Mushara Lodge

A pretty fountain welcomes guests to the entrance of the lodge’s large main guest lounge, complete with open fireplace, leather couches, and a cosy bar, all under the high thatched ceilings. There's a small library with free WiFi, and a well-stocked curio shop. Meals are served in the adjoining restaurant or out on the terrace, with private candlelit dinners on request. Manicured lawns, where warthogs are frequent visitors, lead down to the large central swimming pool.

Ten thatch and stone cottages are well spaced throughout the gardens. Each is en-suite with a shower, and double or twin beds with crisp white linens beneath mosquito nets. The rooms have cool natural stone floors, with décor in neutral bush tones and welcome air conditioning for the heat of summer. Three additional units, one of which has two rooms sharing a bathroom, plus a family house on the other side of the garden, round off the choice of accommodation.

Most guests at arrive at Mushara Lodge in their own vehicle, but the lodge does offer guided game drives into Etosha National Park with a focus on exploring the diverse terrain, both inside the park and across the surrounding wilderness regions. Etosha is renowned for excellent game viewing, particularly at the waterholes, where predator activity is at its most exciting. Back at the lodge, take a stroll through the lush gardens for some rewarding bird watching.