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Kulala Desert Lodge

Lodges near Sossusvlei

Kulala Desert Lodge is one of Namibia's best situated lodges in terms of its proximity to the sand dunes at Sossusvlei. A sunrise excursion into the dunes leaves a few minutes before sunrise, with breakfast eaten under a camelthorn tree near Sossusvlei. As Kulala Lodge has a private entrance to the park the Sossuvlei excurison can by-bass the main park entrance at Sesriem.

The Kulala Desert Lodge is situated on a 21 000 hectare private property, bordering the Namib Naukluft Park, it offers splendid views of the Sossusvlei Dunes as well as spectacular mountain scenery. The lodge itself is built in an African style using a combination of clay and thatch. Accommodation at Kulala Desert Lodge is in one of twelve thatched and canvas chalets or "Kulalas" (Kulala in the Namibian language "oshiwambo" means "to sleep") with en-suite bathrooms and showers. These 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.

Kulala Desert Lodge has a lounge, bar dining area and small pool. A veranda overlooks the waterhole allowing views of wildlife and the wide open spaces of the Namib Desert. Although Kulala lodge is not the cheapest lodge in the area, its unique position makes it an essential on any Namibian itinerary.

Early morning guided game drives to the spectacular Sossusvlei dunes are via a private gate on the Tsauchab River. Game drives and walks are also offered on the private reserve with incredible scenery, desert game and smaller desert~adapted fauna and flora. Spotlit night~drives are a highlight.

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 Namib 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

Situated close by on the same property are the Little Kulala and Kulala Wilderness Camp Lodges offering accommodation in thatched and canvas chalets.

Details: All Rooms | Some Rooms | Not Available Number of rooms: 15 Check in time: 12.00 Check out time: 10.00 Hotel / Lodge Facilities Room Facilities Children Restaurant Fitness Centre Swimming Pool Laundry Service Non Smoking Rooms Spa Lounge Disabled Access Internet Secure parking En-suite bathroom Television Telephone Room Service Mini Bar Air- Conditioning Fan Mosquito Nets Tea / Coffee Making In room safe High Chairs Cot Babysitting 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 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.

Other Lodges in the Sesriem Area / Sossusvlei Sesriem Area Betesda Rest Camp Desert Homestead Kulala Desert Lodge Kulala Tented Camp Le Mirage Desert Lodge Little Kulala Little Sossus Lodge Namib Desert Lodge Namib Naukluft Lodge Sesriem Campsite Sossusvlei Lodge Sossusvlei Mountain Lodge Sossusvlei Wilderness Camp Weltevrede Rest Camp Lodges near Solitaire (further away than Sesriem but still suitable to visit Sossusvlei) Solitaire Area Rostock Desert Lodge Solitaire Country Lodge Solitaire Guest House Swartfontein Mountain & Desert Lodge

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 over Sossusvlei (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 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:
Drinks on game drives and house-wine at dinner are included on the fully inclusive 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
A daily laundry service is included in the nightly tariff.

Rate - valid from 1 December 2007 - 30 November 2008

Dinner, Bed & Breakfast (DBB)

Fully Inclusive (FI) - meals, activities & local brand drinks

Activities & Additional Meals - only applicable if booked on a DBB rate

Rates are subject to change without prior notice

Directions

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 C19).
A map of the area and the Kulala & Sossusvlei Wilderness Lodge