Where man treads lightly and nature is respected
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.

Eco-friendly camp
Accommodation is in ten en-suite meru tents, which are connected by pathways to the main dining tent. Simple, fresh, wholesome meals are prepared, either on solar or on open fires, and enjoyed under African skies.

Accommodation at Etendeka Mountain Camp
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.
Basalt rocks from the area have been stacked on top of each other in a gabion to create the textured walls of the main building. The lines are clean and welcoming with an open plan flow that looks out onto incredible vistas of the mountains created by ancient lava flows. The camp is rustic, simple and inviting. A bar with an incredible view and a comfortable lounge is flanked by a long table where breakfasts, lunches and wholesome dinners are shared with your host and guide. The pool with its loungers is an unexpected delight.

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.

It is simple comfort in a rugged and harsh landscape and although the views from your bed are inspiring, it's when you step outside and settle into your luxury camp chair that you have an overwhelming sensation of being one with nature. Design elements include a repeat of the stacked rocks for privacy but the over-riding feature remains the natural surrounds. The desert adapted trees and bush and the sounds of nature dominate as the light starts dipping over the view.

Explore the area
Your days here are spent exploring the area on foot and in open game drive vehicles with the exceptionally knowledgeable guides. Safari's are not fast paced, but rather a privileged introduction to an environment that holds many of Namibia’s unique natural attractions.

Activities
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.

“Every day at Etendeka is different,” says Boas, one of the passionate and extremely knowledgeable guides at Etendeka.

Experience the stark beauty of Kaokoveld’s wilderness on foot
The Etendeka Overnight Walking Trail Experience set in the foothills of the Grootberg Massif is a unique new offering from the Etendeka Lodge Company and the Etendeka Community Trust (comprising the Anabeb and Omatendeka Community Conservancies). The experience promises to be an authentic and exhilarating engagement with nature. Trek through one of Nambia’s most remote and untouched landscapes on foot, have sundowners as you look out over never ending vistas of ancient rock formations and sleep under a blanket of stars. This is a once in a lifetime opportunity to connect with nature.

Experience the stark beauty of Kaokoveld’s wilderness on foot

The Etendeka Overnight Walking Trail Experience set in the foothills of the Grootberg Massif is a unique new offering from the Etendeka Lodge Company and the Etendeka Community Trust (comprising the Anabeb and Omatendeka Community Conservancies). The experience promises to be an authentic and exhilarating engagement with nature. Trek through one of Namibia’s most remote and untouched landscapes on foot, have sundowners as you look out over never ending vistas of ancient rock formations and sleep under a blanket of stars. This is a once in a lifetime opportunity to connect with nature.

A unique guided journey into a remote conservation area filled with desert life.
Join some of Namibia’s most experienced and knowledgeable guides as they introduce you to the incredible life that lies largely hidden in this seemingly harsh but breathtaking landscape. With magnificent views of the ancient Etendeka basalt lava flows and flat top mountains, these rocky plains are home to an array of desert adapted plants and animals. Our passionate guides know the area intimately and will share anecdotes and information about this geologically rich and diverse environment. Track through dry Mopani shaded river beds and past other-worldly rocky outcrops as our guides identify spoor, indigenous animal, bird and plant species. Exploring this terrain on foot is a heightened and invigorating meeting of man and nature.

Sleeping under open Namibian skies
Namibia is one of the top destinations in the world for stargazing with its unusually dark night skies. On a cloudless night you will be overwhelmed by the spectacular sight of the Milky Way stretching overhead.

The two rustic overnight camps make the most of sleeping under the breathtaking desert sky. The five sleeping platforms are raised off the ground to ensure that guests are safe and comfortable, while having the unparalleled experience of falling asleep to the night sounds of the wilderness under a starry sky. Comfortable beds and ‘bed-rolls’ are your bed for the night, each contain a 100% cotton linen sheet, down duvets and pillow for your comfort.

Each sleeping platform is equipped with a toilet and basin attached to the platform.

The sleeping platforms have a shaded area for that well-deserved afternoon siesta but the shade folds away at night so that you can fall asleep to the beauty of the open skies. There are communal open-air bathrooms including the typical much loved Etendeka Bucket Shower situated between the platforms.

Camp One / River Camp: looks out over a water hole next to an established trail used by wildlife. Although the experience is not built around game viewing the location allows for safe sightings of wildlife including Hartmann Mountain Zebra, Oryx and Steenbok and if you are extremely lucky, the rare desert-adapted Elephant and Black Rhino.

Camp Two / Hill Camp: lies over-hanging the cliffs on top of Crystal Mountain, named after the incredible show of crystal quartz and agate that sparkle against its ancient rocky outcrops.

Wholesome meals are cooked over, and enjoyed around, the open fire with your guide being your host and companion.

We offer simple comfort in a rugged and harsh landscape with an emphasis on a highly personalised, ‘back to basics’ wilderness encounter.

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