Marc and Mariza Pampe's home is an oasis of hospitality on the edge of the Etosha National Park, Namibia's leading big game destination. The Mushara Collection is the only family run property in Eastern Etosha and offers a diverse collection of accommodation ranging from the stylish and child-friendly Bush Camp to the supreme luxury of the Villas. Everything that Marc and Mariza have achieved is infused with their passion for an excellent guest experience and the highest standards of service.
LODGE Mushara Lodge is the original establishment in the collection the elegant lady. Located only 8 kilometres from the Von Lindequist Gate on the eastern outskirts of the Estosha National Park, Mushara Lodge is ideally situated for the independent travellers visiting the park. Our lodge consists of ten spacious chalets, one family unit, two single rooms and a triple room. The name Mushara derives from the Purple Pod Terminalia tree, which grows in the abundance in the lodge grounds and the surrounding area. The thatched public area consists of a small library with a selection of good books, a bar with an extensive wine cellar, airy lounge with welcoming fireplace for winter evenings, a dining area and well stocked curio shop. Great attention has been paid to the décor, which is elegant and fresh a blend of traditional African and modern art works combined with original paintings.
OUTPOST Based upon the elegance of an African Homestead, yet with a contemporary flavour, the Mushara Outpost offers a superb combination of splendid accommodation, exquisite cuisine and personal service. The spacious interior, tastefully decorated with hand-picked artifacts, is surrounded by a predominantly north-east facing verandah. This, in combination with the extruding high roof structure, offers a cool retreat from the heat of the African sun. Perched over a metre off the ground, and encased by the Tamboti trees that map the ancient dry river bed also known as omaramba, these 8 air-conditioned tent-like structures offer a secluded haven, the ideal retreat after the day's adventures. Each unit offer all modern amenities, ranging from a minibar to the en-suite bathroom with a shower that can be unveiled to the vistas of Africa. The private wooden deck is the ideal setting to reflect, whilst you are entranced by the sound of nature.
BUSH CAMP Mushara Bush Camp is the ideal establishment for families visiting the Etosha National Park, as it is the first totally child friendly lodge in the area with complimentary child-minders, kiddies pool and kiddies corner. The main Bush Camp area is thatched with the true bush camp feel to it. Your days can be spent absorbing the peaceful bush surroundings or exploring Etosha National Park, while the early evenings see a camp fire lit where you can exchange stories of the day's wildlife sighting. Dinner, lunch and breakfast are served on the thatched verandah with the bush being a mere step away. The 16 custom made en-suite tents are built from a combination of canvas, wood and local limestone. With their own 8 square metre private verandah and roof to floor windows, theses rooms are spacious and airy. Each large bathroom has an oversized window and shower looking into the surrounding bush. The brushed cement floors and lime stone walls keep the rooms cool from the afternoon sun. Four of these tents are ideally suited for families with small children as they have a sleeper couch for two children.
VILLA With individuality in mind, only two exclusive villas have been designed to create an ideal retreat from the stress of modern day life, where an aura of tranquillity and contemplation prevails. Each villa has its own unique ambiance, designed with a classic appeal. Each fine detail has been considered within the confines of the 140 square metre living space, from a small private library in each villa to a silver candle snuff in the suite bathroom. Air-conditioning with moderate the outside climate and the mini bar with its comprehensive selection of beverages, will satisfy even the most discerning palates. If music is required, an interesting selection of CDs ranging from Mozart to Santana will provide the ideal mood. Whether it's your own memories of relaxing in the private plunge pool or lounging in the sala that's immersed in the bush, Villa Mushara is a place that will leave you yearning for more, long after your departure.
GAME DRIVES Etosha National Park covers an area of 22 270 square kilometres and is home to 114 mammal species, 340 bird species, 16 amphibian species and 1 species of fish. A San Legend about the formation of the Etosha Pan tells of how a village was raided and everyone but the woman slaughtered. One woman was so upset about the death of her family, she cried until her tears formed a massive lake. When the lake dried up, nothing was left apart from a huge white pan. Let our experienced and enthusiastic guides introduce you to the intricacies of the Etosha Pan, explaining both the flora, fauna and local mythology on various species you may encounter. With luck you my catch a glimpse of the elusive and highly endangered black rhino, leopard, cheetah or any one of the abundant game species that occurs here. The Land Rover game-viewers, offer an iconic African platform from which to sit and admire the surrounding vistas.
Our philosophy Mariza was involved with the lodges on a 24/7 hands on basis until December 2009 now Mariza lives with our children Isabella and Lucca in Tsumeb during the week and only on weekends and holidays on the farm Isabella started school in January 2010. Marc is still involved on a 24/7 basis as he stays on the farm and takes care of the operation. We have built up an excellent team since the early days of May 1998 some of the original staff members are still here Franziska Hannes, Maria Kangoma, Auguste Gamgaes, Rosalia Nekwaya. From a staff of eight members, we have grown to seventy. Our aim was to get the Mushara Collection Team in a position where they can take over the day to day running of the lodges. We feel that the Mushara Collection Team is now in a position to do exactly that and we see this as our greatest success. The greatest asset of the Mushara Collection is the staff they are the spirit. Tel: +264 6124 0020 reservations@mushara-lodge.com www.mushara-lodge.com