Dramatically set in the foothills of the Grootberg massif, Etendeka Mountain Camp appeals to the traveller who is prepared to step outside of their comfort zone and experience this remote wilderness with its harsh beauty in an authentic way. Here one is reminded that we are all guests of Mother Nature.
Pathways lead to ten private shaded en-suite Meru tents with their stunning eco-friendly open-air “bucket” showers. It is simple comfort in a rugged and harsh landscape. A rich and diverse environment to be explored on foot or on a scenic drive. The Etendeka basalt lava flows and flat top mountains are nothing short of spectacular and although seemingly inhospitable are full of hidden life.
A highly successful Joint Venture Tourism agreement exists between The Omatendeka and Anabeb Communal Conservancies, Big Sky Lodges and Dennis Liebenberg for the management of the 400km² Etendeka Concession. All operations on this Concession directly benefit the people of these two Conservancies who live in remote and isolated areas bordering the concession in the north.
The emphasis here is on Nature, and this eco-friendly camp bears testimony to her many riches. The camp has been designed to fit into the landscape both aesthetically and environmentally. It is clear that the most important feature at Etendeka is nature itself.
The tents are spacious with twin beds, two tents have double beds and all are freshly made up with luxury mattresses and 100 percent cotton linen. The comforts do not take away from the traditional tented camp atmosphere. A stunning eco-friendly open-air “bucket” shower with hot and cold water adds to the bush experience. The camp runs off solar energy and the tents and bathroom have solar lighting. The camp maintains a small footprint and works with a dedicated team from the community. Etendeka is committed to sustainable tourism and has been awarded the maximum of five flowers by the Namibian National Eco-Awards Alliance.
Pathways lead you to your shaded en-suite Meru tent. The twin tents comprise two 3/4 beds, and are freshly made up with luxury mattresses and 100 percent cotton linen. The comforts do not take away from the traditional tented camp atmosphere. A stunning eco-friendly open air “bucket” shower with hot and cold water adds to the bush experience. The tents and bathroom have individual solar lighting.
Pathways lead you to your shaded en-suite Meru tent. The double tents comprise a queen size bed, and are freshly made up with luxury mattresses and 100 percent cotton linen. The comforts do not take away from the traditional tented camp atmosphere. A stunning eco-friendly open air “bucket” shower with hot and cold water adds to the bush experience. The tents and bathroom have individual solar lighting.
These arid plains set against the Etendeka basalt lava flows and flat top mountains are nothing short of splendid and although seemingly inhospitable are full of hidden life.
Etendeka does not push the game viewing experience on the 50 000 ha conservancy but rather an authentic engagement with nature and this remote wilderness. There are no fences or management of wildlife. Animals are free to move in and out of the area depending on the time of year, their movements driven by food and water.
The hour and a half drive through the Etendeka Mountain Camp concession to the lodge is a highlight and sets the tone for the rest of your experience. This wilderness landscape is harsh, untouched, remote and breathtaking. Your introduction to these ancient rocky plains in the foothills of the Grootberg massif is an unforgettable guided nature transfer. No private vehicles are permitted, it’s 4×4 terrain so leave your vehicle at the Palmwag Lodge on the Uinab River where it is well looked after and get ready for the journey to one of Kaokoveld’s most untamed nature camps.
An early morning outside shower interrupted only by bird calls reminds you that you are very far away from everything except mother nature.
Walking is a major offering at Etendeka so after breakfast we set off into the wilderness with our walking sticks, hats, sun block. Tracking through a dry Mopani shaded river bed your knowledgeable guide identifies various animal spoor and rare plant species and there is the quiet promise of what you might encounter on the walk.
The geology of the area is incredible and the crystals and agate that litter some of the plains are exquisite and ancient. The walk is a viewing only experience, true to Etendeka’s philosophy everything is left as it was found.
The scenic drive in the afternoon allows guests to travel to other parts of the concession and to have a better opportunity to see the wide variety of animals that have adapted to this harsh environment. All activities are accompanied by a guide; vehicles are restricted to the regular tracks and walks follow routine paths.
