When Wilderness Safaris reopened their much loved Little Kulala lodge in November last year, not only did it boast a stylish revamp but also introduced a new holistic approach to the guest experience. Wellness now goes hand in hand with conservation and appreciation of the fragile arid ecosystem.

Little Kulala is ideally located to explore the wonders of the Sossusvlei area while enjoying the luxurious offerings of the lodge. With the eye on capitalising on the healing energy that the Namib Desert naturally bestows upon visitors, health and wellness are the latest addition to the services offered at the lodge. The new spa, where massages and other treatments are available, affords beautiful views of the dry Auab riverbed and the tall red dunes of Namib-Naukluft National Park in the distance.

Other additions include running and e-biking trails in the new Eco-Zone. The trails are perfect for keeping active in these remarkable surroundings. The Eco-Zone forms part of the Kulala Wilderness Reserve and is an area specially set aside for low eco-footprint activities. It allows not only for the conservation of a fragile ecosystem but also for guests to have an intimate experience with nature ,free from distractions.

Located on the doorstep to one of Namibia’s most visited destinations, a visit to Little Kulala would not be complete without seeing picturesque Sossusvlei. After an early morning wake-up, a guided drive takes guests through Wilderness’ exclusive gate into the Namib-Naukluft. Heading along the Tsauchab Valley, the towering dunes on either side of the road come to life with the first rays of the sun.

The highlight is the famous Deadvlei with its bleached white clay and sun-blackened dead camel thorns surrounded by the dunes bathed in the beautiful light of the early morning sun.

The refurbished Little Kulala blends in seamlessly with its surroundings, thanks to bleached wooden decks, thatched roofs and earthy green coloured walls. While the Kulala Wilderness Reserve allows guests to experience the freedom which only the wide-open gravel plains of the Namib can give, the lodge’s interiors are stylishly decorated with patterns and textures inspired by the nearby dunes and desert landscape and subtly hinting at their lines. The dusty pink and other desert pastels and darker colours come into their own when the sun sets and the sky mirrors the same soft hues as those found throughout the lodge.

Each of the 11 air-conditioned rooms has a private plunge pool and a set of exercise equipment for guests to keep fit and active in the comfort of their suite. The highlight of each unit is the ‘star bed’ on the roof to lose oneself in the glittering night sky of Namibia’s south.

At Little Kulala you can allow yourself the luxury of time. Be pampered, stay active, and reconnect with nature in one of the most extraordinary landscapes in the world. TNN

More Wilderness inspiration: wilderness-safaris.com