Etendeka Mountain Camp is located in a private 500km² concession area (effectively a private reserve) in the foothills of the Grootberg massif, which stands in stunning scenery amidst the ancient Etendeka lava flows of northern Damaraland. Here the ancient basalt has been slowly eroded over millennia, leaving scattered boulders lying upon dramatic flat-topped mountains.
Dennis Liebenberg has owned and run this small, fairly rustic camp for over a decade, ably assisted by his head guide, Bonnie; it was one of the first real safari camps in Namibia, Both know this part of Damaraland like the back of their hands and are passionate about the area, the geology and the wildlife that inhabit this harsh landscape.
In order to reach Etendeka, guests should park their cars at the pick up point near Palmwag Lodge, just before passing through the veterinary gate. You will be picked up from this parking area for a 90 minute transfer by 4WD. This transfer is also taken as a scenic drive, as various animals such as zebra, springbok, giraffe, kudu, oryx or even elephant or rhino can be spotted on this drive.
Etendeka Camp has ten walk-in tents; all are relatively simple, and protected by a canvas roof. Each has twin beds within the main tent area, with a small table, table lamp and two luggage racks. Outside are two chairs for relaxing outside the tent. Next door is the en-suite bathroom – which is open to the sky, but enclosed at the sides. Here you'll find a washbasin with hot and cold running water, a fun and surprisingly good bucket-shower, a flush toilet and electric lights.
The camp's main focal point at Etendeka is the open-sided dining area, with its small, fully inclusive 'bar'. Here people congregate for meals, sun-downers around the camp fire before dinner and also to learn about the cosmos with Dennis after dinner.
Activities from the camp are included in the rate – and major on nature/game drives and guided walks, at which Etendeka excels. The area's geology is especially interesting, and travelling on foot can be fascinating. The 'Quartz Walk' is littered with amazing quartz and agates – although the guides are strict that these are for viewing only! The guiding here is excellent, and Bonnie can tell you all sorts of facts about the local environment as well as Namibian history and sociology.
The game isn't prolific here, but it is around. On our last visit we also had some good nature drives, and were lucky enough to see black rhino and also an aardwolf, as well as the other more common animals. Even on the transfer itself into camp, which takes one and a half hours, gives you a good introduction to the area – and we saw Hartmann's mountain zebra, oryx and springbok on our way up to the camp.
With a good telescope in house, evenings are also a time of interest, learning about various constellations and the universe. On our last stay, Dennis arranged for some 5am stargazing, where he explained all about the galaxies, stars and nebulae visible in the clear night sky. This was a fascinating experience, and well worth getting up so early for.
Etendeka Mountain Camp is particularly conscious of their environmental impact, and the staff take great care to remove any litter and rubbish from the area. Alternative energu sources such as solar power and cooking of meals over a fire also help to reduce the camp's effects on the environment.
Etendeka has ten tents, and accepts a maximum of only 20 guests at one time, ensuring that everyone's experience is still a personal one. That fairly small size, coupled with the communal dining (and amazing home cooked food), make this a friendly and relaxed camp to spend time at. Etendeka makes a superb base for two or three nights and offers great walking opportunities, star-gazing and much more – a real wilderness experience which will appeal to those who love solitude, great scenery, walking and interesting, (if not prolific), wildlife.
Directions: Take the C43 from Khorixas or join it from the Skeleton Coast Park, or C40 from Kamanjab. Turn west along C40 towards Sesfontein and follow the sign posts to the pick-up point, which is next to the veterinary fence. Access to the camp from here is by camp 4x4 vehicle through rugged terrain. Guests are met at the transfer point at around 15h30 in winter and 16h00 in summer.
Accessible by: Self-drive or Fly-and-Transfer
Key personnel
Owner: Dennis Liebenberg
Food & drink
Usual board basis: Full Board
Food quality: Breakfast is a self-service continental buffet. Lunch and dinner are both good wholesome home prepared food, with the evening meals being two courses. Dinner is often cooked over the campfire, and on our last visit we had chicken roasted in the ashes of the fire complete with stuffing and lyonnaise potatoes followed by sticky date pudding and cream, and it was delicious. Afternoon tea is also provided along with a full bar. A small snack is provided on the morning walk.
Dining style: Group Meals
Dining locations: Indoor and Outdoor Dining
Room service: No
Cost of meal e.g. lunch: Included
Drinks included: All drinks are included.
Special interests
Walking: If you're fit and active, then Etendeka is a great place to do some walking – its activities are usually split fairly equally between driving and walking. A normal day at the camp might include a 2-4 hour walk, an afternoon game drive and possibly a short hike on to one of the area's mountains.
- See more of our suggestions of the best places for walking in Namibia
Children
Attitude towards children: From 8 years upwards – good.
Age restrictions: No children under 8 years
Generally recommended for children: Yes, Etendeka is recommended for older children with keen minds who are capable of long walks.
Central communications
Power supply: Solar Power
Communications: There is no mobile reception, phone or internet. Here you are truly isolated.
TV & radio: None
Health & safety
Malarial area: Yes
Medical care: Patients would be driven back to Palmwag Lodge, or in emergencies flown to Kamajab.
Dangerous animals: Moderate Risk
Security measures: The isolated nature of the lodge means that no guard is needed.
Fire safety: There are fire extinguishers just outside each tent.
Extras
Disabled access: Not Possible
Laundry facilities: Laundry cannot be done at Etendeka due to the short supply of water here.
Money: No money is required here.
Accepted payment: No money is needed here as your stay is fully inclusive.
Etendeka Mountain Camp review
What an expereince! The service was outstanding and every need was catered for. Great attention to detail from iced water or juice permanently on tap to your own water bottle for trips! There was eve...
Etendeka Mountain Camp review
Dennis and his father - in - law Mick should be given a medal for their hospitality, conviviality, knowledge and general kindheartedness. They looked after Judy and I and cured our stomach bug with th...
Surpassed expectations
Probably as a result of the rain earlier in 2011, we were very glad we had a 4 wheel drive to get from Doro Nawas to Palmwag, and later on over the Grootberg pass, although the latter was not as bad. ...
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