Kulala Desert Lodge

The Namibian landscape unfurls in boundless open plains broken by red dunes and rugged mountains. Within this untamed land stands Kulala Desert Lodge in the private Kulala Wilderness Reserve. The entire lodge is constructed to take in as much of its natural surroundings as possible, with its defining attraction being its private entrance into the Namib-Naukluft National Park, the largest game park in Africa and home to the frozen dunes of Sossusvlei. 

The private gate on the Tsauchab River gives direct access to Sossusvlei’s clay pan and its towering, burnt-orange dunes. Nature drives and walks reveal the fascinating fauna and flora stubborn enough to survive the hyper-arid region. Soar silently in a hot air balloon, its shadow falling on the Sesriem canyon and the skeleton trees of Deadvlei below.

The 23 thatched and canvassed chalets – "Kulalas" – are built on raised wooden platforms designed to catch the cooling breezes. Each chalet features a private verandah, en-suite bathroom and deck on the flat rooftop. The main area comprises a comfortable lounge, indoor dining room and a bar that opens onto the wrap-around verandah overlooking the waterhole.