Written by Lesedi Chocho

Nestled right on the doorstep of the famous Etosha National Park in Northern Namibia, the Mushara Collection is the only family-run luxury accommodation in the area (third generation in the Pampe family). At the heart of the Mushara Collection is a philosophy centred on sustainability, conservation and social responsibility. With initiatives prompted by putting its people first, Mushara Collection’s main goals are to empower and continuously improve the lives of their staff members through educational courses and programmes.

The sheer vastness of Etosha National Park, from its shimmering green and white salt pan (which forms part of the Kalahari Basin) and opulent herds of animals, offers you the ultimate experience of African wilderness at its best. As stewards for a healthy environment, and Etosha in particular, and following the ban of plastic bags in all Namibian national parks by the government, Mushara stopped offering guests plastic straws at any of its establishments. This is just one of the small ways in which the collection is committed to sustainability in Namibia’s tourism.

Mushara Lodge

The Mushara Lodge is where it all began for the Pampe family. This luxury accommodation is the ideal overnight stop for visitors to Etosha National Park. Consisting of 10 spacious thatched chalets, one family unit, a triple room and two single rooms, all the buildings are arranged in a horseshoe shape around the swimming pool. In an effort to provide a more sustainable and environmentally friendly stay, the lodge has adopted various sustainable practices such as: having recycling bins available around the property; eliminating the use of single-use plastic; and the option to reuse towels. Each chalet is adorned with traditional African décor that has a modern touch, and features an en-suite bathroom and water-efficient toilets, air-conditioning, mosquito net, sockets for charging storage batteries and free wifi.

Mushara Bush Camp

Situated 10 kilometres from the Von Lindequist gate of the National Park, The Mushara Bush Camp is the latest addition to the Mushara Collection. Offering an authentic Bush Camp experience, the campsite is well suited for nature enthusiasts and families looking to explore the magical Etosha National Park. To ensure each stay is as sustainable as possible, the camp eliminated the use of single-use plastic and placed recycling bins throughout the camp. Each of the 16 custom-made en-suite tents have a private veranda, and is built from canvas, wood and local limestone. Guests can enjoy dinner, lunch and breakfast served in the main Bush Camp House with a thatched veranda, with the bush a mere step away.

Mushara Outpost

Nestled on the banks of an ancient dry riverbed, The Mushara Outpost is a luxury lodge centred on old-fashioned hospitality with warm, friendly and personalised service. Mushara Outpost encourages its guests to adopt sustainable travel practices by recycling all waste, with recycling bins available to all guests, and the elimination of single-use plastic. The Outpost tents accommodate 16 guests in custom-made tent-like wood and canvas structures mounted on a wooden deck 1.5 m above the ground, with a private veranda, providing spectacular views of the bush. With a simple yet elegant interior and finishing, each tent has large glass windows from floor to ceiling to optimise air circulation in the evenings and air conditioning for warmer afternoons, and features an open-plan bathroom, mosquito net and sockets for charging storage batteries

Villa Mushara

Guests in search of an exclusive safari experience, look no further. With only 2 villas, Villa Mushara allows guests to retreat from everyday life into the eminent mystique of Etosha. The luxurious villas were designed and created with the individual in mind. Staying true to its African heritage, each villa boasts an interior that enhances the safari experience, along with modern chic finishes. With a 140 square metre living space, a small private library in each villa, silver candle snuff in the en-suite bathroom and a bedroom adorned with natural lighting, these villas leave a lasting impression. In an effort to ensure sustainable and environmentally friendly travel, Villa Mushara aims to reduce waste as much as possible, this has lead to placing recycling bins throughout the property, and actively recycling all waste produced at the villa.

Sustainable travel doesn’t have to be dull or mundane. You can indulge in premium luxury while enjoying an authentic experience of the wilderness. Keen to join the sustainable travel movement? Book your first sustainable trip with Viatu today.