Opened in 2009, Mushara Bush Camp is the newest property in the Mushara Collection, in addition to Mushara Lodge, Mushara Outpost and Villa Mushara . They're all set on the Mushara Reserve, just 8km from the eastern edge of Etosha National Park. Owned by Marc and Mariza Pampe, Mushara Bush Camp is specifically designed to give families a comfortable, affordable base from which to explore Etosha's wildlife.
Mushara Bush Camp has 16 tents built from wood, canvas and local limestone – materials which help keep the tents cool in the hot afternoon sun. They are spacious and airy, with roof-to-floor windows, small private verandas, and en-suite bathrooms overlooking the surrounding bush. There's even a sofa with its own mosquito net! The décor is simple, lightened by blue-and-white printed fabrics for the bedspread and cushions, and lovely draped mosquito nets adorned with small buttons. Lighting comes from lamps styled like old-fashioned lanterns, two of which hang next to the bed. Each room is equipped with a fan, mosquito nets, a safe and a tea/coffee station. Four tents are designed for families, with an additional sleeper couch to accommodate two small children.
The main area at Mushara Bush Camp includes a lounge, bar and dining area, although meals are usually served on the camp's thatched veranda. At the side is a long bar, which is also where the breakfast buffet is laid out. Décor is a stylish blend of soft yellows, blues and greens, complemented by soft, warm ceiling lights made from baskets that hang above each table. Numerous sofas and chairs provide space for relaxing, perhaps with one of the magazines tucked in buckets or wall pockets. The stone floor of the dining area combines with a large number of potted plants to give the area a natural look; even the room dividers are painted to look like stone.
In front of the main area is a twinkling swimming pool, raised from the ground and built in a circular shape with a smaller circle at one end to form a shallower children's pool. From the shady sunloungers around the pool, you can watch the resident warthogs grazing. A campfire is a good focal point for guests to enjoy the end of the day.
Activities from Mushara Bush Camp focus on morning and afternoon game drives into Etosha National Park, which you can also visit independently. The wildlife here is exceptional, featuring most of Africa's big game, and as the camp is a mere 8km from the park, the drive is straightforward even for those with children.
Our view Mushara Bush Camp is a very family-friendly, relaxed and affordable place to stay near Etosha National Park. It's ideal for self-drive guests, and offers a down-to-earth bushcamp experience – so we love it: great at what it does, and great value.
Lodge overview
Lodge type: Safari
No. of bedrooms: 16 tents
Season: Open Year Round
Ideal length of stay: We would recommend staying two to three nights.
Directions: Mushara Bush Camp is situated within the same reserve as the other three Mushara properties, about 1km from Mushara Lodge, and approximately 8km from Von Lindequist Gate, Etosha's eastern entrance.
Accessible by: Self-drive
Key personnel
Owner: Mushara Bush Camp is part of the Mushara Collection.
Food & drink
Usual board basis: Full Board
Food quality: Mushara Bush Camp serves a hot and cold breakfast buffet in the morning, light lunches, and a set menu for dinner.
On our last visit in October 2010 we ate a delicious salmon and cream cheese bagel for lunch. Dinner was a three-course meal with homemade ravioli filled with walnut and feta cheese for starter, kudu stead with Dijon mustard sauce and potato croquettes for the main, and layered chocolate mousse for dessert. There's also a separate children's menu.
Dining style: Inidividual Tables
Dining locations: Outdoor Dining
Room service: No
Special interests
Family holidays: Mushara Bush Camp is a friendly and down-to-earth place – ideal for relaxed family holidays. It has four family tents, each with a sleeper couch, accommodating two adults and two small children. Beside this, there's a play area and a children's pool, supervised by the camp's experienced (but not formally qualified) childminders, and Etosha National Park is just a short drive away.
- See more of our suggestions of the best places for family holidays in Namibia
Children
Attitude towards children: Children are welcome at Mushara Bush Camp.
Age restrictions: There are no age restrictions.
Activities: Mushara Bush Camp is very family and child-friendly. Whilst your children are playing in the children's corner or splashing in the children's pool, childminders will keep a watchful eye. Please note that although these ladies are experienced at looking after children, they do not have any formal qualifications.
There's also a children's climbing frame and, indoors, a part of the main area has been set aside for children to paint, draw, participate in arts and crafts or read some of the children's books.
Dinner times are flexible, and there's a special menu for children to choose from, including spaghetti bolognaise, macaroni & cheese, fish fingers with tomato sauce, ice cream with chocolate sauce, and grilled marshmallows.
Equipment: Mushara Bush Camp has four family tents with additional sleeper couches, ideal to accommodate a family of four.
Generally recommended for children: Yes
Notes: Children younger than 3 are free of charge; between the ages of 3 and 12 a discounted rate is charged for children sharing a room with their parents.
Central communications
Power supply: Mains Electricity
Communications: Internet connections are available at Mushara Bush Camp. Internet access is charged at N$1.50 per minute. WiFi access is free.
TV & radio: None
Health & safety
Malarial area: Yes
Medical care: The nearest doctor is in Tsumeb, around 100km away.
Dangerous animals: Moderate Risk
Security measures: There's a secure parking area, and the main gate is locked at night.
Fire safety: Each tent has a fire extinguisher.
Extras
Disabled access: On Request
Laundry facilities: A laundry service is available for an extra charge.
Money: US dollars and euros can be exchanged.
Accepted payment: Visa, MasterCard, Namibian dollars, South African rand, US dollars and euros are all accepted. British pounds are not accepted, nor are travellers' cheques.
Mushara Bush Camp review
The camp was not very full and for some reason everyone kept to themselves.
More experienced managers would have facilitated more interaction, I think.
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