Etendeka Hiking Trail

Day 1: Start at Palmwag Lodge to River Camp
Meet up at Palmwag Lodge by the Uinab River, the usual meeting spot for Etendeka Mountain Camp. Give your bags to the driver who will get them safely to River Camp. Start your walk from the Lodge, heading into the Etendeka Concession for about 2 to 3 hours until you reach your first camp. The view is awesome as you walk into the concession, seeing the clean, rocky plains under the Namibian sky. Your knowledgeable guide will tell you about what’s to come and point out desert plants. If you like birds or photography, keep your binoculars and cameras ready.

Day 2: Moving from River Camp to Hill Camp
Wake up early to the sounds and smells of the wild. Enjoy a big breakfast, pack your snacks and water bottles in the backpacks provided, and start your walk to Hill Camp. The path is beautiful, and your guide will help identify animal tracks and tell you about the area’s history. Take short breaks along the way and plan to get to Hill Camp by early afternoon for a late lunch and rest. This walk is between 15km and 20km and should take about 6 to 7 hours, including breaks, depending on how fast the group moves.

Hill Camp is on top of Crystal Mountain and has amazing views, plenty of crystals, and cool rock formations. In the afternoon, you can take a short walk around the plateau. Guests will enjoy a simple, tasty dinner around the fire. Get comfy on your sleeping platform on the edge of the mountain and enjoy the night under the stars.

Day 3: A Loop from Hill Camp to Hill Camp
After waking up early, have breakfast and go on a 5 to 6-hour walk around Crystal Mountain and into the valley below. Come back to camp for lunch and an afternoon rest followed by a short walk in the afternoon. Spend the night at Hill Camp.

Day 4: Down to Etendeka Mountain Camp
Start with an early breakfast and then take a short walk down to Etendeka Mountain Camp. Here, you can choose to either take a scenic drive back to Palmwag Lodge or decide to stay an extra night at Etendeka Mountain Camp. The drive offers beautiful views of the area, a treat for nature lovers and photographers. If you decide to stay longer, you’ll get more time to explore and enjoy the serene, natural surroundings.