Little Kulala
Accommodation near Sossusvlei - Namibia
Little Kulala, a luxurious desert retreat, is situated on the 210 km² private Kulala Wilderness Reserve. The entrance to this reserve is just 17km from Sesriem, and is the gateway to Namibia's Sand Sea, with its towering red dunes and clear starry skies.
The main area is built over three levels. At the entrance level, you are greeted by a long cement seat, and is covered with large, stuffed cushions. The curved stone walls open up to the tea room, a bar and various other comfortable seating areas. The circular design, was inspired by the mystical 'fairy circles,' found throughout the Namib Desert.
Large glass doors lead from the main lounge, into a large, mainly thatched deck, partly-built around existing camelthorn trees. Here there are more sitting areas, including woven hammock chairs. This area is often used for dining, but in the colder winter months, (July to August) dinner is usually served inside, where there is a large, inviting large stone fireplace. A more romantic candle-lit meal table for two, can be set up in the lodge's underground wine cellar.
There is a well-stocked reference library on the top level of the main building. Clay pots, sculptures and a variety of hand-woven baskets, are placed amongst scatter cushions, bean bags and an amazing shaggy-wool chaise lounge. There is also a fire place here in this great chill-out area.
To the left of the main building, an outside deck opens up to form the pool area, fenced off from the desert by bamboo sticks. There are fantastic views over the surrounding desert terrain from here.
Little Kulala has 11 air-conditioned double chalets, plus one 'family chalet', which has a double room and a twin room linked by a walkway. They are all raised on white-washed wooden decks, with a bamboo stick fence/gate on each for extra privacy. The bathroom is in a separate room, with a marble shower, twin wash-basins, electric shaver-points, and a stock of complementary toiletries and large wall-sized mirror. Each chalet has a double bed, in the middle of the room, raised on a small wooden platform. There is a coffee/tea station, and a fully-stocked mini-bar/fridge. The large lounge has pebble-shaped cushions, a coffee-table and foot stools, all on a beautiful sand coloured rug. Two sides of the room are made almost entirely of glass, giving their guests wonderful panoramic views of the desert. There is also a private outdoor shower.
To one side of the front of the chalet is a large private deck. This adjoins a thatched 'sala,' (a small, open-air lounging area) complete with cushions, outdoor table with chairs for dining outdoors, sun loungers and your very own private plunge pool! To the other side of your chalet, are steps that lead upstairs onto your very own private terrace. Bedrolls can be unfurled for their guests, complete with hot-water bottles in the winter.
This beautiful reserve has a variety of desert-adapted wildlife, such as springbok, gemsbok, (oryx) and smaller mammals such as bat-eared fox, black-backed jackal and the elusive aardwolf, that can be seen on night drives. Kulala is also home to a variety of birds, such as the aptly named Dune Lark, whose entire population is completely restricted to these red sands.
Their sunrise excursion into the Sossusvlei dunes, leaves a few minutes before sunrise, breakfast is served afterwards at the dunes. There are also morning, afternoon and night drives, and guided walks on the reserve.
- Activities at the Lodge
- Activities around Sossusvlei
- Early morning guided nature drives
- the dunes of Sossusvlei are reached through a private gate on the Tsauchab River
- Nature drives and walks
- Guided drives and walks are also offered on the private Kulala Wilderness Reserve with incredible views, desert-adapted wildlife and plants
- Ballooning over Sossusvlei
- Drift over the dune fields at Sossusvlei and enjoy a champagne breakfast wherever the wind takes you
- Guided Hikes
- learn about the dune fields on an expertly guided walk
- Scenic Flights
- light aircraft regularly depart on scenic flights over Sossusvlei and its surroundings
Directions:
Little 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).

Competitively priced self catering lodge - very close to the entrance to the Namib Naukluft Park
Mid-range accommodation offering some of the best value for money in the area. Horse riding an added activity
Moroccan inspired architecture seems strangely out of place in Namibia. The location, spa and general amenities are good.
Luxury lodge with guided tour to the dunes using the lodges own private entrance, excellent choice for those looking for a little extra luxury
Good solid choice, on a beautiful property some distance from the park entrance
Large establishment right next to the Sesriem Campsite, best for keeping driving to a minimum
Luxury lodge on the same property as the Kulala lodges decorated in african colonial chic style
Good budget option, cheaper rates equate to less favourable location (in terms of distance)