Kulala Desert Lodge (Wilderness Safaris) Namib Desert Luxury Accommodation

Situated on over 21 000 hectares (46 000 acres) of private property and bordering the Namib Naukluft Park, Kulala Desert Lodge lies in the heart of the Namib and offers magnificent views of the famous red dunes of Sossusvlei, as well as magnificent mountainous scenery and vast open plains.

Fourteen thatched and canvas chalets or "Kulalas" (Kulala in the Namibian language "oshiwambo" means "to sleep") with en-suite bathrooms and showers are set on wooden platforms to provide maximum airflow. For outdoor enthusiasts, mattresses can be moved to the rooftop to sleep under the stars from a private star gazing platform.

The main lodge, with décor inspired from Northern Africa, has a lounge, pub, dining area and plunge pool, and offers a wrap-around verandah that overlooks the waterhole and provides a perfect location to view and photograph the desert sunset. Early morning guided game drives to the spectacular dunes are through a private gate on the Tsauchab River.

Game drives and walks are also offered on the private reserve with incredible views, desert game and smaller desert fauna and flora. This is not a game rich area, however, whatever game we see is interesting and dramatised by the contrast between the desert and animals like Springbok, Gemsbok (Oryx) and Ostrich who manage to survive in these harsh conditions. Night drives using spotlights often encounter small mammals such as Aardwolf, Bat Eared Fox, Hares and sometimes Spotted Hyenas.

Another option, at an extra cost, is early morning ballooning. Beginning at first light, the 60-90 minute balloon safari offers a truly unique experience to soar silently above the magnificent sand dunes and desert - with a champagne breakfast served at your landing site.

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Namib Naukluft Park
Namib Naukluft park is the largest game park in Africa (40 000 sq. km) and fourth largest in the world. There are four sections in the park: Sossusvlei and Sesriem, Naukluft, Namib section and Sandwich Harbour.

Naukluft. Facilities: camping sites with communal ablution facilities. Camping site are located near Naukluft river.

History
Naukluft Mountain Zebra park was established in 1968 with the accrual of farm Naukluft as a sanctuary for Hartmann's zebra. Most of the farm surrounding Naukluft mountain massif was purchased by 1970. In 1979 the area known as Diamond Area 2 (south of Kuiseb river, including Sesriem and Sossusvlei) was added to form Namib Naukluft park.

Vegetation
The vegetation of the Naukluft complex has been classified as Semi-desert savanna. There are several interesting species occurring in the area. Aloe sladeniana, Aloe karasbergensis, cluster fig, Commiphora, Acacia (thorn) and Euphorbia.

Wildlife
The following mammals are likely to be seen: steenbok, springbok, oryx, kudu, mountain zebra, dassie rat, chacma baboon, rock dassie, klipspringer. Up to 200 bird species have been recorded in the area.

Sesriem and Sossusvlei
Entrance for the visitors is between sunrise and sunset only. 18 camping sites are available at Sesriem with communal ablution facilities. Distance between Sesriem and Sossusvlei is 65 kilometres. Last 5 kilometres before Sossusvlei can be negotiated with 4x4 vehicle only. There are several local companies providing shuttle services from 2x4 parking area to Sossusvlei

Sesriem Canyon is located only 4 kilometres from Sesriem. The canyon, approximately 2 to 4 million years old, is up to 40 metres deep and about 3 kilometres long. Sossusvlei is one the places definitely worth seeing in Namibia. Huge red sand dunes, camel thorn trees and vlei (shallow water pond) itself, filled occasionally after a good rains are the attractions of the area.

Remember: visit dunes as early as possible (temperatures are not that high yet and you can take the best pictures), always carry water with you, sun block cream is a must, as well as a hat.