Reviews of Mushara Lodge
Wildlife sightings and reviews
103 independent comments and wildlife information from our travellers who have visited Mushara Lodge and kindly agreed to share their thoughts. They do not necessarily represent the views of Expert Africa
71% success
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"Mushara Lodge review"
We chose Mushara as a base for visiting Eastern Etosha, and for this it was excellently placed.
Rooms were well-equipped and very spacious - not luxurious but clean, comfortable and equipped with everything you could reasonably ask for - backed by the very positive attitude of staff, and good communal facilities (pool, sitting areas).
We would unhesitatingly stay there again, and would recommend it to even fussy friends." See all these reviews: 14n in Namibia
"Mushara Lodge review"
We had stayed in the park so went to Tsumeb which was a small town with banks, shops and a few museums. Would recommend the lodge - lovely visit." See all these reviews: 20n in Namibia
"Ideally situated for East Etosha"
Rooms were comfortable and apart from the bathroom in need of some updating, were stylish and modern. The Lodge does offer game drives into the park but we decided to self drive." See all these reviews: 11n in Namibia
"Thoroughly pleasant place to stay"
We were not disappointed, and hope to stay there yet again." See all these reviews: 8n in Namibia
"Mushara Lodge review"
"Not as good as previous visit. Pity."
The refurbishment is fine, but there is no atmosphere.. staff can never replace hosts..it doesn't work. People make a place
memorable, unless it is truely exceptional.
The restaurant ..although almost full was like a doctor's waiting room. Also a few people had upset stomaches and it was possibly due to the fact that food is put out to encourage the animals and birds.... Very cute to see them around the pool Maybe.. BUT..We went early for breakfast and there were squirrels eating the cereals..on the tables, everywhere. Then a couple of Hornbills helped themselves to bread etc.
They were shooed off when someone came out of the kitchen and it obviously happens every day !!" See all these reviews: 19n in Namibia; 3n in Botswana
We are sorry that these travellers felt that Mushara lacked ambiance; they specifically asked to stay here because of their previous experience. Mushara has changed in the last four years; it’s now more like a smart, small hotel than an informal, personal lodge. This suits some, but not others. We’d usually have lengthy discussions with our travellers about the pro’s and con’s of where to stay – but in this case we didn’t discuss Mushara much; perhaps we should have.
These travellers report that other at the lodge had stomach upsets. Marc comments that nobody mentioned this to him or his staff. As this didn’t affect our travellers, it’s difficult for us to make any comments here.
We’re told by Marc that the lodge doesn’t put food out for birds or squirrels. In fact, both their check-in information sheet and also a note on each outside table urge guest not to feed the birds and squirrels. Unfortunately, many guests do still feed the animals – and hence the problem. Marc assures us that he’s looking at how to reinforce this message without harming the wildlife.
"Southern Africa Manager"
"Mushara Lodge review"
On our second night we were entertained at dinner by an impromtu performance by the kitchen and waiting staff singing some of their tribal songs. It was a real treat and gave us another dimention to the african way off life in Etosha." See all these reviews: 7n in Namibia
"Mushara Lodge review"
Everything else also very good, except that the rooms were very, very brown. This made them rather depressing, and we wouldn't have wanted to spend much time in them." See all these reviews: 13n in Namibia
"Sweat box - Mushara Villa !"
Albeit the Villa being exquisite and more than we could want for a one night stay, I was very pleased that we only had 1 night to suffer.
Lack of ventilation was the problem. For such an amazing place, this was the worse nights sleep we had all holiday. For such a large villa, there was one very small air-con unit above the door and 1 ceiling fan above the bed, which was neither use nor ornament as no ventilation came through the mosquito netting.
Further disappointment was met the final morning when we were up bright and early to venture back into Etosha for sunrise, as the days previously had been too cloudy to take the best photos. The receptionist saw us, said good morning and watched us leave the lodge in our car. When we arrived at the exit gate to Mushara Lodge it was locked and we had to drive all the way back to reception to arrange for someone to unlock it - 20 minutes later, we had missed sunrise and the last chance of some amazing photos in Etosha. To say I was upset was an understatement. Needless to say, we will not be staying at Mushara again !
The final 2 anomalies came at breakfast when my partner asked for a cheese omelette and enquired whether they did bacon, the server said no, but offered ham. My partner said OK to this. The server then turned to the next table for their breakfast order and the guest asked for scrambled egg with BACON - to our utter amazement she said no problem. Is there some kind of double standard here - we were flabbergasted !!??!!
After breakfast we checked out and purchased 2 items from the gift shop, prior to leaving for Windhoek. We placed the items on reception along with the money. The receptionist did not take the money nor offer to wrap the goods. I stood around awkwardly for a few moments, before asking if the money was correct - she said yes without looking up from the computer, at this point I expected her to hand the goods to me, she did not, so I eventually picked them up and left - still without a bag. We did not return to reception, we just made our getaway as swiftly as possible. What a strange place.
I have to say the upgrade to the villa was not worth whatever you had to pay and I would not stay there again!! A complete and utter disappointment." See all these reviews: 3n in Namibia; 2n in Botswana
This Villa has three sliding doors, a ceiling fan, windows which open, and each room has a sophisticated 4-speed air-conditioning unit. However, these travellers visited during a hot period – when even the best air-con units will take time to cool a big room. Mushara assures us that the air-con unit is working correctly, as so we assume that somehow it wasn’t set up correctly on that night. It’s not a problem that any of our travellers have had previously – and we’ve asked the lodge to try and ensure that it doesn’t happen again.
Each night Mushara’s main gate at is locked; to open again at sunrise the following morning. Each evening Mushara's staff ask each group of travellers during dinner if any wake up call, or any special arrangements, are needed for the following morning. If anyone wants to leave early the next morning, then usually the Mushara team open the gates early, in plenty of time. This system seems to have broken down for these travellers. We’re very sorry, as is Mushara – who have assured us that there won’t be similar problems in the future.
Similarly … the comments regarding the service at breakfast and in the gift shop have been taken very seriously by Villa Mushara, and looked into in detail. We’re sure that these were misunderstandings – and not part of any wider problem.
"Mushara Lodge review"
It feels as if everyone there is working to a protocol and the passion is missing. The girl who welcomed us pulled a luggage trolley with our luggage but did nothing to assist in getting the luggage in and out of the trolley and into the rooms. It felt as if it wasn't in her job description to do so and was therefore left to us. Normally I have no problem with doing my own fetching and carrying but not at this price.
The concern we raised about the airconditioning not working in the children's room was ignored and when we checked out we were incorrectly billed. A place like that needs the attention to detail displayed at Sossus Dune Lodge. It was missing. A disappointing stay. Wth the exception of a very nice game drive with Petrus who went out of his way to give us a good time." See all these reviews: 7n in Namibia
There was clearly an air-con problem, which the receptionist returned to the children’s room to fix at least three times. We’re sorry if this wasn’t resolved completely.
The lodge apologied to these travellers and to us for the small error on the bill, which was rectified on the spot.
Mushara also wanted to point out that they felt the lodge is very good value at about N$750 (ÂŁ55) per person per night, which is actually over 50% less than the cost of Sossus Dune Lodge.
"Southern Africa Manager"
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Other lodges in Etosha National Park
Alternative places to stay in this same area.
Okaukuejo Camp
Set within Etosha National Park, Okaukuejo Resort is a large camp with a productive, floodlit waterhole.
Halali Camp
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Mushara Bush Camp
The family-friendly Mushara Bush Camp offers great value and is an excellent base from which to explore Etosha National Park.
Ongava Lodge
With fantastic views over a private reserve bordering Etosha, the smart Ongava Lodge offers driving and walking safaris on the reserve, and guided drives in Etosha.
Ongava Tented Camp
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Onguma Tented Camp
Onguma Tented Camp is a lovely, little tented camp which centres around an attractive waterhole a short drive from the Von Lindequist Gate to eastern Etosha.
Dolomite Camp
Opened in 2011, Dolomite Camp allows visitors access to the far west side of Etosha National Park, which was previously off limits to most visitors.
Onguma Bush Camp
For great wildlife viewing without breaking the bank, the affordable and understated luxury of Onguma Bush Camp could be perfect.
Namutoni Camp
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Hobatere Lodge
To the west of Etosha National Park, on the edge of Damaraland, Hobatere Lodge offers good game-viewing on its own reserve.
Mushara Outpost
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Safarihoek Lodge
At the heart of the private Etosha Heights Reserve, Safarihoek Lodge offers comfortable accommodation and excellent game-viewing.
Onguma The Fort
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Onguma Camp Kala
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Onguma Forest Camp
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Etosha Safari Lodge
A short drive from Etosha National Park's southern entrance, Etosha Safari Lodge is a convenient base from which to explore the park.
Taleni Etosha Village
Only 4km from Etosha's southern entrance, Taleni Etosha Village is an affordable base from which to explore the park.
Etosha Safari Camp
Funky, low-key and very original, Etosha Safari Camp is well placed for visiting Etosha National Park on a self-drive or guided safari.
Little Ongava
The beautifully located and luxurious Little Ongava is a stunning place to stay in order to explore Etosha National Park and the private Ongava Reserve.
Andersson's at Ongava
With game drives on both its private reserve and in Etosha, Andersson's at Ongava also offers access to the Ongava Research Centre.
Mountain Lodge
In the heart of the private Etosha Heights Reserve, the family-friendly Mountain Lodge offers game drives and bush walks within an exclusive environment.
Mokuti Etosha Lodge
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Etosha Oberland Lodge
A short drive from Etosha National Park's southern entrance, Etosha Oberland Lodge is a very comfortable base from which to explore the park, with excellent food.
Vreugde Guest Farm
Vreugde Guest Farm is a delightful owner-run and working sheep farm where you can expect a warm welcome and charming hospitality.
Villa Mushara
Offering luxury on a peaceful private reserve close to Etosha, Villa Mushara is a great choice for honeymooners & those wishing to indulge themselves.
Etosha King Nehale
A short drive from the national park's northern entrance, Etosha King Nehale Lodge is an interesting and comfortable base from which to explore the park.
Safari House
The private Safari House on the Etosha Heights reserve is a great option families or friends travelling together.
Onkoshi Camp
Onkoshi Camp is owned and run by Namibia Wildlife Resorts. Built on elevated wooden platforms it overlooks Etosha Pan.
