Etendeka Mountain Camp

CEDARBERG RATING

Premier

PRICING FROM

₤ 137 (Pps)

Overview

At Etendeka, it is all about the amazing rugged but beautiful landscape. Design elements at the lodge include stacked Basalt rock gabion-walls 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.

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.

Experience & Activities

A minimum two night stay is required at Etendeka. Your fully inclusive stay will include all meals and all activities during your stay. An example of your activities and a suggested itinerary is:

Scenic & Gameviewing Transfer to the Camp

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 4x4 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.

Self-guided Sundowner Walk

A short self-guided ‘sundowner walk’ is an option in the afternoon after arrival at the camp where guests get the opportunity to walk up a hill behind the camp to get a better idea of the spectacular setting and location of the camp

Guided Morning Nature Walk

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.

Afternoon Scenic & Game Drive

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.

Stargazing

After dinner, if conditions are right, Dennis, your host, will invite you outside for a star gazing experience and will point out the various constellations along the Milky Way. The guests from the Northern Hemisphere will be thrilled to see the Southern Cross and Sirius the brightest star in the earth's night sky. Dennis is incredibly well informed and gives all guests the opportunity to look through the telescope. It's unbelievable as he points out two of the moons of Jupiter and the rings around Saturn. A magical end to a day full of wonders.

At A Glance

  • Birding hotspot
  • Good Food & Wine
  • Mountain Views
  • Rural location
  • Beautiful Landscapes
  • Walking safaris
  • Star gazing
  • Walking Trail
  • Wildlife

Etendeka Mountain Camp on the map

Rooms

Twin tent

Paths lead you to your shaded en-suite Meru tent. The 7 twin tents comprise 2 X 3/4 beds, 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. 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.

Double tent

The 3 shaded en-suite Meru tents have a Queen bed, 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. 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 oone with nature.