Kulala Desert Lodge
Information
Situated on the private Kulala Wilderness Reserve, Kulala Desert Lodge lies within easy reach of the iconic dunes of Sossusvlei.
Starting price per person
$ 400
What to Expect
Destination: Wilderness Kulala Desert Lodge is ideally situated on 27,000 hectares of pristine private land at the foot of the majestic Sossusvlei dunes, surrounded by miles and miles of ancient desert. Its exclusive-use gate allows guests early access to explore Sossusvlei, one of the most remarkable and photogenic landscapes on Earth.
Experience: The vast dunefields beckon, offering thrilling adventures. Guests can climb Big Daddy, one of the highest sand dunes in the world; hike along the 30-metre deep Sesriem Canyon, where water has carved through the rock over millennia; or take a leisurely stroll near camp along the Tsauchab River Trail. Exhilarating nature drives and guided walks spotting desert-adapted wildlife are also on offer, as well as a family favourite – a guided exploration of the spectacular gravel plains on electric-powered fat-tyre bikes. Perhaps even more unforgettable: take it all in from above, hot air ballooning** over this fantastical landscape. A rooftop sleep-out under millions of stars completes this amazing desert journey.
Highlights
Standard Twin/Double Tent(s) (19 Rooms)
The camp comprises nineteen elegant and comfortable brick and canvas tents under thatch, with twin accommodation and en-suite facilities. Each has been built on a raised wooden platform to maximise the expansive views. Gravel pathways link the tents to the convivial main area. A snug and comfortable private rooftop area for sleep-outs under the stars completes each room, and makes for an unforgettable experience.
Family Accommodation (2 Rooms)
Two spacious family units each have two bedrooms with two three-quarter beds per bedroom, and own en-suite facilities. Separate entrances lead to each family unit, while a shared outdoor deck connects both units.
Wildlife: The area is home to striking desert-adapted wildlife, such as the majestic oryx, (or gemsbok, the national animal of Namibia) as well springbok, spotted hyena, and the occasional brown hyena. Smaller creatures such as bat-eared fox, black-backed jackal, porcupine, Cape fox, and aardwolf can also be spotted. The aptly named dune lark, a true endemic that is perfectly camouflaged by the sand, is a fascinating find, as are a surprisingly diverse array of insects, reptiles, and rodents. Other fascinating critters to look out for include the buck-spoor spider with its multi-entrance burrow – and ambush specialist, the antlion. At dusk the iconic call of barking geckos echoes in the still night.
Nature Drives
The 37 000-hectare (91 429-acre) private Kulala Wilderness Reserve offers visitors exclusive wildlife-viewing opportunities, which include the likes of gemsbok (oryx), bat-eared fox, brown hyena and birdlife. A highlight is a coffee or sundowner stop in the exceptionally scenic reserve.
Visit Sossusvlei & Dead Vlei
World-famous Sossusvlei is both the name for the area in general; as well as an enormous clay pan, flanked by immense sand dunes. Climb the 300-metre red dunes and gaze upon the famed Namib Sand Sea World Heritage Site. Nearby, at the foot of some of these dunes, the skeletons of 900-year old camelthorn trees dominate the landscape where once water flowed. This is known as Dead Vlei. An exclusive-use gate provides direct access at sunrise to the renowned dunes of Sossusvlei and the evocative panoramas of Dead Vlei.
Hot Air Balloon Excursion *
The hot air balloon safari on the Kulala Wilderness Reserve offers a truly exceptional experience – soaring silently above the magnificent sand sea of the Sossusvlei dunes, with a champagne breakfast served at your landing site.
– Optional activity at extra cost, and weather permitting.
– Unavailable for the periods 15 January to 15 February (inclusive), and 25 December and 01 January.
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