Mokuti Etosha reopened its gates on 5 March 2023, following a 15-month refurbishment to elevate the property from a luxury safari lodge to an immersive experience of Africa’s finest natural assets – including its hospitable people, abundant wildlife, spectacular scenery, as well as deep and endless tranquility.
Mokuti’ means ‘in the bush’ in Oshiwambo, one of Namibia’s local languages. And it’s true – while Etosha is famed for being the largest salt pan in Africa and visible from space, providing a striking sandy white backdrop to the roaming wildlife – Mokuti Etosha is an oasis of greenery. A mere 400 m from the gateway into the Etosha National Park, the expansive re-imagined lodge and its three sparkling pools are enveloped by trees and lush lawns.
With a 32-year heritage, Mokuti Etosha in northern Namibia is an established and well-respected brand in tourism circles. Owned and managed by Namibian hospitality specialists O&L Leisure, a subsidiary of the Ohlthaver & List (O&L) Group, the luxury lodge is positioning its newly renovated and enhanced offering as ‘Africa Re-imagined’. This has created some exciting opportunities for exclusive experiences, corporate getaways and memorable team-building escapes.
A place to rejuvenate your soul and enrich your life
Norbert Wurm, managing director of O&L Leisure, explains, “Mokuti Etosha is Africa Re-imagined. While we can find some familiar elements, we will at the same time encounter an enhancement that will lead to unique, different and warm experiences.”
Every sense has been considered, with even the scents and sounds being incorporated as enriching elements throughout the lodge.
He adds that every improvement has a story and a reason. This thoughtfulness is evident in every inch of Mokuti’s sprawling property. From the way the natural landscape and its colours inform the architecture and furnishing, as well as its new logo, to how the peace and tranquillity of this remote location are echoed throughout the property – from its cool rippling water features and uninterrupted views to the warmth and professional hospitality of the staff. Every sense has been considered, with even the scents and sounds being incorporated as enriching elements throughout the lodge.
Endless experiences await
Norbert shares that the true magic of the lodge lies in the experiences that await you.
For those seeking adventure, the lodge’s luxurious adapted game viewers provide a comfortable and contemporary way to observe the magnificent wildlife at Etosha National Park, with the highly recommended add-on of a sunrise breakfast or sundowners overlooking one of Etosha’s popular watering holes. Night drives and sky safaris are also available.
Bush walks with the indigenous Hai//om San people are another unique way to explore the surrounds.
Bush walks with the indigenous Hai//om San people are another unique way to explore the surrounds, while they share their ancient wisdom and knowledge of the Namibian bush. Guests can also visit the Ontouka Conservation & Snake Park, with its daily snake shows, research projects and a huge focus on exchanging knowledge with and supporting the local communities. Here you can also talk to Namibia’s very own snake whisperer, Francois Theart, the Conservation Manager at Mokuti Etosha.
Other activities at Mokuti include a range of pampering treatments at Omulilo Spa (which also boasts a jacuzzi and steam room), selfguided walks to appreciate the beautiful fauna and flora up close and personal, or use of the fully equipped gym, tennis courts and multiple swimming pools.
Food as a feature at Mokuti Etosha
The other experiences that Mokuti Etosha is proud to share are culinary ones. With live cooking stations, a charcoal oven, a barista station, and a Josper oven, guests have a choice of carefully crafted quality foods and beverages, all made with pure and organic ingredients.
“Without giving too much away I can promise you that our food offerings are clever and re-imagined, and offer a blend of the flavours of Africa and international styling, with a twist of local custom.”
Guests can indulge their preferences at three very different venues:
- The Mokuti Oshana Pool Bar and Terrace offers light meals that combine local produce and traditional food – all with a special touch from the local Hai//om San.
- The Itulye Restaurant has an à la carte lunch menu created by one of Namibia’s top chefs, Dallas Orr, and, for dinner, features an interactive buffet with various food concepts. The foods here artfully blend the local flavours and aromas of Namibia with international ones.
- Along with these venues, the Enota Bar is the perfect space in which to end your evening. This contemporary safari bar offers an intimate setting, serving up exquisite fine wines and champagnes from all over the world.
Etienne Fourie, general manager at Mokuti Etosha, says, “Without giving too much away I can promise you that our food offerings are clever and re-imagined, and offer a blend of the flavours of Africa and international styling, with a twist of local custom.”
Our purpose and our people
Etienne also draws attention to the O&L Purpose, ’Creating a future, enhancing life’, which has made conservation an integral aspect of everything that is done at Mokuti Etosha. This includes working closely with the local communities to support their economic development, while sharing knowledge on the value of protecting the environment and preserving the local biodiversity. Other conservation efforts to preserve the unique place that Mokuti calls home are also ongoing, to ensure this piece of paradise is preserved for future guests to experience.
Getting there
Despite its remote location, Mokuti Etosha is easily accessible. Visitors can reach it either by flying with a charter from Windhoek to Ondangwa Airport (a 90-minute flight) and taking a shuttle to the lodge, or by private charter to Mokuti’s private airstrip. Alternatively, it is a five-hour drive from Windhoek.
Mokuti is ready to welcome you
While Mokuti Etosha’s inaugural opening will take place in May 2023, its doors are open and the staff are ready and waiting to welcome you to this transformative oasis.
To find out more, call +264 67 229 084, email mokuti.res@ol.na or visit www.mokutietosha.com.
