keep the keys in the managers office. There is also a safe provided in the rooms for valuables. It does need to be communicated effectively that there is the option for guests to have a key to their room if they require one, and we shall ensure this is being done. We are looking into this process and seeing where we can make improvements, although this method is working well and this is the first time we have seen negative feedback about this.
The camp has undergone a little period of unsettled management due to the re-opening of the lodge with many more guests to cater for. It has been a difficult transition for management and staff alike, but we are confident that things there are now running more smoothly and with the correct support from the operations team will continue to do so.
One of our Operations Team visited Kulala Desert Lodge last week [Ed: around 15-22 Sept 2012] and the managers all seemed very positive and met a lot of extremely happy guests."
"Kulala Desert Lodge review"
Activities were fine and the guide was very helpful and attentive." See all these reviews: 11n in Namibia
"Many thanks for the feedback given through Expert Africa. The Kulala area manager, and our food experience managers, have been in discussion over the menu and preparation thereof at Kulala Desert Lodge and are at present working on areas of weakness that we have noticed, and that have been brought to our attention through constructive feedback such as yours.
We are also placing focus on service and service training, as part of an on-going program throughout our camps, and will ensure that time is spent at Kulala Desert Lodge to investigate where we may have room for improvement. Again, many thanks for the feedback and we regret that your stay at Kulala Desert Lodge was negatively impacted upon as it such a wonderful and unique environment. We hope to host you again in the near future."
"Kulala Desert Lodge review"
"Amazing trip at Kulala Desert Lodge"
The location in particular was absolutely amazing. I also really appreciated that I was able to do everything I planned within the two days that I was there. In addition, everything pertaining to pre-departure and getting in and out of Sossusvlei went extremely well.
I was very happy with my little trip to Namibia." See all these reviews: 2n in Namibia
"Kulala Desert Lodge review"
It is so convenient with its own private gate to Namib Naukluft Park." See all these reviews: 17n in Namibia
"Kulala Desert Lodge review"
The only downside was the dinner. It was decent, but we expected a higher standard for the price. It was more a homely dish rather than restaurant standard." See all these reviews: 2n in Namibia
"Kulala - excellent desert lodge"
Very grateful to those who helped with our tyre problems - they just took it away and dealt with it for us, leaving us feeling very relieved and able to get on with enjoying our holiday. In particular please pass our thanks to George and Philip again.
Enjoyed an excellent Saturday night meal but disappointed on the Sunday. Free house wine not very good and the tempting offer made us choose not to buy a decent bottle. Drop the free wine and offer more wines at reasonable prices.
Dinner was quite late - especially for those rising early for sunrise trip. Why did we have to wait for those returning from sundowners?" See all these reviews: 14n in Namibia
"Kulala Desert Lodge review"
Staff were very attentive, greating us at the car with fresh juice and smiles. As we were checking out, one of the staff members noticed we had a low tire and filled it with air. Nice extra step. The setting and style of the place could not be better. Highly recommend.
These travellers took a Guided Sossusvlei excursion with Kulala Desert Lodge. They commented about this:
It was definitely worth doing if nothing more than to have a good car with someone else driving on the road to Sussuvlei, as our rental car would not have made it. The guide seemed to be in a bit of a bad mood -- maybe he didn't feel well and people can't always be "on", so I wouldn't make too much of that. However, he also wasn't terribly knowledgeable. It also was a bit ruished. We would have preferred to go on our own, so we could have more time at each spot where we stopped." See all these reviews: 13n in Namibia
"Kulala"
Very friendly and welcoming staff. Bar and verrandah exceptionally located.
A little bit far to Sossusvlei in morning (but an acceptable distance) if you don't take their relatively expensive trip in." See all these reviews: 12n in Namibia
"Kulala Desert Lodge review"
Petreus our guide was enthusiastic and knowledgeable.
The dunes experience was incredible, however having left our lodge just after dawn, we had expected to be walking the dunes around sun rise, at least not in the heat of the mid morning, when it was also more crowded." See all these reviews: 9n in Namibia; 9n in Botswana
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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.
