Little Kulala

CEDARBERG RATING

Luxury

Overview

Little Kulala is in a prime location on the western side of the private 27,000 hectare Kulala Wilderness Reserve in the Namib Desert of Namibia. The Kulala reserve is the closest to Sossusvlei itself and offers magnificent dune scenery to the west and the rugged Namib mountainous escarpment to the east - with grassy plains and 'fairy circles' filling the space in between. A private gate ensures exclusive access to the famous red dunes of Sossusvlei.

Accommodation at Little Kulala

Little Kulala is small and exclusive, located on the dry Auab River bed dotted with camelthorn trees. This luxurious camp comprises 11 spacious climate-controlled thatched & canvas chalets or ‘kulalas’ (meaning 'to sleep'). All are on elevated bleached wooden decks and blend seamlessly into the timeless desert landscape. The extensive use of neutral colours, gorgeous textures and natural light reproduce the soothing pastel tones of the desert. Each has its own private bathroom with indoor and outdoor showers, bedroom and large veranda with a small plunge pool and sun loungers. An external (quite steep) staircase leads to the flat rooftop with a 'skybed' for romantic star gazing and sleeping as well as private dining.

The pointed roof of the main lodge echoes the Sossusvlei dunes. Here you find a relaxed lounge, dining room, library, bar, wine cellar. The use of serene natural colours, textures and light is the perfect answer to the natural tones of the desert. Dining under the clear Namibian skies is a highlight at Little Kulala. The interiors exude an all-natural ambience with sun-bleached colours and loads of space and light. The overall mood is cool, serene, organic and sheltering.

Activities at Little Kulala

Activities are designed to show you the splendour, solitude and stark beauty of the Namib Desert, with early morning excursions to the spectacular towering dunes of Sossusvlei (via their own private gate).  Later on in the day you can enjoy guided drives and walks in the reserve with awe-inspiring views of desert wildlife and plants. Desert-adapted animals such as ostrich, springbok and gemsbok eke out an existence near Little Kulala. Smaller creatures such as the lovely bat-eared fox and aardwolf can be seen at night in the cool desert air. Eco-sensitive guided quad biking is also available for Little Kulala guests exclusively and included in the Fully inclusive rate.

A balloon safari (at extra cost) offers a unique experience soaring silently above the desert.

At A Glance

  • Swimming pool
  • Private Plunge Pool
  • Beautiful Landscapes
  • Star gazing
  • Walking Trail
  • Wifi on premises

Little Kulala on the map

Rooms

Standard Twin

Inspired by Dead Vlei, the design of the 10 luxury desert suites has been cleverly expanded to offer improved airflow, and the use of brick and glass, and a thatch roof, further enhances temperature control. The interior décor echoes the natural beauty of the surrounding desert, replicated in the colour palette and featured art. Each room has a spacious deck, sala and private plunge pool, designed to merge into the timeless desert setting. A private rooftop area for romantic stargazing, and sleep-outs on the bottom deck of each room, complete the experience.

Family Unit

Little Kulala has one spacious and comfortable family unit consisting of two bedrooms, each with two three-quarter beds, and own en-suite facilities. Each large climate-controlled suite has a rooftop, which can be used for starlit dinners or star gazing, and the spacious sala below has a private plunge pool, and an area for outdoor siestas during the day, or sleep-outs under the stars.

My family holiday to Namibia

My 12 day trip to Namibia in January was an unbelievable experience for all my family. We drove all the way through the country from the south (Fish River Canyon) to the north (Etosha National Park) with my two boys in our double cab 4x4.

Sonja Brand
Africa Travel Specialist