Sossusvlei, Namibia

Little Kulala

Little Kulala

Insider’s Review of Little Kulala

Little Kulala offers a rare combination of extraordinary luxury and thrilling proximity to the famed Sand Sea, the towering red sand dunes and flat valley floors that are the most magical part of the remote Namib Desert: the oldest desert in the world. These dunes—the most well-known being Big Daddy or Dune 45—have developed over millions of years, the wind continuously refashioning their contours. The soul-stirring beauty of this vast and quiet place is truly otherworldly, and a journey here belongs on every adventurous traveller’s bucket list.

The towering dunes of Sossusvlei — some close to 1,000 feet—will leave you in utter awe, and the stunning colours revealed at sunrise and sunset here are the stuff of legend. Searing pink, deep magenta, blood orange: all refracted and glowing off of each individual speck of sand. Even the professional photographers who pay pilgrimage to Sossusvlei admit that there is nothing quite like the sight of these mammoth mountains of sand in person.

Accommodations at Little Kulala

Little Kulala’s eight chalets (called kulalas — a word meaning ‘to sleep’) are situated on a large private reserve in the heart of the Namib Desert. Constructed of thatch and canvas, they are designed to blend effortlessly into the striking and stark environment, the décor complementing the desert environs with soothing tones and lots of natural light. Each kulala is built on a wooden platform to provide a cool and calming airflow, and private decks feature plunge pools and magnificent views of the area’s famous red dunes, mountainous scenery and vast open plains.

A note for families & children

Little Kulala is happy to host children of all ages. Family rooms are available by request.

Amenities at Little Kulala

  • Laundry services
  • Library
  • Butler service
  • Massage services only
  • 24-hour electricity
  • Telephone
  • Fireplace

In-Room Amenities at Little Kulala

  • Air conditioning
  • In-room safe deposit box
  • Hairdryers
  • Private deck/veranda
  • Private pool
  • En-suite bathrooms
  • Star beds

Activities at Little Kulala

Explore the spectacular dunes via early morning guided game drives. In the cool of morning or evening we may even hike the spectacular sand dunes and marvel at their sheer size. At the top of the dune, if we like, we can sled down, cutting through the red and gold terrain.

Animals abound, but they are different than anywhere else in Africa: the harsh desert invites rugged species, able to withstand the rigors of the unforgiving terrain. Graceful creatures such as springbok, gemsbok (oryx) and ostrich bound through this striking desert environment. Weather permitting, enjoy the dunes from a different perspective—in a hot air balloon. A breathtaking experience.

A visit to the famed Sossusvlei is nigh obligatory. Explore this huge clay pan by foot or by bicycle, and marvel at the area’s famed sand dunes that surround it—some of which are reputed to be the highest in the world. Though generally dry, when there is a heavy rainfall the vlei (the Afrikaans word for a shallow depression) fills with water, and a turquoise lake remains for quite some time.

Flight-seeing is another exciting adventure—marvel at the undulating, multicoloured dunes on a scenic flight that takes you above the ocean of sand, all the way to the stark beauty of the Skeleton Coast and back again. It’s a Namibian primer that will leave you breathless.

After a day of adventure, savour a sundowner cocktail and snacks in one of the most striking sunset milieus imaginable. Then you’re off to explore nocturnal Namibia: an eerie, exciting time to see the untamed wilderness, catching sight of aardwolf, bat eared fox, hares and sometimes spotted hyenas.

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