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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"Kulala Desert Lodge review"
Excellent trip to the dunes for dawn with a serious walk up a dune away from the crowds. Then on to Sossussvlei and some more tremendous sightseeing. Excellent roof terrace for sunset viewing.
Food good on one night but very poor on the other, with meat managing the rare feat of being both fatty and stringy. Staff very keen to help but perhaps overly so at the dining table where glasses, cutlery and crockery were removed before they were finished with.
There also seemed to be a lack of local autonomy or ability to make relatively minor decisions. This was not a major issue, but as later became apparent, seemed a characteristic of the lodges managed and staffed by Wilderness Safaris. We were later informed that all decisions are taken at HQ in Windhoek, even down to choice of menu, but this may not be wholly accurate." See all these reviews: 17n in Namibia
"Kulala Desert Lodge review"
"The dunes were spectacular"
The common areas, particularly the dining room, need a bit of work---the dining area looks like a "canteen," and the lighting is horrible.
The guide who took us to the dunes was excellent, and hiking those magnificent dunes in the early morning light was a wonderful experience.
Rating probably would have been excellent had the food and the atmosphere in the dining room been a bit better (the food was probably the worst we had in 2 1/2 weeks in Namibia)." See all these reviews: 17n in Namibia; 3n in Botswana
"A highlight of our holiday"
The food at this lodge was not up to the same standard as we got elsewhere although was still better than average." See all these reviews: 18n in Namibia
"Kulala Desert Lodge review"
The rooms were a bit more basic than expected and could definitely do with some refurbishment. The staff were fantastic and we particularly liked the guide David." See all these reviews: 13n in Namibia
"Kulala Desert Lodge review"
The sand dune activities were also very enjoyable despite the early start, and picnicing in the desert was very civilised." See all these reviews: 16n in Namibia
"Kulala Desert Lodge review"
The staff here are very friendly and are only to happy to accomodate any of your needs, and you can join in with singing and dancing on alternate evenings but don't worry they don't pressure you join in, it is good fun to watch to, or sit by the open fire!
We had a brilliant guide Piertrus taking us on a sundowner nature drive and to watch the sunrise on Dune 45 along with a drive to Deadvlei, you can do these excursions yourself and save a few quid but we found the information the guide gave us very useful and would recomend it." See all these reviews: 13n in Namibia
"Kulala Desert Lodge"
Even the two guides who came upon us changing our punctured tyre before we had even reached the lodge could not have been any more helpful and cheerful!
Perhaps the only suggestion I would have is that if visitors are planning a hot air balloon trip, then to arrange this for their first full day in this area. Unfortunately we had ours planned for the day we were leaving and due to a sandstorm the previous day, the winds were still causing problems the following day so we were unable to do our balloon trip. If we had been staying another day, we might have then been able to do the balloon trip the next day." See all these reviews: 11n in Namibia; 2n in Zambia
"wonderful trip to the dunes & peacefull lodge"
"Kulala Desert Lodge review"
The rooms were lovely and our two kulalas were attached by a short verandah which was nice. However, there was a lot of noise from the generator until quite late and from cars arriving late and leaving early. There was also some bad smelling water in front of our lodge, perhaps from a leaking drain? The pool area was nice.
Rather than pay the very high price for an organised trip, we drove ourselves to Sossussvlei, which was really not far and was much cheaper as we just had to pay the park entrance fee. It also gave us the option to spend as long or as little time at the dunes as we wanted. The canyon is easily missed with the excitement of seeing Dune 45, but was really worth the walk." See all these reviews: 18n 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.
