In the foothills of the Grootberg massif, in stunning scenery set amidst the ancient Etendeka lava flows of northern Damaraland, you will find Etendeka Mountain Camp. Here the ancient basalt has been slowly eroded over millennia, leaving scattered boulders lying upon dramatic flat-topped mountains.

The emphasis here is on Nature, and this eco-friendly camp bears testimony to her many riches. Accommodation is in ten en-suite meru tents, which are connected by pathways to the main dining tent. Extensive use is made of solar power throughout, both in the kitchen and the guest bathrooms, as well as for general electricity requirements. Necessary comforts have not been overlooked though, and these include flush toilets, hot-and-cold running water and the stunning open-air “bucket” shower.  Simple, fresh, wholesome meals are prepared, either on solar or on open fires, and enjoyed under African skies.

Desert adapted wildlife forge a precarious existence amongst the towering basalt mountains and Mopani-shaded rivers beds of the Kunene region. This apparently unforgiving landscape is actually refuge to a diverse number of plant and mammal species. Desert elephant and black rhino share boulder strewn valleys with watchful cheetah and thundering herds of oryx. Dew darkened game trails show the heavy track marks of lion and the mountain zebra they hunt. Scorpions prowl between volcanic rock shards and snake eagles drift through the warm afternoon breeze.

Your days here are spent exploring the area on foot and in open game drive vehicles with the exceptionally knowledgeable guides. This is not a fast paced safari, but rather a privileged introduction to an environment that holds many of Namibia’s unique natural attractions.

Here one is reminded that we are all guests of Mother Nature.