Etendeka Mountain Camp

Etendeka Mountain Camp is a tented camp in the foothills of the Grootberg massif in northern Damaraland, on a concession north of the Palmwag veterinary fence. The land is flat-topped basalt hills and stony plains left by the Etendeka lava flows. It suits people who would rather walk than sit in a vehicle, and who are fine with bucket showers. You cannot drive yourself in.

What to expect

Ten Meru tents, mostly twin and a few double, each have an en-suite bathroom and an open-air bucket shower with hot and cold water. Lighting is solar. The main building has walls of stacked local basalt, a bar and lounge, a pool, and one long table where guests eat with the host and guides. Food is simple, cooked on solar or over open fires.

Days are spent on guided morning walks and unhurried drives in open vehicles. Nothing is fenced and animals follow food and water, so you may see Hartmann’s mountain zebra, oryx and steenbok, and occasionally desert-adapted elephant or black rhino. When the sky is clear after dinner, the host brings out a telescope for stargazing.

Practical details

• Park at Palmwag Lodge in covered bays. A guide drives you the 16 km 4x4 track to camp in an open vehicle, about an hour and a half. Pick-up times vary by season.
• Info-Namibia gives a minimum stay of two nights. Rates are full board and cover the transfer and scheduled activities, but not drinks.
• A guided overnight hiking trail of three or four days sleeps out at two rustic camps on raised platforms. You need good fitness and walked-in boots.

Good to know

The camp’s own site says it has been operating for 25 years. Since 2012 it has been a joint venture with the Omatendeka and Anabeb conservancies, and they have the option to buy the operating company when the concession ends in 2032.

Last updated 7 October 2026. Sources: Etendeka Mountain Camp, Etendeka Mountain Camp, accommodation, Etendeka Mountain Camp, location, Etendeka Mountain Camp, community partnership, Etendeka Mountain Camp, overnight hiking trail, Etendeka Mountain Camp, hikes and walks, Etendeka Mountain Camp, stargazing, Etendeka Mountain Camp, game drives and transfers, Etendeka Mountain Camp, rates, Info-Namibia.