Kulala Desert Lodge – Namibia
The mighty ochre dunes and the salt pans dotted with blackened lifeless trees are one of Namibia’s most evocative sights. It’s a landscape of unimaginable barren beauty. Kulala Desert Lodge sits on the edge of the Namib-Naukluft National Park, with private gated access to the dunes at Sossusvlei and the remarkably stunning Deadvlei.
It appears like a little oasis, with its thatched buildings that blend in with its surroundings and waterhole which attracts animals adapted to the arid conditions, from oryx to ostriches and jackals. It’s a place from which to explore, then return to relax by the pool with a sundowner in hand, then later, sleep under the Milky Way on your private roof.
At A Glance
Luxury Lodge
Why We Love It:
An incredible lodge on the edge of Sossusvlei and with an exclusive-use gate from the property you can access Dead Vleli before the crowds.Style:
Traditional desert rustic chic.Location:
On the border of the Namib-Naukluft National Park in 27000 hectares of private land – 30 minutes from Sossusvlei.Rooms:
23 simply furnished clay and canvas en-suite cottages.Swimming:
A lodge pool with a partially shaded deck.Children:
Families with children of all ages are welcome, with two family cottages.Accessibility:
There are no facilities for guests with reduced mobility.Open From:
All year round.rooms
Strung along the ridge from the main part of the lodge, the simply furnished clay and canvas en suite cottages are all built on stilts. They come with covered decks and a platform on the roof for sleeping under the stars. There are two slightly larger cottages for families.
food
Dining at Kulala Desert Lodge is convivial and the menu delicious.
The covered dining room has expansive views of the desert, whilst guests can also eat by the pool.
Sundowners with champagne and canapés are a highlight, as are the morning game drive breakfasts.
activities
This remote desert location is perfect for those who love being far from the beaten track and revel in extraordinary landscapes. Each of the activities here is centred around this landscape, from the morning and night game drives, seeing specially adapted wildlife and the ever changing colours of the sand and rock. Climbing the dunes is an early morning activity – Big Daddy is the tallest at 325m high – and watch out for the little footprints of lizards and other local residents.
No trip here will be without an excursion to Deadvlei – the ancient salt pan dotted with skeletal trees. The nearby Sesriem Canyon, formed millions of years ago, offers wonderful views – take a guide who can show you all sorts of flora and fauna you might miss. The lodge also has fat bikes with which to explore. And for a bird’s eye view, a dawn hot air balloon trip will be imprinted on your memory for a long time. At the other end of the day, as the sun begins to dip, head out with a sundowner picnic, then return to camp for dinner and marvel at the stars in the big African sky.
family
The lodge welcomes families with open arms.
Children under 16 must share a room with an adult, and the minimum age for guided walking is 13.
An excellent place for families to adventure together.
Location
Namib-Naukluft National Park, Namibia
On the border of the Namib-Naukluft National Park – 30 minutes from Sossusvlei, just under a five hour drive from Windhoek, or a flight to the Geluk airstrip followed by a 30 minute drive
