Mokuti Etosha Lodge: Our full report

Situated just outside the eastern edge of Etosha National Park, set in its own small reserve, Mokuti Etosha Lodge is the largest 'lodge' in this area; in many ways it is really a hotel in the bush. Once just simply Mokuti Lodge, in 2008 it was taken over by the 'Kempinski' international hotel chain to become Kempinski Mokuti Lodge.

Each of Mokuti's 106 rooms is set under cool thatch, and equipped with, air-conditioning, a ceiling fan, mosquito nets, a telephone, a fridge, a hairdryer, safety deposit facilities, an electric shaver plug (220 volts) and satellite TV with eight channels. There is also a minibar with tea and coffee making facilities in the rooms which all have en-suite bathrooms with either a shower or a bath. There are also eight suites with kingsized beds and complimentary minibars. There are plans to upgrade all the rooms to new rooms in 2011. As the lodge is spread out over quite a large area, a buggy is used to transport guests between rooms.

Mokuti Lodge's large main area offers a business centre, a curio shop, a lounge, a children's play area and a choice of two bars, the Etambi Pool Bar, which offers drinks and light snacks throughout the day, and the Marula Bar, which offers African and international cocktails, long drinks and beers served around a pool and billiards table. There is a choice of two restaurants. Tambuti serves international and African cuisine, with a daily changing buffet, an a la carte menu and live cooking. The other restaurant, Boma, serves African cuisine, and dinners such as grilled game and Potjes. If that is not enough choice, the lodge can arrange for private dining and bush breakfasts, as well as candlelit dinners. All public areas offer wireless internet access.

Activities available include private and scheduled game drives into Etosha National Park and on Mokuti's reserve. For those that don't wish to venture out, the lodge has its own reptile park, with snake demonstrations, two baby crocodiles and 3pm feeding time on Saturdays. There are three waterholes on the Mokuti Reserve.

If you don't want to drive yourself around Etosha, then Mokuti Lodge offers daily guided game drives into Etosha National Park in open-topped vehicles. The lodge can also arrange guided mountain bike tours, guided bush walks, and short walking trails. Later on, guests can participate in night drives on the property and star gazing.

For active guests, the lodge has two swimming pools as well as a children's splash pool, a billiard room, and two floodlit tennis courts, with balls and raquets available at reception.

For a more relaxing activity, Mokuti Etosha Lodge is home to the Mokuti Spa, which offers a range of relaxing massages, aromatherapy, scrubs, facials, manicures and pedicures, as well as a sauna and jacuzzi. Also in the main area is the lodge's popular gym, which overlooks a waterhole so that you can work out while game viewing.

Geographics

Location: Etosha National Park, Namibia

Directions: The Mokuti Etosha Lodge is right next to the eastern gate into Etosha National Park. It's easy to reach, and very close to the main road; the turnoff is right next to the Von Lindequist Gate – about 110km from Tsumeb.

Key personnel

Owner: Kempinski hotel chain

Food & drink

Usual board basis: Half Board

Food quality: Breakfast is a buffet available from 6:30am.
A buffet lunch or an a la carte menu including salads and light lunches is available.
For dinner there is a choice of two restaurants with a variety of cuisines on offer.

Dining style: Individual Tables

Dining locations: Indoor and Outdoor Dining

Cost of meal e.g. lunch: £10-15

Children

Attitude towards children: Children are welcome in this hotel

Equipment: Cots and highchairs are available.

Generally recommended for children: Yes, Mokuti Etosha Lodge is well equipped for children.

Notes: As with any area which has dangerous game, young children should always be closely supervised by their parents.

Central communications

Power supply: Mains Electricity

Communications: Complimentary WiFi is available and there are 2 computers in the curio shop.

TV & radio: There is a TV in the bar and all new rooms have flat screen televisions.

Health & safety

Malarial area: Yes

Medical care: The nearest doctor is in Tsumeb.

Dangerous animals: High Risk

Security measures: There is a guard on gate 24 hours and there are plans for CCTV to be installed in the future.

Fire safety: There is an extinguisher for each block, and fire hoses are dotted around.

Extras

Disabled access: In Place

Laundry facilities: There is a laundry service available, at an extra charge.

Money: Pounds, Euros US dollars and Rand are all accepted here.