Reviews of Mushara Lodge
Wildlife sightings and reviews
96 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

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"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 (£55) per person per night, which is actually over 50% less than the cost of Sossus Dune Lodge.
"Mushara Lodge review"
"Mushara Lodge review"
"Relaxing witth the hornbills"
A further sitting area outside the large shop had a selection of new books and some left by visitors. All furnishings made of wood with natural fabrics and lighting provided by ostrich egg chandeliers or porcupine lampshades (I wanted to buy one from the shop but it was £60!)
Accommodation was in thatched lodges with large bedroom/sitting area, well spaced from its neighbour. Generous bathroom - with bath - and separate WC and shower. The verandah had a table and 2 chairs and overlooked the grassed swimming pool area with the thatched reception/dining room behind. Outside lights meant we could make the most of the early evening sitting outside our room with a drink. Kettle and mini bar provided. Local wildlife in evidence (iguana, hornbill and squirrel)
Excellent food and wine , and the waiting staff and chef sung to us after the meal. Visited the Omibili Foundation about half an hours drive away and spent an enjoyable couple of hours experiencing life at the Foundation including listening to a school choir and visiting the vegetable garden. Small shop sells souvenirs." See all these reviews: 10n in Namibia
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