Namibia Sossusvlei Safari Camps

Magnificent views of the famous red sand dunes of Sossusvlei, breathtaking mountain scenery and vast open plains: this is Kulala Desert Lodge. Situated in a private wilderness area bordering the Namib Naukluft Park, there is an abundance of space and silence.

The camp has fifteen thatched and canvas "kulalas" with private bathrooms and verandas. Each unit is built on a wooden platform to catch the cooling breezes and has a deck on the flat rooftop where bedrolls are placed for guests who want to sleep under the myriad stars. The main area has a lounge, bar, dining area, plunge pool, and wrap-around veranda for views. The overall setting is a true delight to the senses.

A waterhole in front of camp attracts a number of local wildlife such as gemsbok, springbok, ostrich and jackal, and provides a perfect location to view and photograph the desert scenery. Early morning guided nature drives take you to the spectacular dunes of Sossusvlei. These dunes have developed over millions of years, the wind continuously transforming the contours of this red sand sea. Cape fox and aardwolf can be seen at night in the cool desert air, and one bird, the aptly named dune lark, has its entire global distribution limited to the area, so dependent is it on the area's characteristic sands. Nature drives and walks are also offered on the private reserve with the incredible views, and for extra cost, an early morning balloon safari with a champagne breakfast.

Kulala Wilderness Camp, in the private Kulala Wilderness Reserve, commands a panoramic view of the valley and mountains beyond. It lies at the base of a mountain and perfectly catches the majestic Namibian sunsets. Nearby world-famous Sossusvlei is an enormous clay pan, flanked by the famous red sand dunes that stand out starkly against the blue sky. These dunes — the most well-known being Big Daddy or Dune 45 — have developed over millions of years, the wind continuously refashioning the contours of them.

The camp consists of ten comfortable "kulalas" (meaning "to sleep" in Oshiwambo) with private bathrooms and verandas built on elevated platforms for that spectacular view. The main area is raised to take advantage of the endless vista and has a lounge and bar under thatch. Meals are taken on the deck and guests can cool off at the sparkling pool.

On the edge of the Namib, the oldest desert in the world, wildlife here is fascinating in its adaptation to the harsh conditions. The 'vlei' itself only fills after rare heavy rainfall when, in a complete turn-around, it transforms into a spectacular turquoise lake. Sparse yet thrilling to see are springbok, gemsbok, ostrich, bat-eared fox, the rarely seen aardwolf and many small fauna. Activities include excursions to the incredible dunes of Sossusvlei, early morning ballooning (at extra cost), guided walks and scenic nature drives.

Little Kulala, a luxurious desert retreat, is situated in the private Kulala Wilderness Reserve, the gateway to Namibia’s world’s largest sand dunes and clear starry skies. Set amongst ancient camel thorn trees on the dry Auab riverbed it offers first-rate facilities, charming hospitality and proximity to the towering red sand dunes of the Namib Desert. There is no better way to experience the famed "Sand Sea". Sossusvlei is situated within the Namib Desert, the oldest desert in the world, which itself is part of the Namib Naukluft National Park.

Little Kulala’s eleven climate-controlled, thatched units merge impeccably into the timeless desert landscape. Equipped with exquisite fittings and fixtures and decks with a private plunge pool, each unit has a rooftop 'skybed' for romantic stargazing, and bathrooms with both indoor and outdoor showers. An elegant main entertainment area includes a library, wine cellar, craft boutique, lounge and dining room. The interiors have been designed to provide an all-natural and unique experience in this most beautiful environment. The overall mood and feel is cool, serene, organic and sheltering.

Desert-adapted wildlife such as ostrich, springbok and gemsbok eke out an existence and are sparsely distributed here. Smaller creatures such as bat-eared fox and aardwolf can be seen at night in the cool desert air, and one bird, the dune lark, exists nowhere else. Early morning guided game drives to the spectacular towering dunes of Sossusvlei are through a private gate into the reserve. For an extra cost, take an early morning balloon ride with a champagne breakfast.

In one of the most remarkable places in the Namib Desert, lies Sossusvlei Wilderness Camp. It is adjacent to the massive Sossusvlei dunes that rise dramatically more than 300 meters above the adjoining plains, and surrounded by rugged, ancient volcanic mountains.

There are nine superbly appointed units, each with a plunge pool on a raised wooden deck. The bedrooms and private bathrooms all have panoramic views of the surrounding plains and dunes in the distance. The main area is under thatch with an outdoor deck where guests enjoy sundowners or dinner under the stars, while breakfasts are sometimes served under camel thorn trees amongst the dunes. The clear African night skies are viewed through a powerful telescope from the stargazing platform.

The camp offers easy access to Sossusvlei as well as privacy and exclusivity, so early morning excursions to the dunes and the vlei are most popular. Awe-inspiring ballooning safaris are at extra cost. Experienced guides bring the desert to life during nature drives and walks, with night drives producing sightings of nocturnal species such as aardwolf, Cape fox, black-backed jackal and bat-eared fox.

Located in the far northern part of the NamibRand Nature Reserve, Sossusvlei Desert Lodge is a deliberately understated luxury lodge. You are surrounded by rocky outcrops, vast plains and valley floors and the distinctive red sand dunes extending for thousands of square miles into the heart of the Namib Desert. This secluded and serene oasis offers awe-inspiring views, nature drives, dune walks, ballooning and quad biking – and all the creature comforts that make you never want to leave.

There are ten private desert stone and glass villas, all with private bathrooms with an extra outdoor shower, air-conditioning, room safes, personal bars, CD systems, private decks, split-level sitting areas with fireplaces, and star-viewing windows above the beds. The main areas include a planetarium with resident astronomers, a pool, a well-stocked wine cellar, a gorgeous dining room and plenty of space for quiet hideaways.

The harsh environmental conditions that exist here have led to the evolution of numerous plant and animal species that are specially adapted to survive in the desert. The majestic oryx is the iconic antelope of the Namib Desert. With its bold black and white facial markings, sweeping horns and ochre coat, this striking animal is an unforgettable sight against the breathtaking setting. Another animal that has adapted to the terrain is the Hartmann’s mountain zebra, which digs beneath the earth’s surface for its drinking water. The springbok, which gets its name from its habit of leaping off the ground with all four feet, is also characteristic of the arid Namib Desert. The world’s largest bird, the ostrich, does superbly in the arid habitat of the Namib, where it rarely seeks shade or water. Aardwolf, bat-eared and Cape fox, as well as porcupine spend a large portion of their lives underground, emerging at night, when temperatures have dropped.