What is special about the desert dunes of Namibia?

The dunes of Sossusvlei in Namibia’s Namib Sand Sea UNESCO World Heritage Site are some of the most photographed in the world, known for their impressive orange and red hue. This magnificent colour comes from iron mixed in with the sand, which oxidises or rusts over time. The more vibrant the dune, the older it is. And the dunes here are around 5 million years old!

How do you get to Sossusvlei?

Sossusvlei is easily accessible by road from Swakopmund or Windhoek. However, the best and quickest way to reach this remote part of Namibia is on a light aircraft with Wilderness Air, where you will get to appreciate the true beauty of the desert from above.

Where is Sossusvlei located in Namibia?

Sossusvlei, famous for its towering sand dunes, is located in south-western Namibia in the Namib-Naukluft National Park, the largest conservation site in Namibia.

What is there to do in Sossusvlei?

During your stay at our Namibian desert lodge, you will find plenty of activities to fill your day. See the stunning scenery and wildlife of the area on a guided drive or nature walk, venture across the plains on an eco-friendly electric fatbike, enjoy excursions to nearby Sesriem Canyon, hot-air balloon over the dunes for an incredible bird’s-eye view, indulge in sundowners overlooking the enormous gravel plains, or have a picnic under the stars.

Where to stay in Sossusvlei?

There are numerous options for travellers looking to lay down their weary heads in Sossusvlei. Our two camps, Wilderness Kulula Desert Lodge and Wilderness Little Kulala, are the closest to the iconic red dunes of Sossusvlei and Dead Vlei.

What do I wear at Sossusvlei?

You’ll explore Sossusvlei on foot so be sure to bring some sturdy, comfortable walking shoes. There also isn’t much shade so wear something airy and light in colour to keep cool and bring along plenty of sunblock and a good hat.

A camp fire is what safaris are made for

Namibia

Kulala Desert Lodge

Namib Desert Retreat

Explore the ancient dunes of Sossusvlei at Kulala Desert Lodge. Discover fascinating desert-adapted creatures.

Home Africa Namibia Sossusvlei Kulala Desert Lodge

DESTINATIONS

Wilderness Kulala Desert Lodge

An unforgettable desert adventure.

An exclusive-use gate from Wilderness Kulula Desert Lodge gives you early access to Sossusvlei, one of the most remarkable landscapes on Earth. Hike along the 30-metre deep Sesriem Canyon, where water has carved through the rock over millennia. Take a leisurely stroll near camp on the Tsauchab River Trail. Perhaps even more unforgettable: take it all in from above, *hot-air ballooning over this fantastical landscape.

*additional cost applies.

Hiking up Big Daddy is a not to be missed activity from Kulala

NAMIBIA

Take to the sky in a hot air balloon over the desert

Kulala Desert Lodge moments

Look forward to endless spectacular desert scenery and sightings of extraordinary, unexpected, desert wildlife during your stay at Wilderness Kulala Desert Lodge. Challenge your fitness on one of the dunes, spot desert-adapted game and smaller creatures, or strike a pose alongside eerie, long-dead camelthorn trees in Dead Vlei. 

the breathtaking world renowned Dead Vlei is a natural wonder

A sense of adventure on an Ebike through the desert

Main area at KDL offers dramatic vistas from comfy couches

Enjoy a sundowner setup at Wilderness Kulala Desert Lodge

Kulala Desert Lodge moments

Look forward to endless spectacular desert scenery and sightings of extraordinary, unexpected, desert wildlife during your stay at Wilderness Kulala Desert Lodge. Challenge your fitness on one of the dunes, spot desert-adapted game and smaller creatures, or strike a pose alongside eerie, long-dead camelthorn trees in Dead Vlei. 

Accommodation

Down-to-earth, comfortable Kulala Desert Lodge beckons groups, families, and self-drive guests with a convivial atmosphere that will have you feeling at home in no time. Each of the 21 canvas and thatch rooms features a flat rooftop, ideal for sleep-outs under the extraordinarily clear Namibian night sky.

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Cuisine

Delectable cuisine and unforgettable dining moments punctuate the experience at Kulala. Start your day with a champagne breakfast after a once-in-a-lifetime balloon flight over the dunes. Enjoy a lazy bush lunch in a dry river bed or pizzas at the pool. Stop for a gin and tonic as the sun turns the desert ablaze. Finally, feast on a traditional dinner under the stars amongst new friends.

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THE DETAILS

Wilderness Kulala Desert Lodge

On guided nature walks or drives from Wilderness Kulala Desert Lodge, venture into the remote and dramatic landscape. Look out for what game may appear, perhaps a herd of oryx running across the sands. Congregate at the camp living area, the sparkling pool, or on the wraparound veranda to see what desert-adapted animals will show up at the waterhole next.

Purpose

Facilities

Wildlife

Area

Activities

The best way to end a nature drive at Kulala is with a chilled sundowner

Transformation into wilderness

It was a wildly ambitious plan. Take arid land used for goat farming and rewild it. But at Wilderness, we've always pushed conservation boundaries because we know it is worth it. Today, Kulala Desert Lodge and its seemingly barren landscape are once again teeming with life. Here you will remember the true power of nature's will to live.

Family unit

Two family units ensure complete privacy, for memorable moments.

Pool

Enjoy a sundowner and refreshing dip under the African sun.

Sleep-out

Restore your senses with a night on the sleep-out deck.

Wi-Fi

Reconnect with nature with disconnecting from those you love.

Safari store

Pick out a locally crafted keepsake as a reminder of your Namib adventure.

KDL looks out over the world famous sea of dunes

An arid land full of life

Oryx, springbok, Cape and bat-eared foxes, ostriches, aardwolf, and black-backed jackals dot the plains. A myriad of fascinating insects, such as buck-spoor spiders and antlions hide in plain sight. The call of the famously endemic dune lark, and heard-but-rarely-seen barking gecko, punctuate your Namibian desert safari. Welcome to Sossusvlei.

Purpose

Transformation into wilderness

It was a wildly ambitious plan. Take arid land used for goat farming and rewild it. But at Wilderness, we've always pushed conservation boundaries because we know it is worth it. Today, Kulala Desert Lodge and its seemingly barren landscape are once again teeming with life. Here you will remember the true power of nature's will to live.

Facilities

Family unit

Two family units ensure complete privacy, for memorable moments.

Pool

Enjoy a sundowner and refreshing dip under the African sun.

Sleep-out

Restore your senses with a night on the sleep-out deck.

Wi-Fi

Reconnect with nature with disconnecting from those you love.

Safari store

Pick out a locally crafted keepsake as a reminder of your Namib adventure.

Wildlife

Area

An arid land full of life

Oryx, springbok, Cape and bat-eared foxes, ostriches, aardwolf, and black-backed jackals dot the plains. A myriad of fascinating insects, such as buck-spoor spiders and antlions hide in plain sight. The call of the famously endemic dune lark, and heard-but-rarely-seen barking gecko, punctuate your Namibian desert safari. Welcome to Sossusvlei.

Activities

EXPERIENCES

Kulala Desert experiences

Climb up, and run down, the 300-metre red ochre dunes of Sossusvlei. On a guided nature drive, enjoy a coffee stop to appreciate the scenery and stillness of the desert. Dash over the plains on an electric fatbike, a family favourite. Sip sundowners as the sun fires up the sky, then fades. Sleep out on your rooftop under millions of stars.  

Explore all Experiences

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Nature drives

Get close to rare wildlife, explore otherworldly landscapes and immerse yourself in uncharted territory on a nature drive.

Nature Drives

Namibia

Wilderness Experiences Natural Wonders Victoria Falls

Safari wonders & attractions

There’s something epic awaiting at every one of our destinations. Discover Africa’s top attractions when you safari with us.

Safari wonders & attractions

Botswana, Namibia, Rwanda

Wilderness e-bike

Is there any better way to explore the vast Sand Sea of the Namib Desert, than on an electric bike?

Desert e-biking

Namibia

Birding

Birding with a knowledgeable Wilderness guide is spectacular across all our regions, with 930 different species for twitchers to tick.

Birding

Botswana, Namibia, Rwanda, Tanzania, Zambia, Zimbabwe

Stargazing

Lie on a blanket, behold the beauty of your surrounds, and contemplate space and your place in it when you go stargazing.

Stargazing

Botswana, Namibia, Tanzania, Zimbabwe

MAP

Explore camps in Sossusvlei

Discover a land of barren beauty and impressive contrasts. Sossusvlei’s star dunes reflect the wind blowing from all directions, forming over millions of years, shape-shifting to eventually block the Tsauchab River. Thus creating the dead-end, which centuries ago led to the near-mummification of the haunting Dead Vlei trees, black against the white clay pan.  

Go to destinations map

Kulala Desert Lodge

Standard Season

From USD 350 per person, per night

Premium Season

From USD 560 per person, per night

TRAVEL WITH US

Journey with Wilderness

Africa’s ever-changing landscapes bring shifts in wildlife through the seasons. You could embark on our safari activities multiple times, each time having a unique experience in the wild. From the desert dreams of Namibia to the wonderful waterscapes of the Okavango, let us take you wherever your heart desires.

See all journeys

Kulala awards

Camp awards

Kulala Desert Lodge is a beacon of conservation tourism. Over decades of operation, its success has paved the way for many sustainable safaris to follow suit. The hard work of our teams on the ground and the communities we work alongside have been recognised through many awards. And we couldn’t be prouder.

Tripadvisor

Certificate of Excellence 2019

TripAdvisor CoE 2017

Readers Choice Award

GUEST EXPERIENCES

Testimonials from fellow safari-goers

With a great 4.4 star rating from 557 reviews, guests consistently praise Kulala Desert Lodge's exceptional wildlife viewing, dedicated guides, and luxurious accommodations. Read what fellow safari-goers have to say about their unforgettable experiences at Wilderness Kulala Desert Lodge.Read more reviews on TripAdvisor.

Great place for family stay

"A unique place to stay with great staff and fantastic guides. Given the remoteness of the camp the facilities were great and would highly recommend especially as it is very close to the park entrance. We stayed as a family with 3 children. They loved sleeping outside under the stars and the animals that came out in the night. The food was good and staff were very helpful. Hot air ballooning is not to be missed!!"

Ben M

★★★★★

Stunning!

"This lodge is just stunning! The views are incredible, the staff were so friendly and helpful, the food was delicious and the activities were great! We had a short time there, but they made sure to accommodate all the activities we wanted to do and worked with our schedule. Don't miss the hot air balloon ride and champagne brunch, it’s a very special and unique experience. I would highly recommend this lodge!"

Colleen H

★★★★★

Lovely lodge, stunning views, friendly staff

"Absolutely loved this place. Gorgeous rooms, lovely dining area, perfect deck for sun downers, nice pool, friendly staff, amazing trips to the sand dunes. At night they made up warm beds on the roof of our room for star gazing. We slept out all night with hot water bottles counting shooting stars. The staff were so friendly too. Amazing two days."

CKSKM | UK

★★★★★

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FAQs

General

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JOURNAL

Kulala Desert Lodge featured stories

Many who visit Wilderness Kulala Desert Lodge think twice about sharing their adventures, content to keep this special corner of Africa to themselves. We think Kulala’s majestic beauty and abundant wildlife experiences are simply too good not to share. Here are a few stories.

See all stories

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