CSC - NAMIBIA - FLY SOUTH & DRIVE NORTH - 7nts

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.

Centrally situated, the hotel serves as the perfect getaway to all tourists amenities which Swakopmund and surrounding areas have to offer, from sand-boarding some of the highest dunes in the world to big game viewing in one of our country's world-known game parks. Surrounded by local tour operators, aviation and safari offices and five minutes from the beach, the Hansa Hotel is perfect for the discerning traveler looking for an adrenaline filled holiday or merely a bit of relaxation.

From a hillside above the dry Aba-Huab River, Doro Nawas provides guests with far-reaching views across rugged Damaraland. The camp is ideally located as base from which to learn more about both the area’s ancient inhabitants and the visionary ecotourism partnership with today’s communities. The petroglyphs and San rock art of Twyfelfontein are within easy reach. Sixteen guest units (including a family room) blend in with the scenery, and feature private verandas and outdoor showers. Sleeping out under the stars is also an option. Nature drives and walks reveal more of the desert’s surprising and superbly-adapted flora and fauna. - INSIDER TIP - Without bright lights and far from pollution the camp is the ideal setting for marvelling at the night sky. Opt for a night in the Star Bed to experience superb stargazing…

Activities include;

Wildlife and scenic drives

While the landscape does not support huge herds, desert-adapted life such as springbok, gemsbok and even elephant do occur. They therefore offer nature drives in Land Rovers which can end with a river lunch or scenic walk ending at "Little Table Mountain."

Geological excursions

Visit the ancient San rock art at Twylfelfontein, a World Heritage Site, as well as the Petrified Forest, Burnt Mountain and Organ Pipes, all incredible geological phenomena.

Cultural visits

Back of house tours, and camp chats about the Doro !Nawas Conservancy, the Damara/Nama language and traditions all give insight into the community, while the Damara Living Museum shows off the traditional culture of the Damara people.

Guided nature walks

Learn more about the flora and fauna in this incredibly harsh environment. Adaptation to the desert environment is the miracle of all that survives here.

Scorpion night walks

After dark, another realm of the Namib awakes. Walks reveal some of these captivating critters such scorpions which fluoresce under UV lights.

In the local Herero language, Onguma means, "the place you don't want to leave." With a stunning main building and seven tents providing private, exclusive accommodation, Onguma Tented Camp, certainly lives up to its name.

Like the bush where soft air blows against sharp thorns, Onguma Tented Camp is a study in contrasts. Textures such as stone, suede, linen and steel create a setting that is sleek and modern but also inherently of the earth. Inspired by a photograph of an Oryx on Etosha's Fisher's Pan, the interior echoes the colours of its natural surrounds. Grey, charcoal, black, white, and creams, together with a touch of muted or unexpectedly bright green, adds sophistication and earthiness to the atmosphere of this seven tent camp.

The water-level hide will provide hours of game viewing opportunities for guests.

Onguma Game Reserve now offers guests an opportunity to start their safari from the moment they touch down at the private airstrip!