Responsive image

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

Speak to someone who's been there

Start planning your tailor-made trip by calling one of our specialists on 855 686 7694

Enquire

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.

Nearby Alternatives

What customers are saying after travelling with Tourdust

Average Rating

based on 517 reviews

(5.00/5)

  • Yes everything went incredibly smoothly , excellent guide and set up u have . I might need a new pair of calves though !!! Thanks for sorting ALL the changes out. Regards Charlie

    Missingcharles b reviewing 6 Day Toubkal Circuit on 03 May 2023

  • Hi Lisa, We had a fabulous time thank you. The accommodation and other ideation were all terrific - that’s so much for your help. The apartment in Cape Town was particularly good - we would never have found that: Boschendal was great as well and game lodge was superb. Thanks again, Alistair

    MissingAlistair A reviewing Cape Town, Garden Route and Kruger on 28 April 2023

  • Dear Lisa
    Well, we are back and still buzzing. We have had a marvellous time. The weather helped. We left Manchester in the snow and arrived in Marrakesh at 30 degrees. We were well looked after in the Riad. I'm glad we booked a meal for the first evening - ate it on the roof terrace. We can recommend that. It was delicious. We ate at the Foundouk, as per your recommendation and on the following night we ate at Le Jardin - got lost on the way to it!. We can really recommend Le Jardin.
    The following day we went to Majorelle gardens. Fortunately we had looked it up before we travelled because you have to book in advance online only from Jan 2023. We found our own way to the Medera Ben Yousef and Latifa took us to Bahia Palace - both were stunning.
    The following morning our lovely taxi driver Mohammond collected us to go to the EcoLodge. Yet another Mohammond made us very welcome. Again we ate well! You were right, the pool was freezing, but I can't sit next to water and not get in. Once you're in you forget how cold it is! I wasn't the only person to try the pool.
    Rashid, our guide for our walk collected us. He was brilliant. It was hard work, but worth it. I was determined I would make it. Kevin is fitter than me! The Berber family were lovely. We stopped when we were nearly there to see how rag rugs were made. When we got back Rashid and Mohammond confessed that Mohammond had said to Rashid that he should get us to a road if we got too tired and they would send a taxi (or a mule!) to collect us - or me, but Rashid was sure that I'd be OK. He was right. I think they wondered about these 2 70+ year olds. We can't praise Rashid enough. He had walked over from Imlil in the morning and was going to walk back after he left us.
    Thank you so much for putting our holiday together. We never thought it would be 3 years before we went. We are so glad we persevered. We did wonder what we had let ourselves in for as 2 oldies!
    Fiona and Kevin

    MissingFiona B reviewing Boutique Marrakech & Atlas Mountains on 21 April 2023

+
See more reviews

Decisions...

Stop searching and speak to someone who knows.

Enquire Now