Situated on over 21 000 hectares (46 000 acres) of private property and bordering the Namib Naukluft Park, Kulala Desert Lodge lies in the heart of the Namib and offers magnificent 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, mattresses can be moved to the rooftop to sleep under the stars from a private star gazing platform.
The main lodge, with décor inspired from Northern Africa, has a lounge, pub, dining area and plunge pool, and offers a wrap-around verandah that overlooks the waterhole and provides a perfect location to view and photograph the desert sunset. Early morning guided game drives to the spectacular dunes are through a private gate on the Tsauchab River.
Game drives and walks are also offered on the private reserve with incredible views, desert game and smaller desert fauna and flora. Another option, at an extra cost, is early morning ballooning. Beginning at first light, the 60-90 minute balloon safari offers a truly unique experience to soar silently above the magnificent sand dunes and desert - with a champagne breakfast served at your landing site.
On the edge of the oldest desert in the world, this is not a game rich area, however, whatever game we see is interesting and dramatised by the contrast between the desert and animals like Springbok, Gemsbok (Oryx) and Ostrich who manage to survive in these harsh conditions.
Night drives using spotlights often encounter small mammals such as Aardwolf, Bat Eared Fox, Hares and sometimes Spotted Hyenas
LOCATION
• 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 C36).
PRICING / CHILD POLICY
High Season: July to October
Shoulder Season: January to June & November to December
☼ Children of all ages are welcome
ACCOMMODATION
Number of units:
• 12 x "kulalas" each with twin beds (and there are 4 extra beds available for children/triples)
• 2 x family rooms which can sleep up to 5
• 5 tour leaders/guides can be accommodated in rondavels
A total of 34 guests plus tour leaders can be accommodated.
Chalet details:
• Each "kulala" is especially adapted to the unique desert conditions, built on a platform to ensure maximum airflow; a thatch roof provides a cool respite from the sun
• Ceiling fans ensure a breeze at all times
• En-suite with shower, flush toilet and hand basin.
• Each room has a private veranda with view of the majestic dunes without seeing the neighbours
• A private rooftop area on top of the bathroom gives guests the opportunity of spending a night under the magnificent night sky for which luxury bedrolls are available any time.
CAMP DESCRIPTION
• The main lodge has been built entirely of clay bricks in an African desert style
• Reception
• Lounge and pub
• Dining room
• Veranda
• Thatch roofed
• There is a swimming pool with shaded area if guests want to relax during the heat of the day.
GAME VIEWING
A water hole in front of the main building gives the opportunity to see Oryx, Springbok, Bat Eared Fox, Aardwolf, Ostrich and Jackals. Some Spotted Hyenas can be heard at night.
ACTIVITIES
Activities will be at an additional cost if guests are not booked on the Fully Inclusive rate.
• Nature drives into the desert in 3 x 10 seater and 1 x 6 seater 4 x 4 vehicles
• Walking Trails
• Visits to Bushman painting sites
• Visit to Sossusvlei and Sesriem
• Balloon safaris (additional cost, even if guests are on Fully Inclusive rate. Closed 15 January to 15 February)
• Horse riding safari (on request and at an additional cost)
• The Scenic sundowner tour is one of the best scenic safaris in the Namib. This exclusive tour is ended with a Champagne sundowner.
• Private vehicles can be booked at an additional cost, subject to availability.
SUGGESTED DAILY ACTIVITY SCHEDULE
Below is only a suggestion as to what may happen in camp - as daily wildlife sightings tend to throw the schedule right out of schedule.
05h00 -Wake up
05h30 - Light breakfast is served
05h55 - Depart on Sossusvlei excursion
Full buffet brunch is served on the dunes
Return to Lodge
15h45 - Depart on afternoon activity
19h00 - Dinner at the lodge
ELECTRICITY & WATER
• Solar heating for hot water
• 220v power is available in each kulala 24 hours a day.
• Video battery recharging facilities available please bring spare battery and adapters.
DRINKS POLICY
Drinks on game drives and house-wine at dinner are included on the FIT rate. All other drinks are excluded unless pre-arranged (for an extra cost all drinks can be included).
For guests booked on a DBB basis, no drinks are included in the tariff.
LAUNDRY POLICY
A daily laundry service is included in the nightly tariff.
EXTRAS PAYMENT
Payment can be affected by: Travellers' cheques, cash or Visa/MasterCard.
FLYING / DRIVING TIMES
To/from Swakopmund 1 hour
Self drive ± 5 hours from/to Windhoek (350 Km)
Self drive ± 6 hours from/to Swakopmund (380 Km)
AIR STRIP DETAILS
Geluk Airstrip co-ordinates: S 24.40.6, E 015.48.1
Gravel surface
15 minutes from camp
