Reviews of Etendeka Camp
Wildlife sightings and reviews
117 independent comments and wildlife information from our travellers who have visited Etendeka Camp and kindly agreed to share their thoughts. They do not necessarily represent the views of Expert Africa
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"Etendeka Mountain Camp review"
The communal meals and generously offered drinks were all much appreciated and we benefited too from our hosts' conversation and knowledge of the area." See all these reviews: 16n in Namibia; 3n in South Africa
"Etendeka Mountain Camp review"
After Damaraland, it was a lot less friendly and a bit rustic and although the latter had its charm, we quickly realised we preferred a bit more comfort!
Some of the activities were affected by those who we were placed with- and while this is not the fault of the camp who have no control over the manner and behaviour of guests, unfortunately it does affect our judgement. We could not wait to leave largely to get away from one particular family with whom we had had to share all our activities. As a couple rather than a family we always tended to get placed where there was space. Generally this was not a problem at all, far from it, and we met some great people, but on this occasion it was very tiresome.
Food was not great, and certainly the vegetarian options were very limited.
The star gazing was an added bonus and we enjoyed the walk very much.
On reflection, we felt that we should not have gone to both Damaraland and Etendeka as there were considerable similarities in what we saw/did and we would have preferred to have had more time in the area closer to Damaraland or been able to see more of Twyfelfontein or the Skeleton Coast." See all these reviews: 15n in Namibia; 9n in Botswana; 2n in Zambia
"Great safari at Etendeka with Dennis & Bonnie"
Unlike other safari camps, where early morning and late afternoon drives seem to be the norm, here there is a 3-4 hour morning walk. You see less ‘big’ game but a lot more of the smaller, more intimate stuff - birds, vegetation, tracks etc. and there is much more time for explanations and discussion. Our 2nd morning walk with Bonnie was one of the highlights of our whole trip - the high plateau, ‘crystal’ walk with views you can only dream of. Here we saw the elusive klipspringer.
We saw less here on afternoon drives than elsewhere and none of the ‘big 5’ (although a lion was outside a fellow traveller’s tent during the night and there was evidence of rhino droppings) but we did see something Dennis said he had only seen 3 times in 25 years - a desert adapted tortoise.
The food was the best of anywhere, again we loved the communal dining and Dennis was a great host with his explanations, stories and night sky telescope (I’d never seen Saturn’s rings or the detail of the moon before).
To explain the two only ‘good’ ratings below:
Rooms: we loved the simple tents and bucket shower but it would be misleading to give them an excellent rating.
Facilities: this is a simpler, less luxurious camp than some others (but we liked it for that). If I had to force myself to gripe it would be that the small pool was covered over. I had a fleeting fancy to sit with my feet in it one hot early afternoon. I’m sure Dennis or Bonnie would have uncovered it if I had asked but they weren’t around and I was too lazy to pursue it." See all these reviews: 11n in Namibia
"A unique and memorable stop"
The tents were terrific and Dennis and Bonny were extremely attentive to our needs and comfort -- this was especially so while my husband was suffering pretty severe consequences during the first day from something he had eaten (elsewhere!). He quickly recuperated and was able to fully enjoy the rest of the stay. As stated the accommodations and meals are simple in one sense but they are also high quality. Food was delicious and the communal ambience - and evening conversations - were lovely. Great walks and rides in the surrounding areas.
it was quit impressive to see what it's taken to both preserve this land and to address the practical needs of making it livable and sustainable." See all these reviews: 12n in Namibia
"Etendeka Camp"
It is all-inclusive with food served buffet-style and was good. The owner who opened the camp over 25 years ago was around at meal times but did not conduct any guiding when we were there. However he was very informative about the area and with his telescope showed us the fabulous night sky.
We had two fine game and nature drives with Bonnie who was a font of knowledge re flora and fauns." See all these reviews: 12n in Namibia
"A definate must."
Great experience to walk with a knowledgeable guide." See all these reviews: 19n in Namibia
"Etendeka"
Location out of this world. Superb.
Chef needs changing - or 'drying out'
All seems a little haphazard" See all these reviews: 27n in Namibia
"Unique wilderness camp opportunity"
The terrain to reach Etendeka is so rough that they come to collect you in their own 4x4 from a point a couple of hours from the camp. Once there you will sleep in a comfortable tent with an attached outside toilet and shower - more than adequate. The sensation of standing on a mountain top next morning and realising that however far you look in any direction, there is no other habitation, is what Etendeka is all about.
An en-expected bonus is that due to the lack of light pollution, the opportunity for star gazing is exceptional, and Dennis will be delighted to demonstrate his very sophisticated telescope.
Plenty of wildlife, but the solitude is the primary attraction here." See all these reviews: 24n in Namibia
"Etendeka Mountain Camp review"
The communal nature worked well - everybody eats at a communal table and does the same activities together (walk in the morning and drive in the afternoon). It is a stunning beautiful and remote setting." See all these reviews: 17n in Namibia
"Fantastic getaway at Etendeka Mountain Camp"
The 4WD drive in from Palmweg is stunning and is a game drive in itself. The double tents have stunning views, spotless outside toilet and the famous drop bucket showers. Everyone eats together and so this was good chance to meet other travellers, some of whom we bumped into later at other locations. Our teenagers were pleased to meet other kids of a similar age.
The owner Dennis and our guide Bonny made us feel were in a special place. Dennis has a telescope and encouraged us all to look and understand the Southern Sky. Over dinner Dennis was happy to share his views on the Namibian environment and to discuss related political issues.
We highly recommend visiting Etendeka Mountain Camp and we wished we had more time to walk in this area." See all these reviews: 16n in Namibia
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