Wilderness Kulala Desert Lodge
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.
About the Wilderness Kulala Desert Lodge
Highlights
- Enjoy early, private access to the renowned towering red dunes of Sossusvlei and iconic Dead Vlei through our exclusive-use gate.
- Unforgettable desert adventures, fascinating geological formations and desert-adapted wildlife encounters await all who visit.
- Soar above the vast Namib Sand Sea and mystical fairy circles on a thrilling hot air balloon ride* launched on our private reserve.
- The Namib Sand Sea is a World Heritage Site, and here, Sossusvlei is the result of a series of fascinating geological events. The flow of the ephemeral Tsauchab River, now blocked by a mass of sand, is flanked by some of the tallest dunes in the world.
*[weather permitting and at additional cost]
NOTE: Ballooning closed on 25 December and 01 January, and from mid-January to mid-February.
Destination: Wilderness Kulala Desert Lodge is ideally situated on 27,000 hectares of pristine private land at the foot of the majestic Sossusvlei dunes, surrounded by miles and miles of ancient desert. Its exclusive-use gate allows guests early access to explore Sossusvlei, one of the most remarkable and photogenic landscapes on Earth.
Experience: The vast dunefields beckon, offering thrilling adventures. Guests can climb Big Daddy, one of the highest sand dunes in the world; hike along the 30-metre deep Sesriem Canyon, where water has carved through the rock over millennia; or take a leisurely stroll near camp along the Tsauchab River Trail. Exhilarating nature drives and guided walks spotting desert-adapted wildlife are also on offer, as well as a family favourite – a guided exploration of the spectacular gravel plains on electric-powered fat-tyre bikes. Perhaps even more unforgettable: take it all in from above, hot air ballooning** over this fantastical landscape. A rooftop sleep-out under millions of stars completes this amazing desert journey.
**(at extra cost on a DB1 rate basis; however, included on an FI rate basis; subject to availability on either rate basis)
Purpose: Once farmland used for subsistence goat farming, the Kulala Wilderness Reserve had very little indigenous wildlife. In 1996 Wilderness stepped in to rehabilitate the area and today the land and its wildlife have returned to their former glorious natural state.
Wildlife: The area is home to striking desert-adapted wildlife, such as the majestic oryx, (or gemsbok, the national animal of Namibia) as well springbok, spotted hyena, and the occasional brown hyena. Smaller creatures such as bat-eared fox, black-backed jackal, porcupine, Cape fox, and aardwolf can also be spotted. The aptly named dune lark, a true endemic that is perfectly camouflaged by the sand, is a fascinating find, as are a surprisingly diverse array of insects, reptiles, and rodents. Other fascinating critters to look out for include the buck-spoor spider with its multi-entrance burrow – and ambush specialist, the antlion. At dusk the iconic call of barking geckos echoes in the still night.
Wilderness Kulala Desert Lodge: Down-to-Earth Kulala Desert Lodge is comfortable and perfect for groups, families, and self-drive guests. Its welcoming atmosphere quickly has guests feeling at home. The 23 thatch-and-canvas rooms (including two family units) are built on raised wooden platforms, with flat rooftop areas for sleep-outs under the extraordinarily clear Namibian night sky.
A comfortable and elegant open living area, sparkling pool and wraparound veranda overlooking a waterhole comprise the public main area. Antiquated tree trunks used as pillars create a striking natural feature that draws you further into this remarkable desert realm.
The lodge is located in the Namib of the Walvis Bay.
Features
The lodge is rated as Adventures Camp by Unspecified.
Room facilities include Electrical Outlets, En-Suite, Fan, Internet Access (Complimentary), Laundry Service (Available), Laundry Service (Complimentary), Mosquito Nets, Safe, Tea / Coffee, Verandah,
The lodges appeals to a number of special interests such as Flora, Hiking, Nature, Star Gazing,
There are numerous activities on site such as Bird Watching, Cycling, Game Drives, Sleep Outs, Walks (Guided),
Activities off site include Hot-air Ballooning,
The property boasts a number of facilities Bar, Internet Access (Complimentary), Library, Pool,
Languages spoken include and available services are Credit Card,
Activities
The lodge offers some unique activities to suit your tastes.
Wilderness Kulala Desert Lodge – Nature Drives
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 hyaena and birdlife. Enjoy a coffee or sundowner stop in scenic parts of the reserve as a highlight.
Wilderness Kulala Desert Lodge – Visit Sossusvlei & Dead Vlei
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 trees dominate the landscape, where once water flowed. This is known as Dead Vlei.
Wilderness Kulala Desert Lodge – 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.
Wilderness Kulala Desert Lodge – Guided Nature 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.
Wilderness Kulala Desert Lodge – Scenic Sundowner Excursion
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 Lodge – Guided Electric Fat-Wheeled Bike Excursions
Ideal for introducing your family to the natural wonders of Namibia, take in the sweeping scenery riding electric powered fat-wheeled bikes. A fun way to explore the spectacular open plains with your guide.
Wilderness Kulala Desert Lodge – Sleep-Out Experience
Private rooftop area for sleep-outs accessed by wooden stairs behind the tent. Sleep-out under the twinkling skies of the Namib and be lulled to sweet slumber by the magical night sounds of Africa.
Wilderness Kulala Desert Lodge – 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 from 15 January to 15 February.
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