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Little Kulala

Our rating

9/10

Price guide

Highlights

- Breath-taking location close to Sossusvlei
- Exclusive, luxurious facilities
- Hot air balloon rides
- Wilderness Safari Portfolio

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Overview

The sumptuous desert retreat of Little Kulala is situated in the private 27,000 hectare Kulala Wilderness Reserve, just south of the Namib-Naukluft National Park. The lodge sits in the dry Auab riverbed amidst breath-taking scenery; the great Namib dune sea rises on one side, falling away to the stark beauty of the desert on the other. The dramatic and remote location allows guests to experience an abundance of desert wildlife, including springbok, ostrich, and oryx, with nightfall bringing opportunities to see hyena, bat-eared fox, and aardwolf.

The lodge’s architecture is designed to echo the minimalism of the surrounding desert. Inside the thatch-topped adobe buildings, the decor is tasteful and there is plenty of natural light. The lounge and dining areas are spacious and stylish, with plush furnishings. The main lodge also includes a library, craft boutique, bar, and wine cellar, with the communal veranda offering al fresco fine dining looking out across the stunning landscape. Friendly and attentive staff are always on hand.

The bedrooms consist of 11 climate-controlled, thatched “kulalas,” which in the local Oshiwambo language means 'to sleep.' There are 7 well-appointed twin bedded units and three double units. The exposed stonework and attractive wooden features create a simple yet sophisticated feel, and each room opens out onto a private veranda overlooking the expansive wilderness, complete with plunge pool, outdoor shower, and, on the upper deck, a sky-bed where guests can sleep beneath the brilliant stars.

The lodge's proximity and private access to the incredible Sossusvlei and Dead Vlei in part explain the hefty price-tag. Pre-dawn excursions to these white clay and salt pans walled by immense red dunes provide awesome photography opportunities, and are not to be missed. To the north lies the Sesriem canyon, boasting amazing views from the top, and geologically fascinating walks at the bottom. Other activities from the lodge include eco-sensitive quad biking and horse riding safaris, along with early-morning balloon safaris with breath-taking vistas of the area and elevated views of the desert wildlife. Note that balloon rides are subject to additional cost, and are unavailable mid-January to mid-February. Expert guides offer day time and early evening nature drives through the reserve, whilst extensive hiking trails allow guests to explore the surrounding area on foot. The secluded location is perfect for sundowners and impressive stargazing, and scorpion night walks are also available.

Although children over the age of 8 are welcome, the lodge is not specifically geared to the entertainment of youngsters, with the core of activities focussing on exploring stunning landscapes and natural wonders. There is one family kulala which can accommodate four guests in two en-suite bedrooms separated by a deck. A limited number of triple rooms are also available. Note that the lodge and pool are unfenced, and though rarely visited by wildlife, parental supervision is essential at all times.

Little Kulala is upmarket and extremely comfortable, with wonderful staff. The lodge’s location close to key southern-Namibian sights makes for a high price tag, but it’s worth pulling out all the stops to enjoy the splendid scenery and superb opportunities for desert exploration afforded by this delightful property.

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What customers are saying after travelling with Tourdust

Average Rating

based on 530 reviews

(5.00/5)

  • Dear Lisa. On behalf of the three generations of the Rowland family. Thank you, so much, for organising our wonderful holiday to Botswana and the Victoria Falls. The trip of a lifetime. The week mobile camping in the bush, with our guide Nandos and his crew was a fantastic adventure. How they manage to cook such wonderful food on an open fire is amazing. The sites were constantly visited by monkeys and once by elephants. We were even lucky enough to see two packs of wild dogs, once with a kill. Waterberry Lodge on the Zambezi River is a wonderfully tranquil place. Ideal to relax after the adventures of our safari and visiting Victoria Falls. Very many thanks once again

    MissingGodfrey R reviewing Private Mobile Family Safari in Botswana on 25 September 2023

  • We had a great time - even with the flight between Governors and the coast being two flights and a car! We also experienced a power cut At Nairobi airport on the way home so 2+ hours late taking off. Governors. Wonderful people and dealt with the flight delay very well - taking us back and letting us know that we could stay there if the flight was delayed overnight. The game drives were excellent and our guide (Erick) obviously very experienced and managed to find all the key animals - no rhino in that part of the Masai Mara but everything else in abundance - never seen so many herbivores (many many elephants as well as all the others) as well as two prides of lions. Could not have asked for more. The ‘tent’ was excellent and comfortable and well serviced. The only ‘complaint’ would be that the food - especially dinner - could be improved (I think we got a bit bored of soup as a starter for every meal bar one) and the main courses were not at the same level as Kinondo Kwetu and while all were explained there was no choice offered. The breakfasts were just what was needed after an early game drive. Kinondo Kwetu. What a great location and the welcome when we arrived at just gone 11.00pm was better than you could have ever thought possible - they we’re disappointed that we did not at that time want the full dinner experience! The rooms we’re comfortable. The food was excellent but again no choice was offered - other than for allergy reasons (which we do not have). May be some choice would be nice. Having said that the food we did have was excellent as were the wines (albeit a short list!) and other drinks. There were (as you know) lots of facilities/sports options - but we spent our time relaxing which was exactly what we needed and there were lots of places to do that. Overall. We would go back to both places - perhaps a few more nights at Kinondo Kwetu next time but 3 nights at Governors was perfect for us. Thank you for organising and recommending both places. That you and your colleague for trying to find out about the plane (flat tyre) but communication by the flight company left a lot to be desired (Governors were furious that they were not told and had taken us to the airstrip). Phil

    MissingPhilip R reviewing Masai Mara Safari & Kenya Beach on 01 September 2023

  • It was certainly a holiday of a lifetime for us and we loved every minute!! The standard and location of each accommodation was excellent, as was the variety of each different accommodation type. Our schedule was perfect and we managed to achieve everything on our to-do task list. Your documents were also really helpful, as were the driving directions. We all thank you for making this such a wonderful holiday. Happy to leave a review publicly if you point me the right way. Best Steve

    MissingStephen H reviewing Classic Garden Route & Eastern Cape Safari on 01 September 2023

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