Reviews of Kulala Desert Lodge
Wildlife sightings and reviews
363 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"
Food was good but it was very rushed, dinner was over in about 45 mins
They sang at night but noone told us so we missed it the first night!
Manager pleasant but always running around
NOt a a tranquil place at all.
Staff pleasant but a bit distant, talking over the room at each other, there was no sense of calm or serenity here at all
Rooms ok but nothing special which is what we had asked for so felt let down here.
Desert trip - annoying as we kept stopping on the way in so got there fairly late! Our guide Nanguei was very pleasant though all the way through." See all these reviews: 15n in Namibia
Kulala Desert Lodge was in line with the budget of this trip; it was one of the more costly places included. If we’d included Little Kulala, that would have been by far the most expensive place on the trip. However, we have apologised for not discussing Little Kulala with these travellers in more detail before their trip was decided upon. Everything we do is tailor-made … so we don’t usually ‘put’ anyone anywhere.
We’re naturally concerned about the comments on the management and staff here, and have passed them back to head office, and the camp.
"Southern Africa Manager"
"Great location - awful service"
Our room was also not very clean with quite a lot of sand about and large balls of fluff and dirt in the wardrobe.
However, this was only the beginning. At dinner my wife was served the only 2 vegetables she does not eat as her main course. We then had to wait a long time while the restaurant staff then went through my wife's dietary requirements in detail! Eventually we were served an acceptable meal but by then it was getting quite late.
Because of the problems the previous evening, my wife and I did not get "brunch" at Sossusvlei at the end of our dune excusion and instead were taken back early to the lodge for lunch there which consisted of a greek salad (less feta cheese and cucumber!!!) - ie an olive and lettuce salad with a few tomatoes. As a final insult the lodge tried to charge us for 2 beers with the lunch which were freely available at no cost on our dune excursion, not to mention the complimentary glass of wine which they gave us the night before while we waited 2 hours for our dinner!!
It is also worth noting that having been on holiday in Southern Africa for 23 days, this was the ONLY lodge/B&B which served tinned fruit salad at all mealtimes when fresh fruit was freely available.
At lunch on our final day, we sat down with the staff and wrote out again a list of my wife's dietary requirements which we asked them to pass on to Doro Nawas and Wilderness Zambia.We also discovered that the list Kulala had received from Wilderness was considerably shortened and while this would normally excuse them a little, the fact that they refused to run through the detail on our arrival was Kulala's fault alone.
Overall this stay was very disappointing and very poor value for the money we paid." See all these reviews: 9n in Namibia; 3n in South Africa
By way of apology the lodge has refunded the cost of the morning excursion to the dunes at Sossusvlei.
"Manager & Senior Africa Specialist"
"Welcomed by pale chanting goshawk"
Great location overlooking dry river bed and convenient for driving yourself to Sesrium Canyon and the dunes. Accommodation very good, safe bolted to wall." See all these reviews: 12n in Namibia
"Lovely setting, stunning dunes"
We enjoyed the morning dune drive, JJ our guide was a wealth of knowledge & great fun, unfortunately one of our party was ill and missed the morning drive, but JJ went out of his way to make up for this with our afternoon nature drive when we were all fit and healthy again, this was a real highlight, to see the dunes in different lights was quite spectacular.
The accommodation was excellent, unfortunately too cold at night to want to sleep under the stars (next time) and northing was too much bother, we felt quite pampered. The chocolate tart was the best pud of the trip." See all these reviews: 17n in Namibia
"stunning desert lodge"
We asked to sleep outside on our roof and in a twinkling bedding was set up - all noiselessly and with great politeness. Shooting stars and clear skies and I woke at dawn to see the balloons floating off in the distance. The catering staff did an impromptu dance and songs one evening which we loved. This broke the formality. Great idea to have the tea station from 3pm onwards as children can get hungry at that time. Really appreciated the welcome drinks on arrival all done in great style and on arriving back from the dunes too.
We felt the balloon trips were very expensive so didnot do one. Would have loved to have more dancing/singing from local staff as this is one of the few chances to see local Namibians do their own thing. Staff were so polite and attentive to us. LIked the rooms too. Perhaps they should emphasise more the chance of sleeping outside on roof as it really is special!" See all these reviews: 16n in Namibia
"Kulala Desert Lodge review"
The guide on the early morning drive to Sossusvlei was excellent - as was brunch - and the same was true for the afternoon walk" See all these reviews: 14n in Namibia
"Fantastic desert experience"
Our chalet style room looked out onto a fantastic view and gave a real feeling of being in the wilderness. We also took an organised trip to the Dunes at sunrise with a guide called David who was entertaining and informative. A great place to stay!" See all these reviews: 11n in Namibia
"Kulala Desert Lodge review"
"Kulala Desert Lodge review"
"Kulala Desert Lodge review"
Balloon ride was fantastic.
We were not given key to our chalet but having a key was not necessary. Wonderful relaxation area with comfortable chairs and fire." See all these reviews: 11n 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.
