Kulala Desert Lodge’s location at the foot of the majestic Sossusvlei dunes allows for stunning views in every direction, while its private entrance to the Namib Naukluft National Park makes it the closest location to Sossusvlei. The camp is ideal for self-drives and groups. Twenty-three thatched ‘kulalas’ (including one family room and two family units) on raised platforms make for airy, comfortable accommodation, and guests can even sleep out on the flat roofs. Afternoons around the pool provide relief from the heat, while the wraparound veranda at the main area overlooks a waterhole, and private tours of the dunes provide the ultimate Sossusvlei experience. - INSIDER TIP - Try your hand at desert photography – whether capturing the red colour of the dunes in the early morning light or the otherworldly tree skeletons standing starkly across the floor of Dead Vlei.
Activities available at Kulala Desert Lodge include;
Visiting Sossusvlei and Dead Vlei
World-famous Sossusvlei is both the name for the area in general as well as an enormous clay pan, flanked by the enormous sand dunes. Nearby, at the foot of some these dunes the skeletons of trees dominate the landscape, where once water flowed. This is known as Dead Vlei.
Visit Sesriem Canyon
This fascinating geographical formation is well worth a visit. The result of millions of years where water carved its way into the earth, Sesriem Canyon is today three kilometres long. Views from the top are breathtaking while walks through the canyon reveal distinct geographical layers which were laid down over aeons.
Nature drives
The 37 000-hectare private Kulala Nature Reserve offers visitors exclusive wildlife-viewing opportunities which include the likes of gemsbok (oryx), bat-eared fox, brown hyaena and birdlife. Enjoy a coffee or sunder stop in scenic parts of the reserve as a highlight.
Walking trails
Walking trails focus on becoming immersed in this remote area, as well as its scenic beauty and the fascinating, and surprisingly, diverse array of insects, reptiles and rodents which make this dry and harsh region their home. The Tsauchab River Trail takes a stroll along the dry riverbed close by the camp.
The sundowner tour
Set out in the late afternoon for a nature drive and complete your excursion in a remote and dramatic spot on the reserve, sipping a gin and tonic while watching the sun set over the distant mountains or dunes.
Star bed
Sleep out under the starry skies of the Namib and be lulled to sleep by the sounds of Africa on the roof or your unit.
Hot air balloon safari*
The balloon safari on the Kulala Wilderness Reserve offers a truly unique experience to soar silently above the magnificent sand dunes and desert, with a champagne breakfast being served at your landing site. *This activity is at additional cost and is closed on 25 December, 1 January and from 15 January to 15 February.
Horse riding safari*
Ride through some of the most spectacular and unusual scenery on the planet on well-schooled horses. Watch the sun go down at a beautiful spot while sipping a drink and then canter back under the stars in time for dinner. *This activity is at additional cost and on request.
Back in 1996 Wilderness Safaris set up their operation on land close to the spectacular Sossusvlei, land that had previously been used for subsistence goat farming, precious little indigenous wildlife remained. A massive programme to remove internal fences and livestock was undertaken and the recovering health of the ecosystem brought the wildlife back. Then, the fence that divided the Kulala Wilderness Reserve (KWR) and the Namib Rand Nature Reserve was dropped, and while those between KWR and the adjacent Namib-Naukluft National Park remain, they are no impediment to the movement of wildlife.
Conservation Safari Company recommends Kulula Desert Lodge as an excelent value lodge with the best access into the national park, (private gate) as well as excellent activities on their private land. Good food, guides and high standards along with access through Wilderness Safaris own flight schedule makes this our most popular lodge in Sossuvlei.
We generally book this lodge on a full inclusive basis - including activities, food and drinks. Please be sure you check with us on what basis you are booked.
4 Nights
Full Board - Dinner, Bed, Breakfast and Lunch
1x Double Room
Safari Lodge
Spoken Languages: English
No. Rooms: 23
Special Interests: Flora, Hiking, Nature, Star Gazing
Desert Rhino Camp offers an original and exclusive wilderness experience and the possibility of seeing some of the largest free-ranging population of desert-adapted black rhino in Africa. The camp, set in a wide valley sometimes flush with grass, has eight comfortable Meru-style tents with en-suite bathrooms. A tented dining and living area and plunge pool offers uninterrupted views of the desert and mountains, while extraordinary welwitschia plants dot the plain in front of camp. Activities include rhino tracking on foot and by vehicle with Save the Rhino Trust trackers (an NGO responsible for the conservation of the black rhino in the area), full-day outings with a picnic lunch, birding and nature drives. Other species seen in the area include Hartmann’s mountain zebra, giraffe, elephant and lion. Desert Rhino Camp is run in conjunction with Save the Rhino Trust so in addition to gaining amazing insight into the ecology and conservation of this area, a portion of guest revenue goes to the Trust and its conservation operations.
Conservation Safari Company recommends Desert Rhino Camp, one of our favourites in the Damaraland region, for its wonderful ambience and the conservation and community driven relationship. Staying here makes a real difference. During your stay, take a visit to the local village to understand more about the livelihood of the community and their relationship with the lodge.
Rates are fully inclusive of meals, drinks (excludes premium options), safari activities and community/conservation levies.
3 Nights
Full Board - Dinner, Bed, Breakfast and Lunch
1x Double Room
Safari Lodge
No. Rooms: 6
Special Interests: Birding, Nature, Wildlife
Immersed in the African Mopani bush, Ongava Tented Camp is a natural extension of this wild and wonderful landscape.
The classic safari style camp is tucked in a hidden valley at the foot of a dolomite hill in Ongava Game Reserve bordering Etosha National Park.
Eight large comfortable Meru-style tents all have en-suite facilities, open air showers and private verandas; the family unit sleeps four. The main area, built of stone, canvas and thatch, fronts onto a much-frequented waterhole; watching wildlife coming to drink from here or from the swimming pool is a favourite pastime.
Ongava’s proximity to Etosha allows for game drives in the Etosha National Park and on the Ongava Reserve itself. Other possibilities include guided walks, birding and visiting hides. Ongava holds one of the largest rhino custodianships for the Namibian government in the country and is one of the few private game reserves in southern Africa where guests can see both black and white rhino.
4 Nights
Full Board - Dinner, Bed, Breakfast and Lunch
1x Double Room
Tented Camp
Spoken Languages: Afrikaans, English
No. Rooms: 8
Special Interests: Birding, Flora, Hiking, Leisure, Nature, Relaxation, Wildlife
