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"
A general point is that Expert Africa could perhaps give a little more guidance on self guided trips from some of the lodges, as an alternative to those provided (at quite a high cost) by the camps themselves. The Namibia guidebook provided is good, but some personal hints and tips from Expert Africa would be very helpful.
I did raise one safety point in my feedback to the camp - the ladders to the roofs on the lodges (on which you can sleep otdoors) were not secured at the top and an accident is likely to happen eventually." See all these reviews: 13n in Namibia
"Kulala Desert Lodge review"
Very interesting river bed walk.
Excellent food first night but average second night." See all these reviews: 17n in Namibia
"Kulala Desert Lodge review"
But we felt the activities are very expensive though, and what made it worse was the management couldn't explain why (we didn't think most of it was for the guide and it couldn't have been the transport cost or entrance fees, we checked the cost of the latter one...).
We asked two members of the management, once when confirming to go on the trip and in the end when paying. In general the quality of information by the management was not as good as in many other lodges.
Fortunately we did have an excellent guide on our trip to the dunes (Petrus), which is why I wouldn't rate service as "poor"" See all these reviews: 17n in Namibia; 2n in Botswana; 2n in Zambia
"Kulala Desert Lodge review"
We had a wonderful trip to Dune 45 and a sundowner to Sesriem canyon with Christoph, the best guide we had during our holiday to Namibia.
All the other staff were very attentive , courteous and professional, so much so we were sad to leave this wonderful place." See all these reviews: 15n in Namibia; 3n in South Africa
"Kulala Desert Lodge review"
The staff were very helpful and friendly
The food was good but I did feel that the puddings (quality rather than choice) could be improved upon." See all these reviews: 5n in Namibia
1) About their Morning excursion to dunes:
Christoph, our guide, was great. He was friendly, helpful and knowledgeable.
It was really great - just right. Plenty of time to explore or just to watch the sun rise.
2) About their Early morning balooning trip:
Unfortunately this was cancelled on both occasions (apparently no one was able to go ballooning all week) due to the wind.
"Kulala Desert Lodge review"
The evening nature drive with N'gway (sorry for the spelling) was very infomative and he assisted John in and out of the vehicle in a very helpful and friendly manner.
The tour was expensive (compared to Anib Lodge which was a third of the price) although perhaps that is fairly standard in the Sesreim area." See all these reviews: 13n in Namibia
"Kulala Desert Lodge review"
It also take a very long time (6-7hrs) even without punctures or other probs. Lodge was very good but couldn't seem to arrange a bedroll for the roof area.
Very friendly and enthusiastic staff, but seperate tables kept guests very seperate from each other so little interaction. Not sure why we were on half board as this caused some confusion as to what was included." See all these reviews: 11n in Botswana; 4n in Namibia; 2n in Zambia
"Kulala Desert Lodge review"
I feel guest should be aware how expensive the trips are with camps under the Wilderness Safaris group, and it's a bit of a shock when you find out. Given how cheap things are locally, it's surprising to find out the main activities are around €100 per person for a 1/2 day trip.
We did the dune trip as that was the main reason for being there and it was an excellent experience. Our guide (Naguiri) was very knowledgable and really looked after us. We also did the self-guided walk along the river bed near the lodge and came across quite a few antilope.
The location can't be beaten as you can see the dunes from the lodge and watch the sunset over them from the deck, and their private entrance into the National Park is a real bonus for getting there for the sunrise." See all these reviews: 14n in Namibia
"Kulala Desert Lodge review"
"Dune with a View !"
The proximity to the dunes and the easy access via the private gate into the Sossusvlei National Park are a real bonus here, allowing one to lie-in until 5am before heading out on a sunrise dune drive (!). However it is a long (about 14km) and very rough drive to the camp from the main road.
Very welcoming staff as always, nice to find husband and wife teams again.
Very high quality of accommodation-shown by the high quality of things like the bed linen, pillows , towels and toiletries. Food was excellant.
Staff entertained us with singing in the dining room after dinner-excellant. Our guide Dawid was very knowledgeable and coped well with the mixed fitness levels in our group.
The one and anly thing I could say was less than perfect was the swimming pool which looked somewhat dirty.
Balloon flight - Absolutely wonderful.
We were almost late due to a problem with our pick up (they went to the wrong lodge), but we made it just in time. I liked the fact it wasnt too crowded-the basket held 16, and there was plenty of room.
The pilot, Astrid, was amazing, and took us up to 900m, and then down to just a few metres above the ground, and rotated the basket so that everyone got a good view of everything from all directions. We actually didnt see much wildlife - a few springbok, oryx and ostrich, but the scenery was wonderful. The flight lasted about an hour and was followed by a very good champagne breakfast. Pricey, but an unforgettable experience." See all these reviews: 12n 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.
