Marquerite Muller is Marketing & Events Manager of the exclusive five‑star Otjiwa Collection in Namibia. As part of the Barnard family line, she ensures unforgettable Namibian bush experiences, blending luxury, conservation, and cultural connection at one of Africa’s finest safari properties.

What inspired you to take on the marketing and events role at The Otjiwa Collection?

To be honest, it kind of just happened to be me. I actually studied BSC consumer science and interior decorating, and as the oldest daughter coming back to Otjiwa, that was the most important role to be filled, and I filled it. I learned a lot along the way and am still learning every day.

How do you balance family time and business, promoting The Otjiwa Collection?

I have three little kids, so life is very busy at the moment. But Otjiwa gives us so much room for flexibility, and as we are a family business, we each take our families very seriously, and essentially, that is the most important aspect of life. I do have an amazing team that helps at home and at work.

Can you share one event you’re most proud of organising at The Otjiwa Collection? At Otjiwa we also host weddings, and I must say, each completed wedding feels like a win. So much work, love and effort go into coordinating these events, and we just love seeing a happy bridal couple on the Sunday after the event.

How do you incorporate sustainability and conservation into your marketing?

Our marketing materials showcase not just the luxury and comfort of our property, but also our commitment to preserving the natural environment that surrounds us. We collaborate with local communities and conservation partners, and share those stories to educate and inspire responsible travel. By positioning sustainability as a core part of our guest experience, we attract travellers who value ethical and environmentally responsible tourism.

What guest experiences do you believe set Otjiwa apart from other safari lodges?

We have so many different experiences at Otjiwa. Otjiwa prides itself on being a family business, and that can be seen from the reception to your guided activities. Ultimately, guests want to feel valued, seen and respected, and your whole stay at Otjiwa can provide that. We focus on giving guests the ultimate safari experience, from knowledgeable guides, food and snacks on your activities and ultimately the wildlife experience, such as experiencing the Rhinos up close, getting a glimpse of a wild leopard or finding the rarest of animals – the pangolin. Otjiwa also provides the most amazing fusion cuisine experiences, where guests can enjoy local food with international inspiration. Most of our fresh produce is sourced from our Montreal Garden – a little piece of heaven.

How do you collaborate with wildlife and reserve management (e.g. rhino tracking) to create authentic experiences?

Our guides are highly trained to deliver authentic and unforgettable safari experiences. Leading our team is William, who has dedicated 36 years to working with rhinos — his knowledge and intuition in the bush are truly invaluable.

On our rhino tracking adventures, guests join the guides on foot as they follow the tracks through the savanna. This remarkable experience can bring you as close as 10 meters to these magnificent animals — the ultimate encounter with one of Africa’s most iconic species. Otjiwa is also home to wild leopards and cheetahs. Completely untamed, these elusive cats are rarely seen — but for those fortunate enough to spot them, it is a once-in-a-lifetime wildlife experience.

How has The Otjiwa Collection evolved since you assumed leadership in 2022?

Otjiwa was purchased by my father in 2008, at a time when I was still in high school. In those early years, we had to make the most of what was available, gradually growing in response to the needs of tour buses, which were the primary focus back then.
When I got married, my husband Schalk and I returned with the intention of helping out for just a year — but that one year has since turned into eight. During this time, Otjiwa has transformed from two safari lodges into a collection of four luxury lodges. We’ve introduced fresh, homegrown produce from our own gardens, added new and unique activities such as horseback riding, e-biking, spa treatments, and cultural encounters at Ombu Village.

Today, Otjiwa stands as a proud flagship for luxury travel in Namibia — a place where we combine our family’s passion with the richness of this land to create unforgettable guest experiences.

What challenges have you encountered in driving luxury tourism in a family-run, eco-sensitive reserve?

One of the main challenges we face is striking a balance between luxury expectations and our deep commitment to conservation. Today’s luxury traveller seeks both comfort and authenticity, and while we provide high-end villas, lodges, and tented camps, we must ensure that our developments remain eco-sensitive and do not compromise the natural beauty or biodiversity of our reserve. As a family-run establishment, another challenge is competing with large international brands that have bigger marketing budgets and global reach. We rely heavily on storytelling, personal service, and authentic Namibian hospitality to differentiate ourselves. Yet, these challenges also define who we are: a family-run collection that prioritises responsible tourism

How do cultural experiences and local community engagement feature in your event planning?

We believe that luxury tourism should not only showcase Namibia’s landscapes and wildlife, but also celebrate the living heritage of its people. One of our most meaningful experiences is a visit to Ombu Village, home to the Herero Tribe. Here, guests are welcomed into the community and allowed to connect with the traditions, history, and daily life of the Herero people. From storytelling and traditional dress to demonstrations of age-old customs, it is a powerful way to experience Namibia’s cultural richness in an authentic and respectful setting. By including experiences like Ombu Village in our offering, we create opportunities for cultural exchange while supporting the local community, ensuring that tourism at Otjiwa not only sustains the environment but also contributes to the preservation of heritage and the empowerment of our neighbours.

What are your future ambitions for Otjiwa’s brand and guest offerings?

At Otjiwa, our ambitions reach far beyond being a safari destination — we dream of shaping a truly Namibian luxury brand, one that reflects not only the beauty of our land but also the heart and talents of our family. Each of us carries unique passions — from culinary innovation to interior design and carpentry — and together we weave these skills into experiences that are both personal and distinctive. Our vision is to create a collection of properties across Namibia that guests will instantly recognise, not only for their style and elegance, but for the values they represent: authenticity, sustainability, and heartfelt hospitality. We want Otjiwa to be more than a place to stay — we want it to be a brand that tells a story, celebrates creativity, and leaves every guest with a sense of connection to both Namibia and our family’s passion.

E: Information / Bookings
T: +264 81 678 2988
W: Otjiwa

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