Palmwag Concession Area | Namibia
Etendeka Mountain Camp: Eco-Friendly Wilderness Camp in the Grootberg Massif
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Etendeka Mountain Camp sits in a remote joint-venture concession at the heart of the Grootberg massif in north-western Damaraland. It offers an eco-friendly, immersive camp for travellers who want to step further off the beaten path. It’s one of the region’s most deliberately low-impact properties, run on solar and open-fire cooking and recognised with the Eco Awards Namibia distinction.
What Makes Etendeka Mountain Camp Different
Etendeka Mountain Camp is a proud recipient of Eco Awards Namibia, a mark given to properties planned and managed according to eco-friendly principles — reducing, recycling and reusing resources wherever possible. The camp directly benefits the remote communities of the Omatendeka and Anabeb Communal Conservancies, making a stay here a genuine contribution to community-based conservation. For guests wanting a deeper wilderness engagement, the multi-day Etendeka Hiking Trail is the answer. It’s a 3–4 day guided trek through ancient basalt lava flows and flat-top mountains with experienced guides. Wild sleep-outs under the stars are part of the journey.
The Tents at Etendeka Mountain Camp
Accommodation is in ten private, shaded, en-suite Meru tents, connected by pathways to the dining area and main building. Guests can choose from either twin bedded tents (two ¾-size beds) or double tents (one queen-size bed). Each has a small lounge area featuring two camp chairs and a coffee table. Beds are made up with luxury mattresses and crisp cotton linen throughout. Bathrooms are eco-friendly, open-air “bucket” showers with a flush toilet, in keeping with the camp’s low-impact ethos. Tents have no plug sockets, but a charging station is available in the dining area. Guests eat together at a large table, with meals wholesome and simply prepared on solar or open fires. There’s also a bar with a view, plus a plunge pool for cooling off.
Please note: the camp is not suitable for children under 8 years of age.
Location & Getting There
Etendeka Mountain Camp is set in the rugged landscapes of Damaraland, at the heart of the Grootberg massif. Guests are collected by scheduled transfer at 16h00 from the Etendeka parking area at Palmwag Lodge. Etendeka is part of the same Big Sky Lodges collection as Ai Aiba Lodge in the Erongo region — worth considering if your itinerary continues south from Damaraland.
- Swakopmund: 425 km (5h20m drive).
- Twyfelfontein: 109km (about 1.5 hours).
- Etosha National Park – Galton Gate: 183km (about 2.5 hours).
- Khorixas: 158km (2h20m).
Nearby Attractions
- The camp’s setting among basalt lava flows and flat-top mountains is itself the main attraction, with the Omatendeka and Anabeb Communal Conservancies surrounding the property.
- For an overview of the wider Damaraland region, including Twyfelfontein and its neighbouring sites, see our complete guide.
- For other lodges and camps across the region, see our Damaraland accommodation directory.
Activities & Experiences
- Guided walks and open game-drive excursions explore the basalt lava flows and flat-top mountains with knowledgeable guides.
- Etendeka Hiking Trail: the camp’s signature experience. A 3–4 day guided trek through remote, untouched terrain, with wild sleep-outs under the stars along the way.
- Birding and shorter guided hikes are also available for guests with less time.
- Along the way, desert-adapted elephant and black rhino share the boulder-strewn valleys with cheetah and large herds of oryx. On rare occasions, guests may even come across a pride of lion.
- Stargazing under the Namibian Sky. With minimal light pollution in this remote setting, the clear desert skies make for exceptional night viewing.
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Facilities & Amenities
Bedroom
En-suite Meru tents
Double Tents and Twin Tents
Private tent decking with seating and views
Bathroom
Eco-friendly open-air "bucket" showers.
Flush toilets.
Reception Services
Not wheelchair accessible
Designated smoking area
Front Desk Safe
Charging station
Not suitable for children under 8
Food Drink
Main dining tent serving simple, fresh, wholesome meals prepared either on solar ovens or on open fires.
Bar with a view
Outdoors
Plunge pool
Campfire/sundowners: a communal feature at the central bar/lounge area
Activities
Birding
Guided scenic drives
Guided hiking trails
Stargazing with telescope.
Media Technology
WiFi: Available in main area (patchy cellphone reception).
Solar powered.
Pets
Pets are not allowed
Languages Spoken
EnglishGerman
Afrikaans
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Etendeka Mountain Camp eco-certified?
Yes — it’s a recipient of Eco Awards Namibia, recognising properties planned and managed according to eco-friendly principles.
What is the Etendeka Overnight Walking Trail?
A 3–4 day guided hike through the Grootberg massif’s basalt lava flows and flat-top mountains, with wild sleep-outs under the stars along the way.
Does staying here support local communities?
Yes — the camp directly benefits the Omatendeka and Anabeb Communal Conservancies.
What are the bathroom facilities like?
Etendeka Mountain Camp uses eco-friendly, open-air “bucket” showers, in keeping with its low-impact approach — guests wanting five-star bathroom facilities may prefer a different style of property.
Reviews
Barbara Giovannini
2 months ago
We stayed at Etendeka for two nights. The place itself is truly enchanting, and the drive there is very scenic. Unfortunately, once we arrived, the surprises began, and not all of them were pleasant.
The tents definitely need more maintenance: even with all the zippers closed, there are still large gaps that allow mice to enter, and considering their numerous presence, the situation becomes quite problematic. The question arises: is it acceptable to spend over €700 a night to sleep in a tent with mice?
In my opinion, the manager should take greater care of tent maintenance and, above all, inform guests in advance of the presence of rodents.
Furthermore, upon our arrival, I found the sheets soiled with dirt, with clearly visible mouse paw prints. Despite reporting this, the sheets were not replaced: an absolutely unacceptable situation, especially considering the price of the stay.
The food was also disappointing.
The choice was extremely limited: only one dish was offered, accompanied by two side dishes, with no alternatives. If the dish wasn't to your liking, there was no other option: you were left starving.
Another incident concerns the water bottles handed out upon arrival, personalized with each guest's name. My son's was defective and leaked even though it was properly closed. When my son asked the manager if he could replace it, the response was: "I can't. If you want, you leave it with me and I'll donate it to poor children." A response I found truly unprofessional and out of place.
There were also some surprises during the jeep excursion. The manager asked us what we wanted to drink during the sunset stop. When checking out of the tented camp, however, he charged us for the Coca-Cola and beer we had ordered. At the other lodges we stayed at, the sunset aperitif was usually included in the cost of the excursion.
In conclusion, the location is certainly evocative and the landscape is worth it, but the quality-price ratio is, in my opinion, absolutely inadequate. For a property charging over €700 a night, one would expect greater attention to cleanliness, maintenance, quality of service, and, above all, more professional handling of issues reported by guests.
If you decide to stay here, be aware that for the price of a 5-star hotel, you might have to share your tent with a few mice. And, according to the manager himself, the mice tend to disappear with the arrival of the southern summer... but then the snakes arrive!
Nazario Pesce
2 months ago
I think it was the worst lodge I've ever stayed at. It might have been nice when it first opened, but these days the tents are in a terrible state. The first night we slept with mice in our room, with no way to contact reception because the walkie-talkie provided wasn't working. The next day we reported the incident, and they told us that we were in the wild and they would close the holes in the tent, which were large enough to allow any animal to enter. Obviously, the holes were closed roughly, and when we returned from the walking trek, the tent was besieged by mice. I had to personally close every hole with towels to spend the second night a little more peacefully. You'll share the paths leading to the restaurant, reception, and everything with mice. I think they're part of the staff. The bathroom is outside the room; you have to wash with a bucket of water, which attracts a huge number of wasps and hornets. The bathroom faucet needs to be left running for a bit, as it's infested with ants. The walking trek is a walk where you'll see footprints, animal droppings, and rocks. On the game drive, you'll see a dozen or so zebras, but nothing more. Furthermore, it's the only lodge we've stayed at in Namibia that asks you what you'd like to drink at sunset and adds it to your bill; all the other lodges included it. At lunch and dinner, you have no choice but to choose from, only one main course. Between our tent and our friends', more than 15 mice in less than 48 hours. I've had several glamping experiences in my life, including in Africa. This isn't glamping, it's not camping, it's paying for a nonexistent service.
CreativeLAB
2 months ago
I stayed here, loved it. It was like home away from home, comfortable. Staff and owner where great, location amazing. I will defiantly want to go back one day.
Valere Pizzirusso
3 months ago
Our stay at Etendeka Mountain Camp was one of the highlights of our trip through Namibia.
The location is simply breathtaking. Being surrounded by such remote and untouched landscapes made the experience feel truly special. The camp offers a perfect balance between comfort and immersion in nature.
The staff was incredibly kind, attentive, and professional, making us feel welcome from the moment we arrived. The food was also excellent, with delicious meals enjoyed in a beautiful setting.
We especially loved the guided activities, which gave us a deeper appreciation of the region, its wildlife, and its unique geology. Watching the sunset over the mountains and spending the evening under one of the clearest night skies we’ve ever seen were unforgettable moments.
Thank you to the entire team for such a memorable experience. We would highly recommend Etendeka Mountain Camp to anyone looking for an authentic and peaceful Namibian adventure.
Gabriel Hurtado
3 months ago
Denis Comte
1 year ago
An exceptional camp, beautifully remote and far from the usual roads, making it a perfect base to explore the surrounding wilderness. The staff are absolutely delightful, and listening to the owner’s stories by the fire in the evening is a real highlight. Shared dinners and excursions create a warm and friendly atmosphere with fellow guests. The famous “bucket shower” is a unique experience not to be missed, and the evening astronomy session adds an unforgettable touch under the pristine Namibian sky. Definitely one of the best camps visited in Namibia.
Charlotte Kooiman
1 year ago
Location should get a 10 out of 5. What a spectacular place! It is one of those places that gets right into your heart. It is a feeling more than anything else. Staff is amazing, kind and nothing short of. Dennis the owner is a man you want to listen to for days and we really appreciated some astronomy lessons from him.
Thank you Etendeka team :) We loved it!
Ileana Rodriguez
2 years ago
An unique experience! From the beautiful sky, landscape, excellent camping to the friendly hosts! Boas was an excellent guide, the hiking trails were great! The food was delicious! Bring extra warm clothes for the cold nights! 1000% recommended!
Andreas Mitchell
2 years ago
I'm on the cusp... But I think this may be my favourite place to stay in Namibia. It's not luxury, but it is a genuine humble stay in a mountain desert. The tents are comfortable and washing facilities unique in that they force the conservation of water. The elements are in your face here from the cold winter nights to the wind slapping the tent canvas in the night. If you like the feeling of being away from it all, cocooned up in a comfortable bit of civilization then this will be your cup of tea. Meals were a you get what your are given affair, but all food was nice and importantly, wholesome. We did the morning walk 2 times. And an evening game drive. Our guide was knowledgeable and informative and always enjoyed a good laugh. This is one of the few places we went where it was safe enough to do major walks without worrying about being eaten. The crystal mountain walk was a highlight. The scenery and views were amazing. There were not many animals about when we were there and the staff sold the activities as landscape tours, and the landscape is worth the visit. Loved it!
