Stephanie A - Dunes, Deserts & Waterfalls

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.

This Boutique Hotel has a total of 27 rooms, comprising of 17 Standard type rooms, all double/single rooms, 5 Deluxe rooms, 4 Luxury rooms and 1 Presidential suite with the best view of the Lagoon and splendid interiors.

All rooms are equipped with air conditioning, TV, free wireless, mini bar, laptop safe, coffee station and as well as fluffy soft bath robes, very welcome after a day of discovering our beautiful Namibian Nature and Cultures.

Their Restaurant offers tasty food and is also open to the general public, they also have a full service bar, stocked, with top of the range wines and spirits from all over the World. 

Today you can sleep late and take the day at your own pace with no scheduled activities. One of South Africa's most famous beach, Camps Bay is a 10 min taxi ride from your hotel. This a great place to take the time to soak up the sun and meander along the promenade where you will find a number of great restaurants and shops to distract you. If you don’t wish to spend the whole day lazing on the beach we suggest trying the City Sightseeing Hop-on Hop-of open top bus to get around the city - whilst taking in some of the sights along the way. There is a bus stop 300 yards from your hotel and you can purchase a day pass from the driver for R180 ($12) per person.

We recommend lunch or dinner on Cape Town’s vibrant Kloof Street. Here you are spoilt for choice but, Kloof Street House Restaurant is an experience as enigmatic as it is intimate. The delicious meals, cozy ambiance and friendly staff will make you feel right at home.

Cape Town is full of adventures and we can happilly arrange for something a bit more active like a mountain bike tour, Paragliding, swimming with seals or sea Kayaking .

For a bit of night life you don’t need to go far… Café Caprice in Camps Bay is very hip cocktail bar and a great spot for sundowners or for a bit more action catch a taxi to Long Street in the city for an abundance of Night Clubs and Bars (10min)

Batonka Guest Lodge is a wonderful lodge just 2.2 kilometers from the Victoria Falls Rainforest entrance and 1km from the town centre, and is situated in the quiet residential suburb of Victoria Falls.

The lodge has 22 rooms and each has a bathroom en-suite and balcony, are comfortably furnished and have, TV, complimentary Wi-Fi, air-conditioning, universal chargers and a tea/coffee station. 11 of these rooms have a bathroom with a double basin vanity unit, bath, toilet and shower. The other 11 are the same but have no bath tub.

The main area has dining facilities, lounge areas, curio shop and the reception which is available to guests 24 hours a day. The dining facility can be either indoors or on a large spacious and outdoor terrace area overlooking the garden and swimming pool. There is a comfortable lounge area inside with a fireplace, and an outside lounge area is also available for guests.

Credit Cards are accepted - Complimentary Wi-Fi - Gift Shop - Town shuttle

The reception also serves as the information and activities booking desk, and a curio shop offers a selection of Zimbabwean art and craft as well as local memorabilia.

The restaurant offers a full English Breakfast, and a choice of wholesome home style cooking for lunch and dinner.
Batonka Guest Lodge was built with the environment in mind and has solar geysers for all the rooms, ozone-friendly airconditioners, grey water recycling, waste separation and composting of vegetable matter, LED lighting and responsible laundry practises.

We recommend Batonka for its high quality and value offering, spacious grounds and solid environmental approach.
Have a look here at our walk through video - https://youtu.be/vEA2K1hxjmo

Rates include breakfast, tea and coffee through the day, scheduled transfers into town and wifi.

In the heart of the Okavango Delta within the MATSEBE concession area, Pom Pom Camp is a wonderful multi-activity camp. A short 20-25minutes flight over Okavango Delta from Maun, gets you to the lodge, which is quietly nestled under grove shady trees, overlooking a scenic lagoon where hippos grunt and frolic. 

The camp has 9 large luxury safari tents, all with en suite showers and flush toilets; the bathrooms are enclosed for privacy, security and importantly offer you a truly unique bush adventure. In the main thatched building you will find a cozy bar, lounge and table settings for imaginative meals prepared by experienced safari chefs.

Pom Pom is a multi-activity camp;

Game Drives
Pom Pom is one of the camps in the Okavango Delta that is able to offer game drives within their private concession area. Morning and evening game drives with qualified guides will give you the opportunity to view all the big game and night life of this environment.

Mokoro Trips & Fishing
A Mokoro trip is a fantastic way to experience the wonders of the Okavango Delta. In the company of a professional poler with vast experience of the Delta, you will be able to enjoy the sights and sounds of this unique habitat and learn about the waterways and wildlife.

Fishing is also possible at Pom Pom, and their guides will be happy to take you to their secret spots to try for African Pike and a variety of Bream species.

We recommend Pom Pom for its value, and as a wonderful Okavango experience with excellent activities on land and water, along with high standards of comfort and hospitality.

Rates are fully inclusive of meals, drinks and safari activities.