Kulala Desert Lodge

Situated on over 45,000 acres of private property bordering the Namib Naukluft Park, Kulala Lodge lies in the heart of the Namib Desert.

The primary highlight at Kulala is the towering sand dunes of Sossusvlei, said to be the highest in the world. Some of these dunes rise dramatically over 1,200 feet above the surrounding plains, and their myriad changing colors attract photographers and artists from around the world. Kulala is the closest of any lodge to the dunes themselves, and a private entrance allows guests to reach the dunes early in the morning, when the colors are at their most magnificent. 

Perhaps the most spectacular sight of all is the eerie and almost other-worldly 'Deadvlei' adjacent to Sossusvlei. It is a place where distance and perspective become warped, and time appears to lose all sense of purpose; in its tortured beauty it is a landscape that appears to have sprung directly from a Salvador Dali canvas. The drive into the Sossusvlei / Deadvlei area takes guests along the dry riverbed of the Tsauchab River, past row upon row of dramatic dunes, culminating in what could only be described as one of the most unique areas in the world.

Activities center around guided early morning excursions in 4x4 vehicles to the magnificent Sossusvlei and Deadvlei dunes. Afternoon activities are enjoyed on the property - either guided nature drives or walks to take in the desert scenery and its unique fauna and flora. Spot-lit night drives offer a glimpse at the desert's nocturnal creatures. Early morning balloon excursions (an optional extra activity) provide another perspective on the magnificent landscape, and are perfectly rounded off with a champagne breakfast at the landing site.

Guests are accommodated in comfortable "kulalas" (Swahili for resting place), each expertly constructed from adobe, thatch and canvas, and set on a wooden platform, to adapt to extreme desert conditions. Furnishings are simple, cool and elegant, using warm polished wood, white gauzy linen and whicker. In addition to luxurious beds inside, each kulala also features a sleeping platform on the roof (bed-rolls provided), for dreaming under the panoply of desert stars.

The common area is also perfectly suited to the harsh desert environment - cleverly molded from adobe with cool slate floors for warm days and a fireplace for chilly nights. The stylish furnishings, hand carved from hard wood and crafted from leather, are influenced by northern Africa and are in keeping with the rustic landscape. Romantic al fresco meals can be enjoyed on the large wrap-around veranda lit by lanterns and candles, overlooking the waterhole in front of the lodge. There is also a sheltered swimming pool to enjoy during siesta-time.

 In all, Kulala Desert Lodge provides a great base from which to explore the splendor of the Namib Desert. Its proximity to the mighty dunes at Sossusvlei is a great advantage for an early morning start to see the dunes at their most impressive, while the atmosphere and decor of the lodge itself is in keeping with the environment, and compliments the Sossusvlei experience.

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