Reviews of Little Kulala
Wildlife sightings and reviews
74 independent comments and wildlife information from our travellers who have visited Little Kulala and kindly agreed to share their thoughts. They do not necessarily represent the views of Expert Africa
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"Little Kulala review"
Oryx
10 sightings
Zebra
1 sighting
"Little Kulala review"
Helmeringshausen - possibly the tidiest and most perfect little stopping place with the best equipped shop which we visited plus hotel, petrol station & museum
Approach to Sesriem on C27 - terrible gravel road in really poor condition.
Little Kulala
Upsides: Wilderness camps are just another level, from the stunning design and interiors of the main areas to the impeccable service and welcome. Singing to welcome you, cold towels and drinks every time you return, and singing to say farewell, you can’t help but feel like the royal family. The food was incredible, unexpectedly so, beautifully presented and wonderful flavours. My personal upside was the outdoor bed on our deck which they make up for you every night whether you sleep in it or not. Absolutely wonderful sleeping outside, with the jackals and hyenas, the stars and the delicious fresh air.
Activities: Marcus wasn’t our favourite guide because he was difficult to hear (for Hugh) and spoke very fast so Hugh missed a lot of the information. But we had good trips to Sossusvlei & Dead vlei and Sessriem Canyon, and fun quad biking round the camp
Downsides:
Having been so self sufficient we weren’t used to handing over the car and someone else being in charge. On a fully inclusive basis you are very much on their schedule and this took a bit of getting used to (eg very early starts for activities, long game drives when we had just been in the car for hours already). However, once you start we found you get hooked. And even seeing the same animals or the same landscape, there is always something new to learn about behaviours, environment & conservation. Having thought we might duck out of some of the activities due to Hugh’s convalescence, I don't think we missed a single activity.
No comfortable chairs on the deck outside our room. Chairs in the main area also needed an extra cushion to make them comfortable (this may have been Hugh's discomfort following an operation)" See all these reviews: 20n in Namibia
Brown Hyena
1 sighting
Oryx
1 sighting
"Little Kulala review"
We had a very lovely reunion with our guide Alfred. He took really good care of us and especially of my 80 year old mother. Alfred is the BEST. He has a lot of knowledge and he learned us a lot about his tribe, the San. He helped me picking fresh bitter bush which I have dried at home, and I am using it to steam with. He also showed us an old San cave with very very old paintings. And he taught us a game with holes and little stones. We really had fun together and beautiful conversations.
The food is tasteful. We enjoyed it, and we really appreciated diner in the desert on our last evening. The staff makes sure that you really keep hydrated by constantly topping up your water.
You don't come to Little Kulala for the animals. You come here to feel the desert wind and to visit the dunes. That is why we give 'activities' an average score.
As we stayed here, the main building of Kulala Desert Lodge burned down. We checked the website on our return but there is not a word about the fire. Also not a word about the other lodge, somewhere in there north, that was also burned down." See all these reviews: 12n in Namibia; 5n in Botswana; 2n in Zimbabwe
"Senior Africa Specialist | Southern Africa & Seychelles"
Oryx
10 sightings
Wildebeest
10 sightings
Zebra
1 sighting
"Little Kulala review"
Accommodation was great and food good.
The staff were all prepared to go that extra inch. Hugs when we left and we’re sorry not to stay longer. Would return" See all these reviews: 13n in Namibia
"Little Kulala review"
Staff went way out of the normal to entertain us and make our stay memorable. Liselle and James (manager) superb, but others, whose names I have not remembered, equally worthy of praise.
Game drives with Geraldo, and drive/climb up 'Big Daddy' at Soussvlei, fantastic - and then the sundowners!
Slept twice under the stars!" See all these reviews: 14n in Namibia
Brown Hyena
1 sighting
Oryx
5 sightings
"Little Kulala review"
This is the place to be to visit the dunes at Sossusvlei, although it takes well over 30 minutes to get to the area which is invariably more crowded than anywhere else we were likely to visit. However, with an excellent guide, Simon, and a very comparable couple from Switzerland in the vehicle with us we had an excellent time. This included looking for game, with the usual suspects being supplemented by two really exciting species: cape fox (just peeping up out of its burrow at sunset, and a brown hyena which we had set our hearts on seeing.
We also did the balloon trip (not, if I recall mentioned in advance to us by Expert Africa) which was simply marvellous, even with a 4.30 wake up call and a very major currency drain. Our first ever ballon trip, setting off at sunrise, travelling for an hour and finishing with a luxurious (apart from the sparkling wine!) breakfast seated at tables in the middle of the desert where we had landed. Unmissable.
The other highlight for my husband if not for me, was a quad biking ride though the desert at sundown. Each villa has a plunge pool in an outdoor courtyard area, and an outside bed for star gazing. We were lucky to be there with no moon and the skies were a marvellous sight. Plenty of shooting stars too: unforgettable.
Food very good and a very well run place in all respects, with very friendly and helpful staff" See all these reviews: 17n in Namibia
Brown Hyena
1 sighting
Oryx
Multiple sightings
"Little Kulala review"
Special mention to Managers, Jonathan, Wilson and Guide Akser" See all these reviews: 10n in Namibia
Oryx
10 sightings
"An Oasis in the Desert"
Our guides were fantastic and knowledgeable; Simon in particular was incredible, carrying water and functioning as our cheerleader as we ascended Big Daddy (no easy feat!). At the lodge, the staff were friendly and attentive. We also enjoyed the cuisine, which was varied, plentiful, and wonderfully prepared. The main lodge was beautifully appointed, a testament to the recent redesign. While not as lovely as the main lodge, the rooms were very comfortable, featuring strong air conditioning, large decks perfect for stargazing (with outdoor beds made by the staff each night!), and cold plunge pools.
Lastly, we appreciated Wilderness' commitment to the environment and its use of solar throughout the property." See all these reviews: 16n in Namibia
Oryx
Multiple sightings
"Little Kulala review"
The rooms have all you could need and more - personal plunge pool, a bed to sleep outdoors night or day, binoculars in case you don’t have any, rooftop access to provide a view of the desert, indoor and outdoor shower. The food was great with dinner being served on the terrace and, on our second night, a braai next to the campfire under the stars. Breakfast was served before the activities of the day started. The included activities were also great - with a dedicated and attentive guide dedicated to ensuring we were able to see and do all we wished.
On our first evening we went on a nature drive and stopped for the most amazing sunset we have ever seen; the next morning we were up and out very early in order to reach Sossusvlei and Deadvlei as close to sunrise as possible. He supported our walk up the dune next to Deadvlei and provided a lot of information on the area and the changes since the recent heavy rains. After many photos we moved on and stopped by Sossusvlei which had water (following those heavy rains in February). Amazing to see this as it happens so rarely (~11 years since last there was water).
We then stopped at Sesriem Canyon - again, with water. Beautiful to see although it was not possible to walk the canyon, just view from one end and above. That evening, Quad biking was fun and gave an opportunity to see some great views and some animals very close up as they / we passed us by.
All in all, an excellent place to stay with fantastic service and experiences." See all these reviews: 22n in Namibia
Brown Hyena
2 sightings
Oryx
10 sightings
Wildebeest
10 sightings
Zebra
10 sightings
"Little Kulala - our favourite"
Recently refurbed, good food and wonderful staff. A sensitively restored private concession with private access to the national park which contains the dunes, Deadvlei, Sossusvlei etc.
If this is an option for you - go for it!" See all these reviews: 10n in Namibia
Brown Hyena
2 sightings
Giraffe
1 sighting
Oryx
10 sightings
Wildebeest
1 sighting
Zebra
3 sightings
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.
Kulala Desert Lodge
The comfortable Kulala Desert Lodge offers fantastic views of the Namib and a private gate to the Namib-Naukluft Park - a bonus on guided excursions.
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.
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.
