Reviews of Kulala Desert Lodge
Wildlife sightings and reviews
364 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"
It has a good location and private access to the park but you still end up at the dunes at the same time as everyone else. The option of sleeping on the roof was not realistic. A small area above the bathroom with access from outside on a sort of ladder with no handrail. This in full view of the guest area.
Some of the food was so badly cooked it was inedible and no effort was made to correct this. Staff were not exactly attentive and there appeared to be some scam going on with the house wine. No-one, including the manager, was able to give a clear answer to the question of whether wine was included with the meal which it is in this chain of lodges. The wine (boxed) was served from the carafe and when we checked out we were given an unitemized bill. On asking for details the house wine was on the bill. When challenged the member of staff immediately crossed it out as if expecting to.
Morning excursion to Sossusvlei dunes: I expected to be there earlier in the morning having a private entrance. We had to wait for other guests and for the tyre pressures to be checked and I didn't feel we got the best photo opportunities. Our guide was friendly, knowledgeable and helpful and he did a good job." See all these reviews: 18n in Namibia
"Kulala Desert Lodge review"
It would be a good idea for the excursions to be included in the price - almost everyone goes there to see the dunes, so why add £100+ each to the bill?" See all these reviews: 14n in Namibia
"Kulala Desert Lodge review"
"Barking Geckos at Kulala Desert Lodge"
"14km of terrible access road"
So called option of sleeping upstairs on the roof was not catered for.
Best point was location for access to dunes area but debate if worth it overall
In need of improvement
PLEASE NOTE. Trip to Soussevei sand dunes was quite amazing. The guide was excellent and the trip was excellent value lasting 6 hours and more.
Hot air ballooning in the Sossusvlei area booked with Expert Africa - rating = poor
Good experience but most disappointing part of trip, Lack of sights on trip and no sooner in air than pilot concerned about the landing point. Think this is not a good venue for a balloom trip as you do not see the dunes or any wild life on it. Breakfast was a most enjoyable experience." See all these reviews: 16n in Namibia; 6n in Botswana; 3n in Zambia; 3n in South Africa
"Southern Africa Manager"
"Kulala Desert Lodge"
They provided a hot buffet for evening meals, but there was nothing special for the vegetarian, he just had vegetables. On the remaining two nights they had noticed this and made him something - very good.
Really good afternoon tea and cakes/pastries. I like that they produce some of their own vegetables.
Our third night was very windy and quite cold - when we went to bed we found furry hot-water bottles in there. Fantastic.
Did a morning dunes trip with the lodge - very good.
Frustratingly close to the dunes if you want to drive in youself as we did - can't use their private access. This adds three hours to your visit to the dunes. I've ticked 'Excellent' for location, but that was more to do with the ambience." See all these reviews: 11n in Namibia
"Warm welcome"
Climbing a dune and plunging down the steep side into Dead Vlei was great fun, as was the hot air balloon ride we took from here." See all these reviews: 10n in Namibia
"Never seen so many stars at night..."
NB: Just for info... don't know if you've visited the Lodge recently but when we were there they were finishing off some new rooms to be used from end of September 2010. They face away from the really good views.... if we'd ended up with one of them we'd have been disappointed." See all these reviews: 11n in Namibia
"wonderful location"
Lovely layout - verandah pool etc
Open fire a good idea but still rather cold in the building on the first evening" See all these reviews: 14n in Namibia
"A bit of luxury in the desert"
The room was comfortable and elegant and the bathroom had great complementary toiletries. They are very eco friendly and there is a bucket in the shower to collect the water as it's heating up which the maid then takes away to be reused. There is a good selection of trips from the lodge which are pricey, but worth doing, particularly the trip to Sossusvlei via their private entrance. Again you are greeted with a drink when you get back.
The lodge is run very smoothly and professionally and is quite expensive but definitely worth it." See all these reviews: 12n in Namibia
Holiday styles & special interests in Namibia
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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.
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.
