Wilderness 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-one thatched and canvas tents (including two family units), each built on raised wooden platforms make for airy, comfortable accommodation, with a rooftop area for sleep-outs under the stars. 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'S 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.
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Activities and Services
Wilderness Kulala Desert LodgeCredit: WildernessThe comfortable and elegant main area lounge opens onto sweeping views of the Kulala Wilderness Reserve.
Wilderness Kulala Desert LodgeCredit: WildernessThe guest tents have been built on raised wooden platforms to maximise their expansive views.
Wilderness Kulala Desert LodgeCredit: WildernessCan you even say you've been to Kulala Desert Lodge if you haven't climbed Big Daddy dune?
Wilderness Kulala Desert LodgeCredit: WildernessTake a nature drive to explore the otherworldly landscapes around the lodge.
Wilderness Kulala Desert LodgeCredit: WildernessExplore the reserve on a fat-wheeled e-bike, before stopping for a welcome sundowner.
Wilderness Kulala Desert LodgeCredit: WildernessDead Vlei is an enormous clay pan, flanked by the immense sand dunes of Sossusvlei.
Wilderness Kulala Desert LodgeCredit: WildernessA Kulala balloon safari offers the truly unique experience of soaring above the magnificent Namib Desert landscape. Activity at extra cost and closed on 25 December and 01 January, and from mid-January to mid-February.
Wilderness Kulala Desert LodgeCredit: WildernessAn e-bike ride is a fun way to explore the spectacular open plains with your guide.
Wilderness Kulala Desert LodgeCredit: WildernessKulala Desert Lodge's lounge area is elegance personified.
Wilderness Kulala Desert LodgeCredit: WildernessThe generous proportions of the main area mimic the sweeping vistas over the Kulala Wilderness Reserve.
Wilderness Kulala Desert LodgeCredit: WildernessUnobtrusive earth tones define the decor in the main area.
Wilderness Kulala Desert LodgeCredit: WildernessExplore the ancient dunes around Wilderness Kulala Desert Lodge.
Wilderness Kulala Desert LodgeCredit: WildernessThe lodge's main area was completely rebuilt in early 2024, with modern stretch canvas tents replacing the previously thatched roofs.
Wilderness Kulala Desert LodgeCredit: WildernessLight and airy neutral tones lend a fresh sense of place to the main area.
Wilderness Kulala Desert LodgeCredit: WildernessAppetising treats are a feature of every menu offering.
Wilderness Kulala Desert LodgeCredit: WildernessEnjoy a tasty lunch feast outside on the deck.
Wilderness Kulala Desert LodgeCredit: WildernessThe granite bar-top adds a sophisticated touch to this public space.
Wilderness Kulala Desert LodgeCredit: WildernessThe thatch-and-canvas guest tents are spacious, with roomy decks for private dining, or a quiet pre-dinner drink.
Wilderness Kulala Desert LodgeCredit: WildernessDown-to-Earth Kulala Desert Lodge is comfortable, and perfect for groups, families, and self-drive guests.
Wilderness Kulala Desert LodgeCredit: WildernessDead Vlei is arguably the most photogenic landmark in an area bristling with extraordinary natural beauty.
Wilderness Kulala Desert LodgeCredit: WildernessDiscover an abundance of desert life on a guided nature walk.
Wilderness Kulala Desert LodgeCredit: WildernessThe inviting pool area beckons for sundowners, or a refreshing dip.
Wilderness Kulala Desert LodgeCredit: WildernessA special occasion is celebrated over a romantic private dinner.
Wilderness Kulala Desert LodgeCredit: WildernessA private table for two in the desert.
Wilderness Kulala Desert LodgeCredit: WildernessStart your evening with a fascinating tasting of fine South African wine from our cellar.
Wilderness Kulala Desert LodgeCredit: WildernessThere are a number of exceptional spots to celebrate with a loved one over a private dinner.
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.
Wilderness Kulala Desert LodgeCredit: Wilderness
Wilderness Kulala Desert LodgeCredit: Wilderness
Wilderness Kulala Desert LodgeCredit: Wilderness
Wilderness Kulala Desert LodgeCredit: Wilderness
Wilderness Kulala Desert LodgeCredit: Wilderness
Wilderness Kulala Desert LodgeCredit: Wilderness
Wilderness Kulala Desert LodgeCredit: Wilderness
Wilderness Kulala Desert LodgeCredit: Wilderness
Wilderness Kulala Desert LodgeCredit: Wilderness
Wilderness Kulala Desert LodgeCredit: Wilderness
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.
Wilderness Kulala Desert LodgeCredit: Wilderness
Wilderness Kulala Desert LodgeCredit: Wilderness
Wilderness Kulala Desert LodgeCredit: Wilderness
Wilderness Kulala Desert LodgeCredit: Wilderness
Wilderness Kulala Desert LodgeCredit: Wilderness
Wilderness Kulala Desert LodgeCredit: Wilderness
Wilderness Kulala Desert LodgeCredit: Wilderness
Wilderness Kulala Desert LodgeCredit: Wilderness
Property Facilities
Bar, Internet Access (Complimentary), Library, Pool
Room Facilities
Electrical Outlets, Fan, Internet Access (Complimentary), Laundry Service (Available), Laundry Service (Complimentary), Mosquito Nets, Safe, Tea / Coffee, Verandah
Available Services
Credit Card Facilities
Activities on Site
Bird Watching, Cycling, Game Drives, Sleep Outs, Walks (Guided)
Activities Nearby
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.
Credit: Wilderness
Credit: Wilderness
Credit: Wilderness
World-famous Sossusvlei is both the name for the area in general as well as an enormous clay pan, flanked by immense sand dunes. 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.
Wilderness Kulala Desert LodgeCredit: Wilderness
Wilderness Kulala Desert LodgeCredit: Wilderness
Wilderness Kulala Desert LodgeCredit: Wilderness
Wilderness Kulala Desert LodgeCredit: Wilderness
Wilderness Kulala Desert LodgeCredit: Wilderness
This fascinating geographical formation is well worth a visit. The result of millions of years of water carving its way into the earth, today Sesriem Canyon is three kilometres long. Views from the top are breathtaking, while walks through the canyon reveal distinct geographical layers which were laid down over aeons.
Credit: Wilderness
Credit: Wilderness
Credit: Wilderness
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 guests on a stroll along the dry riverbed close by the camp.
Wilderness Kulala Desert LodgeCredit: Wilderness
Wilderness Kulala Desert LodgeCredit: Wilderness
Wilderness Kulala Desert LodgeCredit: Wilderness
Wilderness Kulala Desert LodgeCredit: Wilderness
Wilderness Kulala Desert LodgeCredit: Wilderness
Wilderness Kulala Desert LodgeCredit: Wilderness
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 sweeping dunes.
Wilderness Kulala Desert LodgeCredit: Wilderness
Wilderness Kulala Desert LodgeCredit: Wilderness
Wilderness Kulala Desert LodgeCredit: Wilderness
Credit: Wilderness
Wilderness Kulala Desert LodgeCredit: Wilderness
Ideal for introducing your family to the natural wonders of Namibia, take in the sweeping scenery on fat-wheeled e-bikes. A fun way to explore the spectacular open plains with your guide.
Credit: Wilderness
Credit: Wilderness
Credit: Wilderness
Private rooftop area for sleep-outs accessed by a wooden staircase behind each tented guest room. Sleep-out under the twinkling skies in the Namib Desert, and be lulled to sweet slumber by the magical night sounds of Africa.
Wilderness Kulala Desert LodgeCredit: Wilderness
Wilderness Kulala Desert LodgeCredit: Wilderness
Wilderness Kulala Desert LodgeCredit: Wilderness
Wilderness Kulala Desert LodgeCredit: Wilderness
Wilderness Kulala Desert LodgeCredit: Wilderness
The balloon safari on the Kulala Wilderness Reserve offers a truly unique experience – soaring silently above the magnificent sand sea of the Sossusvlei dunes, with a champagne breakfast served at your landing site.
* This activity is at additional cost on 25 December and 01 January, and from mid-January to mid-February.
Credit: Wilderness
Wilderness Kuala Desert LodgeCredit: Wilderness
Credit: Wilderness
Credit: Wilderness
Credit: Wilderness
Your Stay
2 Nights
Your Rooms
1x Kulala/s
Fast Facts
Lodge
Spoken Languages: English
No. Rooms: 23
Special Interests: Flora, Hiking, Nature, Star Gazing
Wilderness Hoanib Skeleton Coast Camp | Hoanib River
3 May 2020 - 6 May 2020
The name “Skeleton Coast” conjures up romantic images of desolate beauty, and proudly remote Wilderness Hoanib Skeleton Coast Camp in the Kaokoveld does not disappoint. The dry bed of the Hoanib River supports a thin green ribbon of vegetation and the wild beaches of the Atlantic coast are within reach, with their noisy seal colonies and eerily quiet shipwreck remnants.
Eight large en-suite tents (including one family unit) and the main area provide shady viewpoints, while nature drives into the surrounding area reveal a wealth of desert-adapted wildlife. Desert-adapted lion and brown hyena may also be glimpsed in this vast but far from lifeless landscape.
INSIDER'S TIP: On a stay of three nights or more, a coastal excursion to The Skeleton Coast is included. Usually involving a drive down to the coast and a flight back to camp, to see such a diverse area both on the ground and in the air.
The camp comprises seven pale olive, luxury tents peaking like whitecaps on an ocean of sand. These well-insulated tented suites – with free-flow stretch canvas roofing, floating concrete foundations on stilts, en-suite facilities, and spacious private deck – offer a perfect escape from the excursions of the day. Gravel pathways link the tents to the convivial main area.
One stylish family unit consists of two bedrooms, each with two three-quarter beds and own en-suite facilities. Separate entrances lead to each bedroom, while a shared spacious outdoor deck offers shaded seating for relaxing and taking in the spectacular views of the surrounding desert with a sundowner in hand.
Property Facilities
Bar, Library, Pool
Room Facilities
Electrical Outlets, Fan, Internet Access (Complimentary), Laundry Service (Complimentary), Lounge Area, Mini Bar, Safe, Tea / Coffee, Verandah
Available Services
Credit Card Facilities
Activities on Site
Bird Watching, Game Drives, Walks (Guided)
Activities Nearby
Nature drives showcase the magnitude of this wondrous lunar-like landscape and offer the best possibilities of seeing unique desert-adapted wildlife. Morning or afternoon drives are available, as well as full-day excursions. Attractions include true desert oases found in the Hoanib floodplains; as well as habitats being home to desert-adapted elephants, gemsbok, giraffe, and springbok.
Guided nature walks from camp take in the magnificent surrounds, as well as offer a glimpse at vestiges of the Strandloper (Beachcomber) lifestyle from hundreds of years ago. A thought-provoking opportunity to study the smaller creatures that survive in this seemingly barren landscape, and be astonished at the fascinating plant life of the concession.
* Weather permitting and subject to the availability of a qualified walking guide.
On a stay of three nights (or more) full-day excursions to the Skeleton Coast are offered. This fascinating 4x4 trip to the coast takes you via the wilderness and wildlife of the Hoanib River and floodplain, which include Klein Oases Spring and driving through a dune field – while the Skeleton Coast itself reveals a rocky coastline with its huge Cape fur seal colonies and shipwreck remains. Following a picnic lunch, the return flight back to camp offers a magnificent perspective of your journey from the air.
* Typically, harsh desert conditions prevail in this area with regards to heat, fog rolling in from the sea, high winds and flooding rivers. On occasion, these conditions may affect the duration and routing of the excursion, with guests being driven both ways or – as is the case when it rains and the floodplains fill with water – flown both ways.
Operating within our concession area and on offer to all guests, these trips leave camp early in the morning, include a picnic lunch, and return to camp in the mid to late afternoon. It includes Mudorib Springs, exploring remote areas in the south of our allocated exclusive concession area, with the red basalt landscapes of the Damaraland. Amongst other general game species, guests have the chance of seeing Angolan giraffe and desert-adapted rhino. In the northern and eastern area of the Hoanib, the valleys offer spectacular scenery.
* Subject to private vehicle availability, to guarantee this excursion a private vehicle needs to be booked and paid for.
Hoabnib Skeleton Coast CampCredit: Wilderness
Hoabnib Skeleton Coast CampCredit: Wilderness
Hoabnib Skeleton Coast CampCredit: Wilderness
At the Hoanib Research Centre, presentations by, and interactions with, wildlife researchers are possible when they are in camp. These valuable insights cover all current research being supported at Hoanib, in particular the vital work conducted by Dr Philip Stander and his team studying the unique desert-adapted lion. Learn about the tragic Vanishing Kings lion coalition, as well as the ancient stories and legends of the Skeleton Coast.
* Subject to the availability of researchers when in camp, and conducted in the research centre.
Birding enthusiasts are sure to enjoy the diverse avifauna of the northern Palmwag Concession, from soaring raptors to charming Namaqua sandgrouse; as well as other regular endemics including Rüppell's korhaan, Benguela long-billed lark and Verreauxs' eagle.
Set amongst shady trees on the banks of the Kunene River, Wilderness Serra Cafema is one of the most remote camps in southern Africa, its Portuguese name originating from the mountains that dominate the northern skyline. Guests fall asleep to the sound of rushing water, while by day they explore one of the driest deserts in the world.
Activities here are varied, including boating (water levels permitting), walking, viewing breathtaking landscapes, as well as carefully guided quad-bike excursions that tread lightly on the dunes. In this isolated region, the Himba people continue their nomadic, traditional way of life and when in the area, guests have the opportunity to meet them and learn about their lifestyle and traditions.
INSIDER'S TIP: Most authentic Himba cultural experience in all of Namibia!
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Video
Rooms
Facilities
Activities and Services
Wilderness Serra CafemaCredit: Wilderness
Wilderness Serra CafemaCredit: Wilderness
Wilderness Serra CafemaCredit: Wilderness
Wilderness Serra CafemaCredit: Wilderness
Wilderness Serra CafemaCredit: Wilderness
Wilderness Serra CafemaCredit: Wilderness
Wilderness Serra CafemaCredit: Wilderness
Wilderness Serra CafemaCredit: Wilderness
Wilderness Serra CafemaCredit: Wilderness
Wilderness Serra CafemaCredit: Wilderness
Wilderness Serra CafemaCredit: Wilderness
Wilderness Serra CafemaCredit: Wilderness
Wilderness Serra CafemaCredit: Wilderness
Wilderness Serra CafemaCredit: WildernessExperience sweeping vistas over the endless dunes
Wilderness Serra CafemaCredit: WildernessDrinks stop with an expansive view
Wilderness Serra CafemaCredit: WildernessThe Himba are nomadic hunter-gatherers indigenous to the Kunene Region
Wilderness Serra CafemaCredit: Wilderness Himba children grow up in the care of the village women
Wilderness Serra CafemaCredit: WildernessHimba women are famous for covering themselves with otjize paste [a cosmetic mixture of butterfat and ochre pigment]
Wilderness Serra CafemaCredit: WildernessThe Himba live in one of the harshest environments on Earth
Wilderness Serra CafemaCredit: WildernessNile crocodile occur in this area of the Kunene and are often seen at Serra Cafema
Wilderness Serra CafemaCredit: WildernessGoliath heron takes flight along the Kunene River
Wilderness Serra CafemaCredit: WildernessGemsbok crossing the Cafema dunes
Wilderness Serra CafemaCredit: WildernessOryx in the dune field near Serra Cafema
Wilderness Serra CafemaCredit: Wilderness
Wilderness Serra CafemaCredit: Wilderness
Wilderness Serra CafemaCredit: Wilderness
Wilderness Serra CafemaCredit: Wilderness
Wilderness Serra CafemaCredit: Wilderness
Wilderness Serra CafemaCredit: Wilderness
The camp comprises seven ultra-spacious canvas en-suite rooms under thatch. Each has been built on a wooden deck, with elevated walkways linking them to the main area. The view from each suite is spectacular, overlooking the Kunene River and mountains of Angola.
The suites’ elegant interior design pays homage to Himba culture, and each includes a comfortable sunken seating area, an extra-large bed with a canopy and netting, and indoor and outdoor showers. The large deck is ideal for private dining or simply unwinding and soaking in the sights and sounds of this unique wilderness.
There is one spacious family unit consisting of two bedrooms, each with two three-quarter beds and their own en-suite facilities. Separate entrances lead to each bedroom, while a shared outdoor deck connects the units.
Property Facilities
Bar, Library, Pool
Room Facilities
Electrical Outlets, Fan, Internet Access (Complimentary), Laundry Service (Complimentary), Lounge Area, Mini Bar, Mosquito Nets, Outside Shower, Safe, Tea / Coffee, Verandah
Bird Watching, Boating, Game Drives, Massages, Quad Biking, Walks (Guided)
Activities Nearby
Cultural Tours, Quad Biking
Informative nature drives in open game vehicles allow guests to experience the true Namib in its unbridled glory. A broad spectrum of wildlife, from desert-adapted oryx, springbok, and Hartmann’s mountain zebra are familiar sightings. While walking provides unique opportunities to see the smaller denizens of the desert, from the famous fairy circles to the desert chameleon.
For a truly remote experience, the vast expanse of the Marienfluss Valley offers a much-needed sense of space and enables new interpretation of the concept of beauty. A safari at Wilderness Serra Cafema will leave you in awe of the natural beauty of Namibia and its wildlife..
One of our highlights, guided quad bike excursions through the fragile environs, is conducted with the utmost care along specifically allocated pathways, so as to tread lightly on the dunes and preserve the unique and delicate habitat of this landscape.
In this isolated area, the Himba people continue their traditional semi-nomadic way of life and, when they are in the area, guests have an opportunity to learn about their lifestyle and customs.
Boating on the wondrous Kunene River provides our guests with the opportunity to venture through the lush riverside oases. Nile crocodiles and water birds seem out of place in this surreal, lunar-like landscape.
* Seasonal and water levels permitting.
Wilderness Serra Cafema’s prime location means that it has a unique combination of water and desert birds.