The bed is a centrepiece, draped in gauzy white mosquito netting that gives it the romantic feel of an African fairytale. Beyond the bed, a cosy lounge area invites late-night reading or an early-morning coffee. Sliding glass doors open onto a private veranda where nature provides the only soundtrack: birds, a breeze and the occasional rustling of wildlife in the bush.

Mushara is the kind of place where the line between indoors and outdoors softens, where you can stand under a thatch roof and feel the rhythm of the wilderness just beyond. Each villa is cocooned in greenery, offering seclusion without isolation. You become part of the landscape but protected within a luxurious embrace.

What makes Mushara truly exceptional, however, goes beyond its stunning aesthetic. It is the atmosphere, intangible yet unmistakable. There is a sense of peace here, a stillness that settles over you. The staff are gracious and attentive, anticipating what you might need without being intrusive. They seem to take genuine pleasure in making your stay memorable, and their knowledge of Etosha adds depth to every conversation.

Days begin slowly. A long, lingering breakfast, perhaps, before heading into Etosha for a game drive. The proximity to the park means you can be at the Von Lindequist Gate within minutes, making early morning sightings of elephants, rhinos or lions entirely possible. And after a day in the wild, returning to Mushara feels like a homecoming. You are not just coming back to a lodge; you are returning to your sanctuary.

Evenings at the lodge are magical. The air cools, lanterns are lit, and a quiet hum of conversation floats from the dining tables. Meals are artfully prepared, featuring fresh local ingredients and clever pairings. But the true indulgence? Sitting beneath the stars in your villa’s private garden, drink in hand, listening to the night.

There is something timeless about Mushara. It is a place that does not try to dazzle with extravagance but instead offers something much rarer: a sense of belonging. And that, I think, is why it stays with you long after you have left.

Mushara is not just a stopover en route to Etosha. It is a destination in its own right. A lodge you dream about returning to even before you have left. For us, it was two perfect nights, but I can easily imagine staying a week and still not wanting to leave. Because some places feel like they have always been waiting for you. Mushara is one of them. TN