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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"Great trip to Soussevlei from Kulala"
The food was excellent with fresh salads and vegetables in the middle of the desert 7 hours travelling from Windhoek or Swakompmund amazing. Great friendly staff who could not do enough for you.
We took advantage of their game drive to Sosssivlei which set off at 5am, well worth doing as they have their own private entrance into the Namib-Nauflunt reserve which saves over 100kms over public roads, we stopped for photo's of the sunrise plus a clamber up Dune 45 before the main attraction which was amazing and surpassed my high expectations!
Also went on a sundowner nature drive which was fun and the guide (Pretorus) was very imformative." See all these reviews: 17n in Namibia
"Kulala Desert Lodge review"
"Kulala Desert Lodge review"
The saff, although helpful, did not seem as happy and friendly as in other camps. The management in this hotel was poor. We booked an early morning call for an activity and the call did not happen, and they had to get a guide out of bed to take us. The bill however was heavily reduced as way of an apology." See all these reviews: 14n in Namibia
"Kulala Desert Lodge review"
December is very warm time of he year- during nights cooled down .
Balloon trip expensive but a must do !! We did Dune 45 and Sossuvlei by hired car = no problem.
Food OK , (one morning no eggs for breakfast ... no problem!!!)
Location is SUPER !!!!!" See all these reviews: 11n in Namibia
"Kulala Desert Lodge review"
We chose to drive ourselves to Sesriem canyon rather than take the guided trip which was quite practicable and definitely worth doing." See all these reviews: 14n in Namibia
"Kulala Desert Lodge review"
Magnificent location.I think we will not forget our 2 nights here for a cvery long time.I would mention that activities are are very expensive.But that aside we thought it was magnificent" See all these reviews: 13n in Namibia; 7n in South Africa
"Southern Africa Manager"
"Best access to the dunes!"
The rooms are delightful separate buildings on stilts - any breeze blows through which helps things to cool down. The swimming pool is another place to get cool - the water is somehow kept almost cold! There are lovely views over the dunes from the verandah of the main building and a little water hole which attracted deer and owls when we visited. The dry river valley provided a safe, easy walk just before sunset with the light playing on the dunes and some springbok surprisingly close-by.
Food was good and staff helpful. As this is probably more upmarket than we were used to, we were amused by being greeted with a cold drink whenever we came back from an outing (whether arduous or not).
Expert Africa organised a scheduled afternoon nature drive, about which these travellers commented:
It was nice to see some of the bush around the lodge and learn about the natural history but also the farm settlement history from our knowledgeable and charming guide. Strange to have some heavy rain in the desert!
Sundowner drinks ended the drive - complete with table, chairs and nibbles which appeared out of the back of the landrover.
Expert Africa organised a morning trip to the dunes, about which these travellers commented:
Worth staying here to be driven into the dunes so quickly in the morning. The early light on the dunes was very beautiful. There were only 4 of us in total so we could enjoy walking on the dunes at our own pace. The climb up dune 45 was definitely worth it - and not too hot early in the morning.
The guide then took us to Dead Vlei where we chose to spend quite a bit of time - such a strange place. The guides were very knowledgeable - stopping to show us interesting plants and animal tracks. He could tell where the snake stopped in the sand - I wonder if it got its mouse! The trip finished with a banquet of a brunch under the trees - out came tables, chairs, plates, and a meat and salad meal which was delicious!" See all these reviews: 13n in Namibia
"Great sunsets over the dunes"
We had pre booked and pre paid for 2 trips on one of our days at the lodge which were good. When we visit this area again though,we will probably go for one of the lodges near to the main public gate and do the trips ourselves as we did not feel the time saved by the private gate justified the cost.
The food was OK though it was always on the cooler side of just warm. The bar and dining room also lacked atmosphere though the pool and terrace were nice and relaxing.
The chairs on our private 'veranda' were very tatty and needed replacing or at least a lick of paint.
Though the comments above are negative we nevertheless had a lovely time here due to the natural beauty of this unique area of Namibia." See all these reviews: 13n in Namibia
"Kulala Desert Lodge review"
The staff here are just out of this world. They are permanently cheerful, enthusiastic to help and to know that you're having a good time. They engage continually with the guests and provide excellent service. They have been very well trained and create an ethos of quality and warmth. Twenty out of ten for them, they are marvellous.
Our guide, Petrus, gets thirty out of ten. His local knowledge, the wonderful things he showed and explained to us, his conversation during our adventures with him, made our stay here one of the finest moments in Namibia. He was not just a guide, he was an encyclopedia, a great person and our guru while we were with him." See all these reviews: 16n in Namibia; 2n in South Africa
"Kulala Desert Lodge review"
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.
