Extraordinary Africa>Namibia>The Namib Desert>Kulala Desert Lodge
Kulala Desert Lodge has long been a favourite of ours since we first stayed there nearly 10 years ago. With the chance for rooftop sleep-outs and a private access into the national park leaves you well placed for watching sunrise over the desert.
What’s Kulala Desert Lodge really like?
Kulala Desert Lodge’s greatest asset is its location, perched in a private conservancy on the edge of Namibia’s sand sea. Views over the empty plains and swaying grasses towards the dunes are ravishing, and the 23 rooms here have all been designed to make the most of it. Each room, or Kulala (meaning “to sleep” in the local language), is made of canvas and wood, sheltered under a thatched roof. At the back of each kulala is a clay and brick ensuite bathroom- step outside and there’s a ladder up to the roof. Here, you can spend the night out under the stars on a bed roll. Desert nights can be chilly, and you’ll certainly wake up early, but for a night of stargazing it’d be tricky to beat this. Over in the main Kulala Desert Lodge there’s a bar, restaurant and campfire (perfect for desert evenings) and a cool swimming pool. If you travel during June you won’t see the point of it, but if you visit Kulala Desert Lodge in the November heat you’ll know exactly why it’s there.
What can I do at Kulala Desert Lodge?
The main highlight of staying at Kulala Desert Lodge is a visit to the Sossusvlei pan, surrounded by mile up on mile of deep red sand dunes. Self drive guests can visit under their own steam, while guests with activities included visit on a guided drive in one of the lodges four wheel drive vehicles (this has the added bonus of being able to use Kulala’s access gate for an early entrance to the park) There are also sundowner drives on the reserve, and guided walks from the lodge. As an optional extra, it’s also possible to arrange a hot air balloon flight over the dunes at dawn followed by a champagne breakfast. as well as horse riding. Lastly, for an extra fee and depending on availablity in camp, you can make use of Kulala’s electronic fat bikes.
Giving Back at Kulala Desert Lodge…
The owners of Kulala Desert Lodge have helped return this gorgeous area from farmland to wilderness, rehabilitating the area for wildlife (it’s remarkable what survives, even in this desert area). They’ve also designed the lodge to minimise the impact on the environment, using solar energy to reduce the use of the generator, and to heat hot water in your Kulala.
Want to know more? We’ve stayed here, so just
EXTRAORDINARY AFRICA 