Wilderness Kulala Desert Lodge | Sossusvlei
14 Nov 2024 - 15 Nov 2024
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 deck 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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- Rooms
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- Activities and Services
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Your Stay
1 Night
Your Rooms
1x Chalet/s
1x Chalet/s
1x Chalet/s
1x Chalet/s
Fast Facts
Lodge
Spoken Languages: English
No. Rooms: 21
Special Interests: Flora, Hiking, Nature, Star Gazing
Wilderness Little Kulala | Sossusvlei
15 Nov 2024 - 16 Nov 2024
Wilderness Little Kulala is the closest luxury desert retreat to the famous, seen-from-space Sossusvlei dunes. Guests enjoy exclusive private concession access and the camp’s location makes early morning dune visits (to see Sossusvlei at its best) very easy.
Eleven luxury desert suites expanded to offer improved airflow, each have a private plunge pool, private rooftop area for sundowners, "African tapas" and other rooftop dinners or stargazing, a signature sleep-out experience on the bottom deck of each accommodation to allow for easy access during the night, luxury fittings, as well as indoor and outdoor showers. In terms of colour and form, Wilderness Little Kulala blends seamlessly into the desert landscape with interiors reflecting the environment. Activities make the most of the solitude and stark beauty of the Namib Desert, with nature drives and guided walks revealing the majesty and mystery of the Namib Sand Sea.
INSIDER'S TIP: Experience the desert from new heights … a hot air balloon excursion provides awe-inspiring views of the dramatic scenery below.
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- Rooms
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- Activities and Services
Inspired by Dead Vlei, the design of the 10 luxury desert suites has been cleverly expanded to offer improved airflow, and the use of brick and glass, and a thatch roof, further enhances temperature control. The interior décor echoes the natural beauty of the surrounding desert, replicated in the colour palette and featured art.
Each room has a spacious deck, sala and private plunge pool, designed to merge into the timeless desert setting. A private rooftop area for romantic stargazing, and sleep-outs on the bottom deck of each room, complete the experience.
Little Kulala has one spacious and comfortable family unit consisting of two bedrooms, each with two three-quarter beds, and own en-suite facilities. Each large climate-controlled suite has a rooftop, which can be used for starlit dinners or star gazing, and the spacious sala below has a private plunge pool, and an area for outdoor siestas during the day, or sleep-outs under the stars.
Property Facilities
Bar, Library, Pool, Spa
Room Facilities
Air Conditioning, Electrical Outlets, Internet Access (Complimentary), Laundry Service (Complimentary), Lounge Area, Mini Bar, Mosquito Nets, Outside Shower, Plunge Pool, Private Pool / Jacuzzi, Safe, Tea / Coffee, Verandah
Available Services
Credit Card Facilities, Private Vehicle (Available)
Activities on Site
Bird Watching, Cycling, Game Drives, Massages, Quad Biking, 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. Sundowner stops in scenic parts of the reserve are a highlight.
World-famous Sossusvlei is the name of an enormous clay pan, flanked by a field of famous towering sand dunes that flush red in the early morning sun. Close to the Sossusvlei pan is Dead Vlei, another pan where water once flowed. However, all that remains now are the skeletons of camelthorn trees that reach up out of the cracked earth. An exclusive-use gate provides direct access at sunrise to the renowned dunes of Sossusvlei and the evocative panoramas of Dead Vlei.
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 sunset.
This fascinating geographical formation is well worth a visit. The result of millions of years where water carved its way across the topography. At three kilometres long, the views from the top of Sesriem Canyon are breathtaking while walks through the canyon gorge reveal distinct geographical layers which were laid down over aeons.
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 provides a revealing stroll along a productive dry riverbed.
After dark, another realm of the Namib awakes. Walks reveal some of these captivating critters such as dancing white lady spiders and numerous scorpion species which fluoresce under UV light.
Delight in a sleep-out experience under the starry starry skies of the Namib and be lulled to sleep by the sounds of Africa on the bottom deck of your accommodation.
The Namib is known for its clear night skies, and with no light pollution it is the ideal spot from which to learn about the incredible formations of the stars and planets. Our guides are also known to dabble in astronomy and will guide you through the constellations.
The International Dark-Sky Association (IDA) certifies as a Dark Sky Reserve “a public or private land, possessing an exceptional or distinguished quality of starry nights and nocturnal environment that is specifically protected for its scientific, natural, educational, cultural, heritage and public enjoyment.” NamibRand was accorded Gold Tier International Dark Sky Reserve status in 2012, after it expanded its conservation role to include preserving the star-filled night-time skies that shine above its dunes and mountains. Lauded as one of the darkest locations ever designated by the IDA , the reserve is described as one of the nighttime environments that have little to no impact from light pollution and artificial light.
The hot air balloon safari on the Kulala Wilderness Reserve offers a truly unique bird's-eve view experience of the remote wilderness below. Soar above the magnificent sand dunes and roaring desert, with a champagne breakfast being served upon landing.
* Optional activity at extra cost, and weather permitting.
* Unavailable for the periods 15 January to 15 February (inclusive), and 25 December and 01 January.
Explore further into the private Kulala Wilderness Reserve, while enjoying the thrill of riding a quad bike. A guide leads these eco-sensitive excursions, allowing you to take in the incredible views and to catch a glimpse of the denizens of the desert, including the likes of oryx, springbok and bat-eared fox, as well as fascinating avian desert specials such as the endemic dune lark.
Explore the natural wonders of Namibia and take in the majestic landscapes riding electric powered fat-wheeled bikes. An exciting way to explore the stunning open plains with your guide.
Access to various activities and their routes in and around Wilderness Little Kulala taking in the scenic beauty of the stunning panoramic landscape of Kulala Wilderness Reserve – includes both Guided or Self-Guided trails for hiking, running and cycling. Spectacularly scenic viewpoints offer a chance to stop and take it all in.
Your Stay
1 Night
Your Rooms
1x Standard Room/s
1x Standard Room/s
1x Standard Room/s
1x Standard Room/s
Fast Facts
Lodge
No. Rooms: 11
Special Interests: Flora, Hiking, Nature, Star Gazing
Wilderness Desert Rhino Camp | Palmwag
16 Nov 2024 - 18 Nov 2024
Designed for desert wanderers, Wilderness Desert Rhino Camp offers an original, exclusive wilderness experience and the opportunity to see free-ranging desert-adapted black rhino. The desert plains are starkly scenic, and home to other unique species, from Hartmann’s zebra and giraffe, to the bizarre welwitschia plant.
Styled with the desert in mind, the palette, textures and wildlife of Damaraland’s extraordinary vistas are brought into the elegant suite interiors.
With natural stone found on site reinforcing the camp’s connection to nature, Desert Rhino Camp evokes a real sense of place in this stark desert landscape.
Six suites with deep overhanging stretch fabric roof structures, interior tones of terracotta, sage, fern greens and cream, complemented by classic details of timber and leather, create a sheltered sanctuary within this breath-taking desert landscape.
Run in conjunction with Save the Rhino Trust Namibia, Wilderness Desert Rhino Camp offers rhino tracking by vehicle and on foot with experts from this conservation NGO.
INSIDER'S TIP: Explore this extraordinary landscape in search of desert-adapted wildlife and gain amazing insight into the ecology and conservation of this area. A picnic lunch is the perfect complement to your day’s outing!
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- Rooms
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Utilising smart architectural strategies, redesigned Wilderness Desert Rhino Camp focuses on comfort, creating a sheltered haven within the occasionally harsh but always stunning desert environment. Architectural form and materiality drew inspiration from the copper-coloured earth, the red rocks carpeting the ground and the contours of the hills that define the landscape.
All five tents face the rugged desert landscape, featuring deep overhanging stretch fabric roof structures that offer protection from the desert sun while preserving the exquisite horizon views, within this breathtaking desert landscape. Soft interiors showcase stone, timber and leather, celebrating the classic explorer age, while seamlessly blending in modern style and sophistication.
Families are easily accommodated in two units, each with own en-suite facilities. Sleeping four comfortably. A private rooftop viewing area leads off from the main bedroom that invites quiet contemplation under the vast African sky whilst enjoying a nightcap.
Property Facilities
Library, Pool
Room Facilities
Electrical Outlets, Fan, Internet Access (Complimentary), Laundry Service (Complimentary), Mosquito Nets, Safe, Tea / Coffee, Verandah
Available Services
Credit Card Facilities, Private Vehicle (Available)
Activities on Site
Bird Watching, Game Drives, Night Drives, Rhino Tracking, Walks (Guided)
Activities Nearby
Nature drives showcase the magnitude of the landscape and offer the best possibilities of seeing desert-adapted wildlife including the iconic black rhino, elephant, giraffe, antelope, Hartmann's mountain zebra – and possibly even the area’s predators such as lion and leopard.
Discover the details of the desert and learn more about the lesser-known flora and fauna that survive in this incredibly harsh environment. Adaptation is a necessity for desert wildlife and walking through this arid environment offers unique insights on this phenomenon. Marvel at the miracles that withstand this seemingly inhospitable landscape.
* Weather permitting and subject to the availability of a qualified walking guide.
Offering an exclusive desert sanctuary, the camp provides guests with unique opportunities to track rhinos. This immersive experience enables nature-lovers to actively support the conservation of Namibia's black rhinos while experiencing the region's diverse biodiversity.
Typically set out in the morning by vehicle, following behind the Save the Rhino (SRT) monitors as they track one of their charges – the remarkable desert-adapted black rhino. Due to the vast terrain, long distances can be covered, with other wildlife to be seen along the way. Once a rhino has been located, tracking by foot can take place depending on the position and/or location of the rhino. It is impossible to feel anything other than amazingly fortunate when in the company of such incredible Perissodactyla.
* Note: Rhino tracking remains the key focus and purpose at Wilderness Desert Rhino Camp, a standard activity included on a FI rate basis and available to all guests.
Travel amongst rolling, rocky hills with scattered euphorbia, ancient welwitschia plants, scrubby vegetation, and isolated clumps of trees through the 450 000-hectare (1 111 974-acre) Palmwag Concession and search out the fascinating desert-adapted wildlife of the region. During this full day spent exploring vast tracts of this famed conservation area, a scenic spot will be set up to enjoy a delicious lunch.
Birding enthusiasts are sure to enjoy the diverse avifauna found in the Palmwag Concession. Key species to look out for include Rüppell's korhaan, Benguela long-billed lark and possibly even Herero chat with some focused searching. Verreauxs' eagle are often sighted above the rocky hillsides.
Your Stay
2 Nights
Your Rooms
1x Tented Room/s
1x Tented Room/s
1x Tented Room/s
1x Tented Room/s
Fast Facts
Lodge
No. Rooms: 6
Special Interests: Birding, Nature, Wildlife
Wilderness Serra Cafema | Kunene
18 Nov 2024 - 20 Nov 2024
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!
- Images
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- Rooms
- Facilities
- Activities and Services
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
Available Services
Credit Card Facilities, Private Vehicle (Available)
Activities on Site
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.
Your Stay
2 Nights
Your Rooms
1x Tented Room/s
1x Tented Room/s
1x Tented Room/s
1x Tented Room/s
Fast Facts
Lodge
No. Rooms: 8
