Kulala Desert Lodge is situated on a large private reserve, bordering the Namib Naukluft Park, in the heart of the Namib. This is the only reserve with direct access to Sossusvlei through its own private gate. The camp offers breathtaking views of the famous red dunes of Sossusvlei, as well as magnificent mountainous scenery and vast open plains.
Fourteen thatched and canvas chalets or "Kulalas" (Kulala in the Namibian language "Oshiwambo" means "to sleep") with en-suite bathrooms and showers are set on wooden platforms to provide maximum airflow. For outdoor enthusiasts, bedrolls can be put up on the rooftop to sleep under the stars from a private star gazing platform. The main area, with décor inspired by northern Africa, has a lounge, bar, dining area, plunge pool, and a wrap-around veranda overlooking the waterhole – a perfect location to view and photograph the desert vista.
Activities centre on early morning excursions in 4X4 vehicles to the magnificent Sossusvlei dunes and the "vlei" itself. Some of these spectacular hills of sand are, at a height of 300 metres, the highest in the world. Wonderful desert breakfasts are served under camel-thorn acacias surrounded by the dunes. At extra cost ballooning safari’s are on offer. It is an incredible experience soaring silently above the magnificent sand dunes and desert. On the edge of the oldest desert in the world, wildlife is sparse but fascinating. Sightings of animals such as springbok, gemsbok, ostrich, bat-eared fox and aardwolf are exciting and extraordinary in these rugged conditions. The activities available leave guests with overwhelming impressions of the magnitude, solitude and tranquillity of this Namibian desert.