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.
Palmwag Lodge stands beside the main road and Etendeka is about 90 minutes along a 4WD track from here. You normally reach the camp by leaving your vehicle in a parking area near there, and being collected by a 4WD drive transfer from the camp. Etendeka Mountain Camp feels very secluded and light years from the beaten track.
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.
Etendeka Camp has ten walk-in tents; all are relatively simple, and protected by a thatched roof. Each has twin beds within the main tent area, then outside there is an 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 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 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.
Etendeka has ten tents, but accepts a maximum of only sixteen 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 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. Afternoon tea is also provided along with a full bar.
Dining style: Group Meals
Dining locations: Indoor and Outdoor Dining
Room service: No not really
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
TV & radio: None
Health & safety
Malarial area: Yes
Dangerous animals: Moderate Risk
Extras
Disabled access: Not Possible
Laundry facilities: Laundry cannot be done at Etendeka due to the short supply of water here.
Accepted payment: No money is need here as your stay is fully inclusive.
Etendeka Mountain Camp review
Absolutely fantastic expirience - one of the highlights on our one month trip in Namibia!
Dennis, his vife, and the guides were the perfect hosts. Talking around the fire, watching the stars, and ...
Wonderful wilderness experience
We were met by Claire and taken to the camp which was in the finest location overlooking mountains and bush, and full of animals.
The tents were of a high standard and the bush shower, flush toilet a...
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