Etendeka Mountain Camp

Price: From US$271 (Our pricing)
Location: Damaraland, Namibia

Accommodation Description

If you can handle the two-hour bump and grind game-drive transfer, solar-heated bucket showers, meals cooked over an open fire and a conspicuous absence of paracomforts, Etendeka Mountain Camp will be the highlight of your Namibia safari.

That's a bold statement but we know Dennis and his remarkable guide-turned-manager Bonniface won't let us down. Dennis switched from electrician to lodge owner in 1990, building the camp himself and securing the future of Etendeka Concession – a county-sized tract of unspoilt wilderness between Etosha and Palmwag encompassing the eponymous plateau, the Namib Desert and the Grootberg Mountains.

Etendeka Mountain Camp is an intimate natural encounter with the intriguing Namibian environment and the prolific species of plants, insects, wildlife and birds are treated with equal respect and enthusiasm. Geology, astronomy, history, conservation, culture and the time of day also get a frequent look-in.

Dennis and Bonniface are exceptional hosts – Dennis's campfire tales and knowledge of birds, plants, insects and animals could keep you transfixed till the sun comes up; and Bonniface, trained by Dennis and there from day one, has infused the camp with his own charm and love of nature.

Accommodation is simple and comfortable with walk-in tents, twin beds, en suite bathroom with flush toilet – this isn't the dark ages – and the aforementioned solar-heated bucket showers. Homely meals are served al fresco or in the open-plan living area, most of the cooking is done over the coals - the Etendeka Chicken is a marvel of ingenuity.

Facilities

Full board accommodation including activities, transfers and drinks; 10 walk-in safari tents with mountain views; en suite bathroom with bucket shower, hot water and flush toilets; twin beds; campfire and open-plan living area.

Activities

Your days are filled with nature walks and game drives. The nights, tautology aside, are filled with stars.

50,000ha concession with abundant wildlife, birdlife and indigenous plants and trees; guided scenic and nature walks; game drives; astronomy; geology; photography and conservation excursions.

Page last updated: 15 Dec 2011