Children of all ages are accommodated and are permitted to participate in activities with all other guests.
Kulala Desert Lodge
Kulala Desert Lodge is situated at the foot of the majestic Sossusvlei Dunes and is the closest lodge to Sossusvlei, accessed via a private gate exclusive to Wilderness Safaris. Ideal for introducing your family to the natural wonders of Namibia, take in the sweeping scenery on nature drives and guided nature trails, while guided electric powered fat bike excursions are a fun way to explore the spectacular open plains. Top off an extraordinary desert experience with a soaring hot air balloon flight over the dune field.
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Reviews5/6
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Vacation Style Adult Group
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Camp Size 46 adults and 4 children guests
All about Kulala Desert Lodge
Our programme to remove internal fences and livestock has resulted in the recovery of this ecosystem and its wildlife.
Kulala Desert Lodge is situated at the foot of the majestic Sossusvlei Dunes and is the closest location to Sossusvlei (via a private gate exclusive to Wilderness Safaris vehicles).
This camp can be accessed by road (parking at the lodge is at own risk), however, guests may not do self-drive activities in our private concession areas. Guests who wish to self-drive into the Namib Naukluft National Park are required to make use of the public Sesriem entrance (approximately 40 minute drive from the lodge). The private Kulala gate is strictly for use of Wilderness Safaris vehicles ONLY. Closer to the time of travel, we recommend that you contact your travel consultant with regards to road conditions which may be affected by seasonal changes, e.g. high rains
Kulala Desert Lodge is situated at the foot of the majestic Sossusvlei Dunes and is the closest lodge to Sossusvlei, accessed via a private gate exclusive to Wilderness Safaris. Ideal for introducing your family to the natural wonders of Namibia, take in the sweeping scenery on nature drives and guided nature trails, while guided electric powered fat bike excursions are a fun way to explore the spectacular open plains. Top off an extraordinary desert experience with a soaring hot air balloon flight over the dune field.
Desert-adapted wildlife to be seen on the Kulala Wilderness Reserve includes ostrich, springbok, gemsbok, spotted hyaena and the occasional brown hyaena. Smaller creatures such as bat-eared fox, black-backed jackal, porcupine, Cape fox and aardwolf can also be seen. One bird, the aptly named dune lark, has its entire global distribution limited to the area. A surprisingly diverse array of insects, reptiles and rodents make their home around Kulala Desert Lodge. At dusk the call of barking geckoes can be heard, and walks reveal the smaller creatures - the buck-spoor spider with its multi-entrance burrow or the ambush specialist antlion, to name but a few.
About the camp
Activities
- Day & night game drives in 05 x 08-seater closed Land Cruisers and 03 x 07-seater closed Land Cruisers
- Private Activities on offer (subject to vehicle availability which needs to be booked and paid for) may be requested in advance. Booking of a private vehicle is not possible from another camp/lodge due to the distances involved between the camps/lodges. Only certain Adventures camps/lodges, in Namibia, as an exception offer private vehicle. Note, however, that sole use activities/sole use of a vehicle (i.e. blocking off tents and their costing thereof, to secure a private vehicle) is not possible for Adventures camps/lodges in Namibia.
- Birding.
- Excursions to Sossusvlei and Sesriem [(only Wilderness Safaris have the advantage of entry into the park through this exclusive gate entrance (Kulala) - no self-drive vehicles or freelance guides driving non Wilderness vehicles are permitted to use this private gate (Kulala) and will be rerouted by Park Officials to the access point as used by the general public (Sesriem)].
- Scenic sundowner excursion.
- Guided nature trail from camp (weather permitting and subject to the availability of a qualified walking guide).
- Stargazing with a laser pointer (weather permitting and according to the lunar phases (not offered around full moon).
- Guided electronic powered fat bike excursions [subject to availability (07 x fat bikes in total, with six for guests plus one for the guide) and to be booked directly at the lodge only].
- Hot air ballooning [(weather permitting and may be booked direct at the lodge or in advance and pre-paid through your Journey Specialist (should a flight cancel due to adverse weather conditions, no charge is incurred), not available 15 January to 15 February (inclusive), 25 December and 01 January].
Camp Facilities
- Pool in main area with partially shaded deck and loungers.
- Thatched-roofed main area built entirely of clay bricks and comprises a reception area, with lounge, dining and bar areas.
- Open fireplace.
- Deck overlooking waterhole.
- Reading area with a selection of reference books.
- A pair of Olympus binoculars in the main area.
- Safari Trading Store.
- During winter months a gas heater is stationed in the main area.
- Guest toilets in the main area.
- Complimentary Wi-Fi access in the main area.
- Early morning wake-up call Morning wake-up and activity times vary according to the seasons, activities on offer and wildlife sightings.
- Light breakfast before departing on the morning activity
- Return to camp for a meal and rest period.
- Meet for afternoon tea before departing on the activity.
- Return to camp – freshen up or meet for drinks, followed by dinner.
- Enjoy a nightcap or discussion around the fire before retiring.
Accomodation
The camp comprises 23 thatched and canvas tents (including two family units), each built on a wooden platform, and a flat rooftop for sleep-outs under the stars. The main area includes a pool and wraparound veranda overlooking a waterhole.
Number of tents
- 23 x Tents in total comprising:
- 21 x twin-bedded units each with two three quarter beds.
- 02 x family units consisting of two bedrooms each with two three quarter beds, in each tent and each with their own en-suite facilities. Main bathroom with an indoor shower, outdoor shower, double basin vanity and separate toilet. Second bathroom with an indoor shower (no outdoor shower), double basin vanity and separate toilet. Separate entrances, however, shared outdoor deck.
- Mattress converters are available that transforms twin beds into king-size beds. To be arranged prior to arrival.
Tent Descriptions
- Each tent is specially adapted to the unique desert conditions, built on a platform to ensure maximum airflow; an extended thatch roof provides a cool respite from the sun. Brick and canvas tents under thatch, with gravel pathways on the ground.
- En-suite facilities with an indoor shower, single basin vanity and flush toilet.
- Writing desk and chair, easy chairs, luggage rack, mosquito net (available on request only), electronic safe, hairdryer (available on request from reception), tea and coffee making facilities.
- During winter months hot water bottles and extra blankets are provided.
- No air-conditioning, however, a ceiling fan is provided.
- Veranda with view of the dunes.
- Private rooftop area for sleep-outs accessed by wooden stairs behind the tent - equipped with bedrolls, however, with no mosquito net (weather permitting and operated subject to the discretion of the Lodge Manager).
- Amenities include liquid soap, body wash, shampoo and conditioner, body lotion, room spray, insect repellents, washing powder (for smalls), tissues dispensers, an umbrella and laundry bag are supplied in each tent.
Electricity & Water
Child Policy
Children between 06 and 16 years of age must share with at least one adult in the same tent.
The minimum age for walking activities is 13 years.
While there is no age limitation for the hot air ballooning, there is a restriction on height. Children need to be a minimum of 1.2 metres to Comfortably see over the basket.
Laundry Facilities
Laundry services are provided on a daily basis (weather permitting, items will be returned on the same day) and included on the FI rate basis. Laundry is dried by the sun and on most days any laundry placed out in the morning will be returned, washed, dried and ironed, by the evening.
Due to prevailing local cultural traditions, please place any underwear items in the mesh laundry bag provided, so that these can be machine washed separately. Should guests prefer to hand wash, environmentally friendly detergent is available in the tents or can be provided on request.
As an environmentally-aware company, we strive to reduce our water usage where we can. Since towel washing consumes an enormous amount of water, we follow the same policy used by most top establishments around the world: should guests want their towels washed, we request that guests please place these into the laundry basket/laundry bag supplied. Towels not in the laundry basket/laundry bag will be hung up and dried for their reuse.
Note that laundry services may be limited as a result of water shortages. We cannot be held liable for any damage to clothing.
Gratuities Guidelines
We would like to reiterate that tipping is not compulsory. Guests should not feel obliged to do so. Tipping should be undertaken only by choice, subject to the service received. In addition, guests may wish to add a nominal amount for incidentals, ranging between USD 15.00 to USD 30.00 per day (subject to personal budget choice) - i.e. if additional activities are booked once on their journey, if travel arrangements change for any reason, in acknowledgement of good service received in another area, etc.
Guide and Specialist Guide - We recommend about USD 10.00 per guest per day and may be tipped directly.
The General Safari Camp Staff - We recommend about USD 10.00 per guest per day for safari camps. This should be placed in the communal tipping box to be distributed equally amongst all the staff.
With regards to being hosted by Camp Management and/or Assistant Camp Management, tipping separately for said staff is purely optional and per guests’ discretion.
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KULALA DESERT LODGE
Sossusvlei dune view
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KULALA DESERT LODGE
Star Bed at Kulala
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KULALA DESERT LODGE
Flight into sossusvlei
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KULALA DESERT LODGE
Lodge evening lights
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KULALA DESERT LODGE
Enjoying the smaller things at kulala
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KULALA DESERT LODGE
Kulala guided quad biking
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KULALA DESERT LODGE
Stargazing
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KULALA DESERT LODGE
Lodge
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KULALA DESERT LODGE
Guide at big daddy dune
| Departure Dates Confirmed Dates | Trip Status Trip Status | Price (PP) Including Flights | Price (PP) Excluding Flights | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Fri 18 Oct '16 - Sun 04 Nov '16 |
Available & Guaranteed |
$2,779 |
$3,170 |
|
Fri 18 Oct '16 - Sun 04 Nov '16 |
Booked & Guaranteed |
$2,679 |
$3,970 |
|
Fri 18 Oct '16 - Sun 04 Nov '16 |
Available & Guaranteed |
$1,779 |
$3,470 |
|
Fri 18 Oct '16 - Sun 04 Nov '16 |
Available |
$2,779 |
$3,970 |
|
Fri 18 Oct '16 - Sun 04 Nov '16 |
Booked & Guaranteed |
$3,779 |
$4,970 |
|
Fri 18 Oct '16 - Sun 04 Nov '16 |
Available & Guaranteed |
$2,879 |
$3,970 |
|
Fri 18 Oct '16 - Sun 04 Nov '16 |
Available & Guaranteed |
$2,679 |
$1,970 |
|
Fri 18 Oct '16 - Sun 04 Nov '16 |
Booked & Guaranteed |
$4,779 |
$3,970 |
|
Fri 18 Oct '16 - Sun 04 Nov '16 |
Available & Guaranteed |
$5,779 |
$3,270 |
|
Fri 18 Oct '16 - Sun 04 Nov '16 |
Available & Guaranteed |
$2,779 |
$3,970 |
Uses a combination of solar and generator power
220V multi-plug adaptor charging facilities for mobile devices. Additional charging facilities (available on request and prior notice essential) for the use of sleep apnoea machines (guests to provide own device, spare batteries, charging unit and adaptors).
Purified drinking water (through reverse osmosis) is supplied.