Little Kulala, a luxurious desert retreat, is situated on the 210 km² private Kulala Wilderness Reserve. The entrance to this reserve is just 17km from Sesriem, and is the gateway to Namibia's Sand Sea, with its towering red dunes and clear starry skies.
The main area is built over three levels. At the entrance level, you are greeted by a long cement seat, and is covered with large, stuffed cushions. The curved stone walls open up to the tea room, a bar and various other comfortable seating areas. The circular design, was inspired by the mystical 'fairy circles,' found throughout the Namib Desert.
Large glass doors lead from the main lounge, into a large, mainly thatched deck, partly-built around existing camelthorn trees. Here there are more sitting areas, including woven hammock chairs. This area is often used for dining, but in the colder winter months, (July to August) dinner is usually served inside, where there is a large, inviting large stone fireplace. A more romantic candle-lit meal table for two, can be set up in the lodge's underground wine cellar.
There is a well-stocked reference library on the top level of the main building. Clay pots, sculptures and a variety of hand-woven baskets, are placed amongst scatter cushions, bean bags and an amazing shaggy-wool chaise lounge. There is also a fire place here in this great chill-out area.
To the left of the main building, an outside deck opens up to form the pool area, fenced off from the desert by bamboo sticks. There are fantastic views over the surrounding desert terrain from here.
Little Kulala has 11 air-conditioned double chalets, all raised on white-washed wooden decks, surrounded by a bamboo stick fence/gate. The bathroom has a marble shower, twin wash-basins, electric shaver-points and a stock of complementary toiletries and large wall-sized mirror. Sleep on a double bed, sited in the middle of the room and raised on a small wooden platform. A tea/coffee station and a fully-stocked mini-bar/fridge are standard. The large lounge has pebble-shaped cushions and a coffee-table and foot stools set on a beautiful sand coloured rug. Two sides of the room are made almost entirely of glass, enhancing the desert atmosphere. Admire the environment when bathing in the private outdoor shower.
To one side of the front of the chalet is a large private deck. This adjoins a thatched 'sala,' (a small, open-air lounging area) complete with cushions, outdoor table with chairs for dining outdoors, sun loungers and your very own private plunge pool! To the other side of your chalet, are steps that lead upstairs onto your very own private terrace. Bedrolls can be unfurled for their guests, complete with hot-water bottles in the winter.
This beautiful reserve has a variety of desert-adapted wildlife, such as springbok, gemsbok, (oryx) and smaller mammals such as bat-eared fox, black-backed jackal and the elusive aardwolf, that can be seen on night drives. Kulala is also home to a variety of birds, such as the aptly named Dune Lark, whose entire population is completely restricted to these red sands.
Their sunrise excursion into the Sossusvlei dunes, leaves a few minutes before sunrise, breakfast is served afterwards at the dunes. There are also morning, afternoon and night drives, and guided walks on the reserve.
Sossusvlei excursions: Experience on a personal level the awe and curiosity of these mountainous dunes. The guided early morning drive to the dunes is the main activity with access through a private gate on the Tsauchab, a river that ends in sand.
Guided nature drives: Both morning or afternoon game drives enable you to enjoy the surrounding landscape. Desert-dwelling flora and fauna feature highly as well.
Walks: Striking vistas on both guided and unguided walks are guaranteed. A number of endemic plant species, only found in the desert, survive here as well.
Sundowner trips: A popular addition to your afternoon nature drives and hiking activities is a well-earned drink and a snack at one of Kulala's sundowner spots.
Ballooning over Sossusvlei: Drift over the dune fields at Sossusvlei and enjoy a champagne breakfast wherever the wind takes you.
Scenic Flights: Light aircraft regularly depart on scenic flights over Sossusvlei and its surroundings.
Lovely rooms with rooftop terraces or a choice of campsites around 45km north of Sesriem.
Desert Camp is situated only 5 km from the entrance gate to Sossusvlei and Sesriem Canyon in the Namib Naukluft Park.
Set on a ridge, Desert Hills Glamping Camp offers amazing views over the valley beneath.
Mid-range accommodation offering some of the best value for money in the area. Horse riding an added activity.
A new addition on the same property as the Desert Homestead. Hiking & riding are popular activities here.
Desert Quiver Camp uniquely combines modern self-catering accommodation with comfort and style.
Have you ever seen the vast horizons of the Namib Desert from a point of pure solitude? A place where the whisper of the wind is the only sound that stirs the desert silence? The Desert Whisper is the ideal opportunity to embrace silence and solitude, to break away from the rush. Located on a small outcrop within the Gondwana Namib Park, this is an intimate experience where guests can enjoy solitude without compromising on luxury. Guests park their car at the base of the outcrop and are transported to the Desert Whisper by their Host. The kitchen is fully stocked with thought-through culinary delights, and access to a selection of wines, gins, whiskeys and rums to tickly any fancy. The afternoon can be spent lounging by the private plunge pool, with its own stocked pool-bar; are swinging in the floating chairs on the Desert Whisper’s terrace. A moment here offers serenity unparalleled, as the sun sinks into the western horizon.
A budget choice, catering for both larger groups and individual travellers.
A small intimate lodge in an amazing part of the Namib Desert. While the lodge can be used as a base from which to visit the dunes at Sossusvlei, the tranquil and beautiful environment make it a destination in it's own right.
Mid-range lodge located only 22km from the Sesriem gate to the Namib-Naukluft Park.
Up-market lodge with private entrance to the dunes at Sossusvlei.
Moroccan inspired architecture seems strangely out of place in Namibia. The location, spa and general amenities are good.
Reasonable value for money - on the main route to Sossusvlei.
Take on the great outdoors, without the hassle of setting up a campsite. This is our version of glamorous camping. Show up and relax in style with this new self-catering experience. Tents are fully equipped with kitchen and en suite bathroom, and there is no need to bring any sleeping bags. Spend your evening looking out into the Namib Desert landscape, with the crackling fire to keep you company. For guests who wish to enjoy the best of camping and lodging – full lodge facilities are also available at this camping experience. Enjoy the activities on offer in the oldest Desert in the world.
The Namib Desert is an immense chronicle of time, offering a direct link to the ancient past, yet very much a living entity. Housed at the foot of 20-million-year-old petrified dunes, Namib Desert Lodge is one of Gondwana’s flagship properties. This property is a true oasis in the desert, with lush gardens offering shade over the lodge. Two glorious pools coax guests to enjoy the warm desert afternoon lounging and sipping icy cocktails. But fret not, adventure is close, with Sossusvlei just a short drive from the lodge. Join a Sossusvlei Excursion or travel at your own pace. Evenings are celebrated with Dune Drives to appreciate the sunset and view from atop the petrified dunes. Namib Desert Lodge provides a clear and uncluttered insight into the region’s past and present.
Face the horizon head on, from the crest of a dune where the stars are so clear they seem just beyond reach. A place where imagination becomes tangible. The Namib Dune Star Camp. A short drive from Namib Desert Lodge, guests are chauffeured to the camp. Dinner is served on a beautiful wooden deck with the horizon stretches into forever and delicious aromas float through the evening air. Each of the freestanding cabins are positioned along the crest of a dune to offer undisturbed views. What takes this experience into a class of its own, is that the bed in each chalet is on wheels. This offers guests the opportunity to wheel their bed onto the cabin’s private terrace where incomparable night-sky views await. Fall asleep to the silent sound of shooting starts and the whisper of the desert air.
Before sunrise, the hike will start after an early-bird-breakfast. The first leg consists of crossing the local landmark mountain. We will follow a canyon to the mountain saddle.
A combination of permanent structures and canvas make this an interesting choice for the budget conscious traveller.
The only lodge inside the borders of the national park. Allows for extra early visits to the Sossusvlei dunes.
Most luxurious lodge in the area, air-conditioned rooms and top of the range guiding.
Situated adjacent to the oldest Desert in the world, Sossusvlei Lodge is a luxurious retreat in this premier tourist attraction area in Namibia.
Unique in every way, this property offers a new insight into the rhythms of the mighty Namib. The Desert Grace is the result of a daring architectural feat, with each building constructed entirely from sandbags instead of bricks. Facing the west, this lodge offers unparallel views of the sunset from the comfort of a private plunge pool. Pink Gin and Tonic’s and indulgence is the language in this iconic location. A place where the pulse of the desert comes alive as the setting sun dips into the western horizon. Guests have the opportunity to join a Sossusvlei Excursion, guided and inclusive of a champagne brunch. Or hop on board a Dune Drive in the Gondwana Namib Park, where sunset are celebrated on true Namibian fashion.
Situated a mere 45km from Sesriem, the sky melts into endless plains in a vista so vast it will take your breath away.
These are honest reviews, both good and bad, from our travellers who visited this property.
Such a fantastic gem! The service was great, the location stunning, and the food delicious. We loved every moment of out stay here.
Little Kulala is 350 km south of Windhoek and can easily by reached by sedan car. The entrance is situated 17 km south of Sesriem on the road 826 (follow the signpost with arrows on the C19).
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