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The homeland of the Damara people in north-western Namibia is renowned for its rugged landscapes and desert-adapted wildlife. It’s a land with a fascinating diversity of wildlife that includes elephant, black rhino and giraffe that endure in low numbers in an arid habitat. It’s the preeminent destination for walking safaris in Namibia and as well as appreciating the landscapes and ecology visitors learn about the history and culture of the local communities. The Grootberg massif is a distinguishing geographic feature of Damaraland, with its central mountain rising 600 m over the plains.
Etendeka Walking Trails runs as a two- or three-night walk, with the option to stay a night or two at the Etendeka Mountain Camp afterwards. Walkers on the trail sleep under the stars on raised platforms that have comfortable beds and bedrolls. The platforms feature shades that can be pulled over for an afternoon siesta and removed to reveal the starry sky at night. Each deck has its own bathroom with a toilet and basin and there are communal open-air bathrooms with bucket showers. Meals are cooked on an open fire.
The itinerary starts with a meet-up at Palmwag Lodge at 16:00, which is on the Uniab River near the gate for Etendeka Concession. A driver collects bags for transfer to the first camp, River Camp, while guests start walking with their guide into the concession. It takes two to three hours to reach camp through a harsh but splendid rocky landscape, and there’s time along the way to investigate the desert flora and keep an eye out for birdlife. The camp overlooks a waterhole next to an established wildlife trail. Although the experience is not built around game viewing, the location allows for safe sightings of animals including Hartmann’s mountain zebra, oryx and steenbok, and, if you’re extremely lucky, the rare desert-adapted elephant and black rhino.
On the second day, after a full cooked breakfast, it’s time to set off again, carrying just day packs with water and snacks. The walk is longer this day, with 15–20 km to cover over six to seven hours, depending on the route taken. The aim is to reach Hill Camp by early afternoon for a late lunch and siesta. The camp has superb views and sits overhanging the cliffs on top of Crystal Mountain, named after the incredible show of crystal quartz and agate that sparkle against its ancient rocky outcrops. In the afternoon there’s a short sundowner walk around the plateau.
For those choosing the two-night experience, the third day has either a short morning walk or transfer down to Etendeka Mountain Camp for an overnight or to drive back to Palmwag Lodge. Otherwise, to make it a three-nighter, spend the day on a five- to six-hour walk around Crystal Mountain and down into the valley below.
- Full Board: Dinner, bed, breakfast, lunch, tea/coffee, guiding experience.
- Loan of back pack, walking stick water bottle & lunch box containers.
- Luggage transportation between overnight camps
- Scenic transfer back to pick-up point
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