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Kulala Desert Lodge

Kulala Desert Lodge

Sossusvlei & Sesriem, Namibia

Kulala Desert Lodge

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Kulala Desert Lodge is a characterful desert property that has been constructed in a traditional African style, with clay buildings, wood and wicker furniture and high thatched ceilings. The main area includes a cozy lounge with an open fireplace, a dining area that extends outdoors, a plunge pool surrounded by shaded seating and sun loungers and a wraparound veranda overlooking the riverbed, where you can sit out and take in the wonderful views over the Namib Desert.

Days are spent exploring the area’s desert-adapted wildlife and the dramatic landscape of the Sossusvlei dunes, while back at the lodge you can dine alfresco in the fading light before sleeping on your rooftop to appreciate the star-filled night sky.

OUR OPINION:

We think this desert dwelling has a truly unique character. As the closest lodge to Sossusvlei, you’re in the perfect position to get an early start and take advantage of the morning light in the dunes.

OUR RATING: First Class

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Audley Travel Specialist Tom

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Photos of Kulala Desert Lodge

  • Kulala Desert Lodge, Sossusvlei
    Kulala Desert Lodge, Sossusvlei
  • Each tent at Kulala Desert Lodge has plenty of space and impressive views
    Each tent at Kulala Desert Lodge has plenty of space and impressive views
  • Kulala Desert Lodge, Sossusvlei
    Kulala Desert Lodge, Sossusvlei
  • Kulala Desert Lodge, Sossusvlei
    Kulala Desert Lodge, Sossusvlei
  • Comfortable and spacious tents at Kulala Desert Lodge
    Comfortable and spacious tents at Kulala Desert Lodge
  • Kulala Desert Lodge, Sossusvlei
    Kulala Desert Lodge, Sossusvlei
  • Kulala Desert Lodge, Sossusvlei
    Kulala Desert Lodge, Sossusvlei
  • Kulala Desert Lodge, Sossusvlei
    Kulala Desert Lodge, Sossusvlei
  • Kulala Desert Lodge, Sossusvlei
    Kulala Desert Lodge, Sossusvlei
  • Kulala Desert Lodge, Sossusvlei
    Kulala Desert Lodge, Sossusvlei

Rooms

Accommodation is in individual thatch and canvas units, which are built on raised wooden platforms to optimize on the views and the cooling breezes. Each features an en suite bathroom, a veranda with sweeping views over the desert and a private rooftop terrace where you can choose to sleep beneath the stars. The rooms are simply but comfortably furnished with large double beds, wicker seats and traditional-style lanterns, which provide an authentic desert camp atmosphere. They also feature lots of windows to ensure plenty of natural light and ventilation.

Location

The lodge is situated within the 270 square kilometer Kulala Wilderness Reserve in the arid Namib Desert. With a private entrance to Namib Naukluft National Park, it offers the closest accommodation to the rolling red dunes of Sossusvlei. A variety of desert-adapted wildlife can be found within the reserve, including ostrich, springbok, black-backed jackal, hyena, gemsbok, porcupine and bat-eared foxes, as well as diverse birdlife and reptile species.

Food and drink

The restaurant at the lodge serves tasty international cuisine, which can be eaten alfresco while looking out over the surrounding landscape. At sunset, enjoy a scenic sundowner as the desert changes color in front of you. This can be done at the lodge itself or as part of a nature drive in a more remote spot out in the reserve.

Families

There are several family rooms available at the lodge, which can accommodate up to two adults and two children.

Facilities and activities

The lodge has a pool in which to cool off during hot afternoons, as well as a lounge area where you can relax with a good book. The waterhole in front of the lodge attracts wildlife such as oryx, ostrich and jackal, providing excellent photo opportunities. Activities available include day and night game drives, guided nature walks, eco-sensitive quad biking, horse riding safaris and hot air balloon rides.

Local excursions

Sesriem Canyon is well worth a visit during your stay. Formed over millions of years, it’s around three kilometers long, offering breathtaking views and walking trails. Your stay also wouldn’t be complete without visiting Sossusvlei, a huge clay pan surrounded by sand dunes. Those who are more active can climb the area’s highest dune, 325 meter Big Daddy, to enjoy wonderful views across the desert from the top, with the ascent taking around an hour and a half. You may also wish to visit Deadvlei, another salt pan where skeletons of trees form an eerie presence.

Tour ideas in Sossusvlei & Sesriem

Our itineraries are there to spark ideas for how you could include a stay at Kulala Desert Lodge as part of your trip. Treat them simply as suggestions, because every aspect of the trip we create for you will be yours to define.

Location & places nearby

Places & hotels on the map

    Alternative places to stay nearby

    Where possible, we like to offer a range of accommodation for each stop of your trip, chosen by our specialists as some of their favorite places to stay. To help you make the right choice, we give each property a rating based on its facilities and service, but we also look for hotels with distinct character or a location that can't be bettered.

    View all accommodation in Sossusvlei & Sesriem

    Experiences while staying here

    The following activities are designed to give you the most authentic experiences of the area where you're staying. We work with local guides, who use their knowledge and often a resident's eye to show you the main sights and more out-of-the-way attractions. Our specialists can also suggest outdoor pursuits and activities, such as cooking classes, that will introduce you to the traditions of the area's inhabitants.

    • Sossusvlei Dune Excursion
      Dead Vlei

      Sossusvlei Dune Excursion

      Sossusvlei Dune Excursion

      Enjoy the amazing scenery of Sossusvlei, and maybe take a short walk to Deadvlei, a bizarre collection of ancient camelthorn trees, or climb the nearby dunes.

      View details
    • Sunset Horse Riding
      Sunset ride from Desert Homestead

      Sunset Horse Riding

      Sunset Horse Riding

      Riders wind their way across the grassy plains and through ancient water courses and eventually up a steep mountain track, where a friendly barman with a selection of cocktails awaits them.

      View details

    Sossusvlei & Sesriem and nearby places