Reviews of Etendeka Camp
Wildlife sightings and reviews
118 independent comments and wildlife information from our travellers who have visited Etendeka Camp and kindly agreed to share their thoughts. They do not necessarily represent the views of Expert Africa
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"Close to nature at Etendeka"
That was the only minus point in an excellent three days. We were taken out by Denis Liebenberg himself as he had given his normal guide a few days off. And as entertaining and informative a guide as you could ever wish for. His knowledge of the area is encyclopaedic but even he was surprised to see a group of Eland; an animal had had never seen there in all his twenty years of holding the concession.
The day is organised with a trek in the morning and a drive in the afternoon. One day' stay would be too short, two days just right but if you were there for three days then I think you would probably be repeating the terrain you covered on day one. The area is full of animals and birds including the rare long beaked lark and a walk up the mountain with the ground covered in semi precious minerals and crystals was an eye opener.
Dining is at a long able with other guests including during our time there Denis, his wife and son. It was a time to discuss the day's activities and to learn more about the country and its people. Denis claims that his he only has four day's worth of menus so was a little worried as an English couple,father and daughter, had booked in to spend a week there so he was looking for three more recipes! When you think that his nearest shop is 140 km away he has to make sure that nothing is forgotten on his weekly shopping trip.
Accommodation is extremely comfortable in safari tents with an outside bucket shower and one goes to sleep with the sound of zebra chomping outside or the mournful cry of a distant hyena. On first morning we woke to find that a there had been a leopard kill a few yards from the complex so the second night Denis set a camera trap and the following morning we were treated to images of a large female leopard devouring the hind quartets of a springbok.
I don't think that one could get a better understanding of the geology and wildlife of Northern Damaraland anywhere else." See all these reviews: 18n in Namibia
"Etendeka Mountain Camp review"
Would, perhaps, have liked more interaction with all the staff" See all these reviews: 17n in Namibia
"Etendeka was a real highlight of our trip"
Etendeka has probably the smallest human footprint of anywhere we have stayed outside back country campgrounds. But Dennis and his team provide everything their guests need, with gentleness and good humour.
Dennis' long-term knowledge of the area was illuminating, and we appreciated being able to quiz him on the local environment and culture. Ivan is also an entertaining and knowledgeable guide. I doubt we will ever forget what we learned about oryx droppings... (and I mean that in a good way).
We loved the design of the new communal areas, minimal but restful, and making great use of the local rocks. And we enjoyed the simplicity of the bedroom tents (with views of the Hartmann's mountain zebras in the distance). The outdoor bucket showers are liberating!
Oh, and Dennis mixes an excellent gin and tonic." See all these reviews: 9n in Namibia
"Etendeka Mountain Camp review"
Very cold on the second night - made the bucket showers interesting
The road there and in particular the Grootberg pass was very slippery - a bit scary when trying to make the 4pm deadline and it wasn't clear on the map that the last 121km is gravel...." See all these reviews: 13n in Namibia
"A Real Bush Camp"
The activities include a 3 1/2 hour morning walk which is energetic but worth every minute and an afternoon drive.There is plenty of game to see.and takes you even further into the mountains.
We loved our tent and the bucket shower which worked well. Every one was very helpful and Dennis and Ivan very knowledgeable.
You need at least 2-3 nights here.
Not a place to go in the winter." See all these reviews: 18n in Namibia
"Very interesting - Etendeka Mountain camp"
The wildlife is not as prolific as in other areas but we still saw a lot. Due to problems with my knee we didn't do the long morning walk but did a comfortable stroll around the area, it was very interesting.
The food is uncomplicated and filling. the staff are very friendly and helpful." See all these reviews: 16n in Namibia
"Etendeka Mountain Camp review"
At no time did I feel one of a long line of guests; the hosts were friendly and interested in everyone and keen to follow up individual interests.
It was an education to see how they managed their environment." See all these reviews: 18n in Namibia
"Etendeka Mountain Camp review"
Our guide Bonny is to be commended - so knowledgable and all learned though self teaching - incredible - think some-one should pay for him to go and learn more [ he could teach the teachers heaps].
Tho basic - it was definitely a place we would all return to - marvellous" See all these reviews: 14n in Namibia
"Surpassed expectations"
Etendeka is simply wonderful from the drive in onwards. There was much more wildlife than we expected. The scenery is incomparable. The guiding is top class, the place imaculate, the food simple but really tasty and plentiful with very good salads at lunch and delicious puddings at dinner. Bonnie and Denis are excellent hosts and the tents are very comfortable even for a non-camper like me. The bucket showers are great fun Walikng in the morning through lovely scenery and afternoon game drives were excellent. The only slight downside was that our second morning's walk, although on a different route from the first, was a bit repetitive for the benefit of newcomers, but I guess that is to be expected. You can walk around on your own in between times.
All in all, we were really looking forward to Etendeka, and it was even better than expected. If we go to Namibia again, this would certainly be a place we would visit." See all these reviews: 10n in Namibia
"Etendeka Mountain Camp review"
Due to the dot on the map we were expecting Palmwag to be a town of some size - ha ha ha! The fence preventing the transport of farm animals was a surprise but the guards were pleasant and let us across to Palmwag Lodge for a drink as we arrived early. We filled up with petrol at the filling pumps.
Bonnie was at the collection spot when we returned so we parked in the secure parking and transferred over to his vehicle for the 1 1/2 hour trip to the Lodge. This drive turned out to be a lovely bonus game drive. The camp is really in the middle of nowhere with some lovely scenery surrounding it. The basic tents have been renewed and are larger than previously with comfortable beds and an outdoor bucket shower that works very well and is great fun besides!
Beer, wine and soft drinks are included and the supplied water is drinkable. You are given water bottles to keep for the duration of your visit that you fill up from the chilled water dispenser in the dining area.
The dining area lacks a little character but is due to be upgraded in the near future. The food was simple and delicious.
We went on a walk with Bonnie in the morning which was very enjoyable. I had been worried about this due to a recent knee replacement but the walk was interesting and relatively gentle. Everyone is given a walking stick just to aid with stability on some of the rockier parts.
The game drive in the afternoon with Dennis was informative and fascinating even though the elephants were not in the area. We saw a wide variety of game and heard lions and hyaena during the night as well as having zebra and Springbok around our tent. We saw a variety of game on the way out as well.
Dennis and Bonnie are laid-back gentlemen and provide a relaxed, informative stay with no frills but ample comfort and delightful conversation.
A truly wonderful experience that I am so glad Tracey suggested so strongly. It would have been a poorer trip if we missed this stop." See all these reviews: 22n in Namibia
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