Etendeka Mountain Camp

This rustic, eco-friendly, owner-run camp with its ten walk-in tents is 18km north of Palmwag Lodge along a rough track, in the 50,000ha Etenteka Concession, a mix of state-owned and communal land where resident communities can allow livestock to graze in a marginal zone. Lack of fences and the areas remoteness mean that wildlife – while not the central focus of this property – roams freely and on walks, lucky guests may even see desert adapted Black rhino, elephant and a variety of herbivores. The property pays concession fees and provides employment to people from resident communities (including community game guards) so they are directly involved in conserving the habitat.

The communal lounge, kitchen, and tents have walls made of local bassalt rock and sand bags packed in steel frames. Each of the 10 tents are 3.5 x 3.5m with built-in ground-sheets on a clay base. Bucket showers are provided. Energy is mostly derived from photo-voltaic panels. A solar oven is used for cooking delicious meals.

There is a swimming pool. The camp is highly praised for its guiding: owner Dennis Liebenberg and guides Bonny and Boas are extremely knowledgeable; the guided walks are a highlight – guests can learn about the fascinating geology and about the people and history. Wildlife sightings are an added bonus.