Reviews of Kulala Desert Lodge
Wildlife sightings and reviews
362 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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"stunning view of dunes, wonderful staff"
"Kulala Desert Lodge review"
The service was great too - again they were very accommodating to challenging dietary requirements especially making fresh gluten free bread. The staff were very friendly and our guide Richael was brilliant. We did the nature trail and the morning sand dune drive. The sand dunes drive was excellent - we were taken to climb Big Daddy rather than Dune 45 as is was quieter and less touristy. We climbed the half arm of Big Daddy and it was not that hard at all - and lots of fun coming down.
We stayed two nights and think that this is enough as there are not that many more activities you can do. It is a long drive to get there but well worth it when you get there - highly recommend the lodge!" See all these reviews: 6n in Namibia
"Kulala Desert Lodge review"
Once there they ended up insisting they drive us even though we had the rental car. Had we known we would have flown from Windhoek." See all these reviews: 3n in Namibia
"Kulala Desert Lodge review"
The 'tents' (rooms) were very comfortable and well kitted out, with magnificent views over the riverbed and dunes. We slept on the roof on the first night of our stay - enjoying the magnificence of a night sky unpolluted by light.
The location of the lodge is brilliant - and a great boon that they have their own access to the National Park, which saves a lot of time on the morning drive to Sossusvlei. Having said that, we were certainly not the first to reach the dunes that morning. Whilst it is recommended that you wear enclosed shoes for your trip to Dead Vlei, Sossusvlei etc. I personally believe that sandals with enclosed toes (such as Keens) would be a far better choice - enabling the sand to run out of your shoes whilst still protecting your feet from any nasties.
Whilst we really enjoyed our stay here, the staff seemed somewhat disengaged... which was at odds with the other lodge run by Wilderness Safaris where we stayed a little later in our trip." See all these reviews: 7n in Namibia; 6n in Zambia; 3n in Botswana
"Perfect location to explore the dunes"
That said we had an excellent time - a spacious cabin with the opportunity to sleep under the stars, a great viewing platform over the waterhole with regular Oryx and Springbok plus the food and service - exemplary with the Kudu steak being the highlight!
We did excursions out to the dunes, plus some wildlife drives (where we saw African Wild Cat), a balloon ride and our guide Mathew was great too." See all these reviews: 13n in Namibia
"A great friendly dune lodge"
The dunes activity is well worth booking onto - the guide, Mathew, was very informative, and the landscape is incredible. He even managed to spot a young spotted eagle owl from quite some distance which enabled us to go right underneath it and look at it. This activity also includes a lovely lunch back at the lodge - you cannot fault any of the food at this lodge. The frittas and soups were amazing, along with the warm breads.
The morning we were leaving we went on the hot air balloon (the lodge will book this if you ask them). Well worth doing, and hence well worth staying two nights so you can fit both the dunes and the hot air balloon in. Only small niggle we would say is that the rooms are a little dark even when the lights are on so its hard to see things. However again hot water bottles were very welcome and the lovely honeymoon surprise." See all these reviews: 12n in Namibia
"Kulala Desert Lodge review"
"Kulala Desert Lodge review"
Returning from drives we were always welcomed with a cold towel and drink. Despite the numbers at mealtime the food arrived quickly and was excellent.
Best croissants at breakfast ever!" See all these reviews: 14n in Namibia
"A lodge with a few"
Comming into the lodge you will be drawn to the magnificence vieuw!!!!
The staff is very warm, personal and helpfull.
The chalets are large safaritents (sleeping) and a clay ensuite bathroom. Everything very clean. (note: the shower is not flexible, difficult if you wash your hair) In front of the tent is a wooden platform wit chairs and of course the vieuw. There is enough space between the chalets. It is possible to sleep on the roof. Sounds good but it is very cold during the winter. I tryed it but after one hour I was too cold. (may)
In the main area are, inside and outside, very comfortable places to sitdown.
The food is tastefull. But dining is a little bit stiff. It felt formal.
One of the great advantage of Kulala is the private gate into the park.
I enjoyed my stay very much. The highlight was the day into the Naukluft National Park. It was beautiful! I had a very good gide.
In the future when I can effort it, I will chose a smaller lodge. Say something about me and not about the quality of Kulala Desert Lodge." See all these reviews: 13n in Namibia
"Kulala Desert Lodge review"
The thatched kulalas were delightful." See all these reviews: 16n in Namibia
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.
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.
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.
