Kulala Lodges | Sossusvlei

The closest private, luxury lodges to the famous Sossusvlei dunes, Little Kulala (kulala means ‘to sleep’) and Kulala Desert Lodge are ideally located in the private 27 000-hectare Kulala Wilderness Reserve, with private and exclusive access to Namibia’s expansive sand sea of towering red dunes. Nights are clear and studded with stars and the local wildlife is highly adapted to living in this arid, stark and fascinating landscape.

Little Kulala

Luxurious and exclusive, Little Kulala has only 10 air-conditioned, thatched 'kulalas' or units, built on platforms to ensure maximum airflow, plus one two-bedroomed family unit. These luxury canvas-and-glass rooms have cool thatched roofs and lattice screens to provide respite from the fierce desert sun.

Each kulala has a private deck and plunge pool, indoor and outdoor showers. A private rooftop area is set up with 'sky beds' that make for a romantic stargazing experience – weather permitting. Complimentary Wi-Fi is included in all units. The elegant and relaxing central guest hub includes a library, wine cellar, boutique, lounge and dining areas with an expansive pool deck offering endless views of the colour-changing surroundings.

Kulala Desert Lodge

Set at the foot of the towering Sossusvlei dunes, this camp overlooks an active waterhole. Altogether, 26 guests and six children can be accommodated, with provision made for pilot/guide/tour leaders depending on concession availability. The 23 units consist of 16 twin-bed kulalas, four double and three family kulalas with two en-suite bedrooms and a separate entrance connected by a deck. Built on platforms for airflow, each unit is built to maximise shade and coolness, with extensive thatched roof and ceiling fan standard features. A private rooftop area gives you the opportunity to spend a night sleeping beneath the incredible star-filled skies (weather permitting). Free Wi-Fi is available in all kulalas.

The spacious thatched main area at Wilderness Kulala Desert Lodge has a reception, lounge/bar and dining area and a generous deck with a pool overlooking the active waterhole. There is also a curio shop and a stargazing deck. On chilly winter evenings, fires and gas heaters will keep you cosy.

Wide range of wildlife and activities

There are many ways to explore the desert surrounding Kulala Lodges – on guided walks and game drives, by quad bike, on horseback and by hot air balloon (closed between mid-January to mid-February). The three major attractions in the area are the Sossusvlei dunes, Dead Vlei with its tree skeletons and the 3-km-long Sesriem Canyon. At night, you can enjoy premium stargazing with zero light pollution to distract you. There are scenic sundowner tours and night walks where you can get a glimpse of the fascinating nocturnal species like dancing white lady spiders and scorpions which glow under UV lights.

The local wildlife is highly adapted to the arid conditions and you're likely to spot the hardy ostrich, springbok and gemsbok as well as carnivores like the spotted hyena and brown hyena or an occasional cheetah. Smaller species like the bat-eared fox and aardwolf can be seen at night or at sundown when the desert starts to cool. The dune lark is endemic to this area alone.

Community involvement

As part of the Wilderness Safaris collection, Kulala Lodges are very involved in community and conservation matters. Since setting up here in 1996, the land has been carefully rehabilitated back to its natural state by reintroducing wildlife and restoring the health of this dramatic but delicate ecosystem. There is an ongoing Small Carnivore Research Project focusing on bat-eared foxes, aardwolves, black-backed jackals, Cape foxes and African wildcats.

Getting there

By road: About 350km south of Windhoek, it's a drive of just over four-and-a-half hours via the small desert town of Solitaire. A 2WD will definitely get you there, although a 4WD is preferable. No self-drive activities are permitted once you're on the concession.

By air: Charter flights are available to the Geluk Airstrip, from where it's about a 30-minute transfer by road, depending on sightings, scenery and photographic opportunities en route.

Our Take on Kulala Lodges

Superbly located, Little Kulala is without a doubt the most luxurious lodge in this area. Together with its sister lodge, Kulala Desert Lodge, Little Kulala enjoys private access to Sossusvlei which is a huge plus, especially during the peak winter months when it can get crowded. Coupled with the Wilderness Safaris' ethos of service excellence, superb comfort and responsible tourism, it's a pleasure to recommend either – the difficulty of choosing which one rests with you!