Wilderness Little Kulala
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.
About the Wilderness Little Kulala
Highlights
- A chic desert retreat from which to explore the untamed beauty of the Namib Desert.
- Our exclusive-use gate to the Namib-Naukluft National Park allows guests early and private access to the iconic red dunes of Sossusvlei and Dead Vlei.
- An unforgettable hot air balloon adventure* over the Namib Sand Sea and mystical fairy circles is followed by a celebratory champagne breakfast.
- 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 an additional cost]
NOTE: Ballooning closed on 25 December and 01 January, and from mid-January to mid-February.
Destination: Wilderness Little Kulala is an elegant sanctuary on the dry Auab riverbed in the 27,000-hectare Kulala Wilderness Reserve – the ideal setting from which to savour the splendour and solitude of the Namib Desert. Its private gate allows guests exclusive, early access to the Namib-Naukluft National Park to explore Sossusvlei and its extraordinary surrounds.
Experience: The vast, open dunefields beckon, offering thrilling adventures as well as time for solitude. An excursion to Sossusvlei includes climbing Big Daddy, one of the tallest sand dunes in the world; other activities include a hike along the 30-metre deep Sesriem Canyon, or seeing the desert come alive on a guided walk in the Kulala Wilderness Reserve’s low-impact area. Nature drives spotting desert-adapted wildlife are also on offer, as well as a family favourite – exploring the spectacular gravel plains on eco-sensitive quad bike or e-fatbike adventures**. Guests are also invited to experience an unforgettable hot-air ballooning adventure* over thevast Namib Sand Sea and its mystical fairy circles, launched on our private reserve. At night, guests can enjoy a sleep-out under millions of stars on the deck of their suite.
**(at extra cost on a DB1 rate basis, however, included on a 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 creatures 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 Little Kulala: An elegant desert retreat, Little Kulala effortlessly embraces its Namib vistas. The guest suites feature private pools for invigorating relief from the heat. The suite rooftops invite private sundowners and suppers. A roll-out bed on the shaded deck is perfect for a siesta, or heavenly night’s sleep.
Highlights include a pamper session at the Kulala Spa, a romantic fairy-circle dinner under the stars and waking up to uninterrupted views over the early-morning desert.
The Trading Store is stocked with interesting keepsakes to take home, and the upstairs lounge includes a library, the Olympus Photo Hub and an inviting corner for relaxation.
The lodge is located in the of the Hardap Region.
Features
The lodge is rated as Classic Camp by Unspecified.
Room facilities include Air Conditioning, Electrical Outlets, En-Suite, Hair Dryer, Internet Access (Complimentary), Laundry Service (Complimentary), Lounge Area, Mini Bar, Mosquito Nets, Outside Shower, Plunge Pool, Private Pool / Jacuzzi, 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, Massages, Quad Biking, Sleep Outs, Walks (Guided),
Activities off site include Hot-air Ballooning,
The property boasts a number of facilities Bar, Library, Pool, Private Vehicle Available, Spa,
Languages spoken include and available services are Credit Card,
Activities
The lodge offers some unique activities to suit your tastes.
Wilderness Little Kulala – 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 hyena and birdlife. Sundowner stops in scenic parts of the reserve are a highlight.
Wilderness Little Kulala – Visit Sossusvlei & Dead Vlei
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.
Wilderness Little Kulala – 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 sunset.
Wilderness Little Kulala – Visit Sesriem Canyon
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.
Wilderness Little Kulala – 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 provides a revealing stroll along a productive dry riverbed.
Wilderness Little Kulala – Guided Scorpion Night Walks
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.
Wilderness Little Kulala – Sleep-Out Experience
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.
Wilderness Little Kulala – Stargazing
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.
Wilderness Little Kulala – Hot Air Balloon Excursion *
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.
Wilderness Little Kulala – Guided Quad Bike Excursions
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.
Wilderness Little Kulala – Guided Electric Fat-Wheeled Bike Excursions
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.
Wilderness Little Kulala – Activities on the Reserve
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.
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