Naturally Namibia - Active Erongo & Southern Kaokofeld

The Okonjima Nature Reserve sprawls over 200 square kilometres of undulating plains, mountainous outcrops, and riverine thickets, and it is here that leopard (Panthera pardus), the most adaptable of all the wild cats, thrive. Read more about our Leopard Research.

These intelligent, solitary predators occur in high density in the expanse of Okonjima Nature Reserve’s multi-faceted topography. The Reserve’s predator research programme has spanned three decades, and its findings have provided great insight to leopard behavioral patterns as well as offered an upbeat prognosis for a sustainable future for the species in today’s Africa.

A two-day Okonjima stay offers the best chance to view wild leopard in Namibia, as well as those collared for research purposes, in their natural habitats.

The Okonjima Nature Reserve, a huge protected area set amongst the rugged commercial farmlands of central Namibia, comprises a diversified ecosystem representative of both the larger and small mammals of Namibia, as well as most of the country’s endemic birds.

Game drives and guided bush walks offer visitors an intimate, up-close perspective of Namibia’s wildlife and, especially, its most protected species.

The Okonjima Nature Reserve is home to, and runs extensive research projects on rare and endangered species, big and small.

LEOPARD TRACKING

The Leopard ‘experience’ will take you out into the Okonjima Nature Reserve and will allow you to spend more time with our experienced guides and participate in the research data collection for our long-standing leopard project and newly introduced brown hyaena programme. Some of our adult leopards are radio collared which enables the guides to track them with a specialised telemetry device contributing to frequent viewing, giving visitors an opportunity to observe these magnificent predators in their natural habitat and experience the fascinating behaviour and interactions between these two species while they compete for food. Although this significantly increases the chance of an excellent sighting, it cannot ever be guaranteed as they are wild free-roaming predators.
Morning activities (seasonal times): Departure 06:00 / 06:30 AM; Return 09:30 / 10:00 AM.
Afternoon activities (seasonal times): Departure: 15:30 / 16:00 PM; Return 19:00 / 19:30 PM.

THE AfriCat FOUNDATION CARNIVORE CARE & INFORMATION CENTRE (ACCC)

During the visit to AfriCat, visitors will have the opportunity to spend some time at the Carnivore Care & Information Centre, which provides valuable insights into the Foundation's work.
The visit will include a short guided drive to the AfriCat Carnivore Care Centre, where visitors can meet some of the ambassador cheetahs. Our knowledgeable guides will answer questions, explain the Foundation's work with carnivores in Namibia, and help position the vehicle for that perfect photo opportunity.

Morning activities (seasonal times): Departure 06:00 / 06:30 AM; Return 09:30 / 10:00 AM.
Afternoon activities (seasonal times): Departure: 15:30 / 16:00 PM; Return 19:00 / 19:30 PM.

ENDANGERED SPECIES NATURE DRIVE

This game-drive allows more time to enjoy and understand the Okonjima Nature Reserve as a natural island bound ecosystem. As the private Nature Reserve was established primarily to conserve some of our more threatened mammal species, it provides an increased chance to encounter these relatively rare animals. This is once again assisted by the AfriCat Foundation’s research projects on the shy brown hyaena, bat-eared fox and rhino. There are more than 40 mammal species within the Okonjima Nature Reserve, both large and small as well as a good representation of the typical flora. At the discretion of your guide, there may be the chance to view some of these animals, large or small.

Morning activities (seasonal times): Departure 06:00 / 06:30 AM; Return 09:30 / 10:00 AM.
Afternoon activities (seasonal times): Departure: 15:30 / 16:00 PM; Return 19:00 / 19:30 PM.

GAME DRIVE:

Experienced guides will entertain you with their knowledge, sharing interesting and enlightening information about the history of the Okonjima Nature Reserve and the research gathered over the past 30 years of conservation on Okonjima. On this trail, no telemetry device is used to track any of the carnivores researched by the AfriCat Foundation. Wildlife is the focus of the drive. Visitors are offered insight as our guides attempt to foster a general appreciation of the natural habitat of the Nature Reserve.
Morning activities (seasonal times): Departure 06:00 / 06:30 AM; Return 09:30 / 10:00 AM.
Afternoon activities (seasonal times): Departure: 15:30 / 16:00 PM; Return 19:00 / 19:30 PM.

Set in the foothills of the Grootberg Massif is a unique new offering from the Etendeka Lodge Company and the Etendeka Community Trust (comprising the Anabeb and Omatendeka Community Conservancies). The experience promises to be an authentic and exhilarating engagement with nature. Trek through one of Nambia’s most remote and untouched landscapes on foot, have sundowners as you look out over never ending vistas of ancient rock formations and sleep under a blanket of stars. This is a once in a lifetime opportunity to connect with nature.

Join some of Namibia’s most experienced and knowledgeable guides as they introduce you to the incredible life that lies largely hidden in this seemingly harsh but breathtaking landscape. With magnificent views of the ancient Etendeka basalt lava flows and flat top mountains, these rocky plains are home to an array of desert adapted plants and animals. Our passionate guides know the area intimately and will share anecdotes and information about this geologically rich and diverse environment. Track through dry Mopani shaded river beds and past other-worldly rocky outcrops as our guides identify spoor, indigenous animal, bird and plant species. Exploring this terrain on foot is a heightened and invigorating meeting of man and nature.

Namibia is one of the top destinations in the world for stargazing with its unusually dark night skies. On a cloudless night you will be overwhelmed by the spectacular sight of the Milky Way stretching overhead.

The two rustic overnight camps make the most of sleeping under the breathtaking desert sky. The five sleeping platforms are raised off the ground to ensure that guests are safe and comfortable, while having the unparalleled experience of falling asleep to the night sounds of the wilderness under a starry sky. Comfortable beds and ‘bed-rolls’ are your bed for the night, each contain a 100% cotton linen sheet, down duvets and pillow for your comfort.

Each sleeping platform is equipped with a flush toilet and basin attached to the platform.

The sleeping platforms have a shaded area for that well-deserved afternoon siesta but the shade folds away at night so that you can fall asleep to the beauty of the open skies (weather permitting). There are communal open-air bathrooms including the typical much loved Etendeka Bucket Shower situated between the platforms.

We do not believe in dictating to guests how fit they need to be in order to partake in this experience. Good health, and a good level of fitness, paired with a love for the outdoors, is the perfect combination. Any person above the age of 12 years who is in good physical condition and is capable of walking for 6 to 7 hours should be able to undertake this adventure. Be aware that the heat is an additional consideration and guests should come prepared with a hat and sun screen. It remains the guest’s responsibility to ensure that they are healthy and fit enough to undertake and enjoy this activity.

Etendeka Mountain Camp reserves the right to disallow any guests on the trail who may not be healthy or fit enough to safely undertake the Walking Experience.

Remember day and night temperatures can vary so always pack something warm for the evening.

Your safety remains our focus as you experience what this desert wilderness has to share. Our guides do not carry weapons but are very well trained to avoid conflict with wild animals. In case of emergency, our guides are in touch, via hand held radios, with the camp who can provide first aid or evacuation support if necessary. We strongly recommend that all guests take out travel and medical insurance for the duration of their stay in Namibia and on the Etendeka Concession. Please be aware that the Etendeka Concession is in a very remote area in Namibia and there is no close-by rescue service, Etendeka Lodge Company does have suitable Evacuation Insurance in the unlikely event that a guest needs emergency evacuation.

Choose either the 2 or 3 night experience with the additional option of extending your experience with a night or two at the original Etendeka Mountain Camp.

Day 1: Palmwag Lodge pick up point to River Camp
Meet at Palmwag Lodge on the Uinab River at the normal pickup time and point for Etendeka Mountain Camp. Hand your luggage over to the driver who will safely deliver your luggage to the River Camp. Start your walk from Palmwag Lodge into the Etendeka Concession for approximately 2 to 3 hours to your 1st overnight camp. The scenery is incredible as you access the concession on foot and look out onto the pristine rocky plains set against the Namibian sky. Your experienced guide will give you a sense of what awaits as he identifies desert plants and trees. Keen birders and photographers should have their binoculars and cameras on hand.

Day 2: River Camp to Hill Camp
After your first night under the stars wake up early to the sounds and smells of the wilderness. Enjoy a full cooked breakfast, pack your travel snacks and water bottles into the backpacks provided and start your walk to Hill Camp. The route is spectacular and your guide will be able to identify animal spoor and share information about the history of the area. Stop en route for refreshments and aim to reach Hill Camp by early-afternoon for a late lunch and siesta. The distance of this walk is between 15km and 20km and should take about 6 to 7 hours, including stops, depending on the groups fitness level. Hill Camp is situated on the top of Crystal Mountain with spectacular views and an abundance of crystals and exquisite rock formations. In the afternoon you will be able to do a short sundowner walk around the plateau. Guests will enjoy a simple but delicious and wholesome dinner around the fire. Settle in on your sleeping platform perched on the edge of the mountain and enjoy the night under the stars.

Day 3: Hill Camp to Hill Camp or departure
•Guests who have booked the two-night experience; will enjoy a short morning walk or transfer down to Etendeka Mountain Camp and get the scenic nature drive back to Palmwag Lodge or opt to stay an additional night at Etendeka Mountain Camp.
•Guests who have booked the three-night experience; after an early rise, enjoy breakfast and embark on a 5 to 6 hour walk around Crystal Mountain and down into the valley below. Return to camp for lunch, afternoon siesta followed by a short sundowner walk in the afternoon. Overnight at Hill Camp.

Day 4: A short walk down to Etendeka Mountain Camp where you have the option of picking up the scenic nature drive back to Palmwag Lodge or opt to stay an additional night at Etendeka Mountain Camp.

Set in the foothills of the Grootberg Massif is a unique new offering from the Etendeka Lodge Company and the Etendeka Community Trust (comprising the Anabeb and Omatendeka Community Conservancies). The experience promises to be an authentic and exhilarating engagement with nature. Trek through one of Nambia’s most remote and untouched landscapes on foot, have sundowners as you look out over never ending vistas of ancient rock formations and sleep under a blanket of stars. This is a once in a lifetime opportunity to connect with nature.

Join some of Namibia’s most experienced and knowledgeable guides as they introduce you to the incredible life that lies largely hidden in this seemingly harsh but breathtaking landscape. With magnificent views of the ancient Etendeka basalt lava flows and flat top mountains, these rocky plains are home to an array of desert adapted plants and animals. Our passionate guides know the area intimately and will share anecdotes and information about this geologically rich and diverse environment. Track through dry Mopani shaded river beds and past other-worldly rocky outcrops as our guides identify spoor, indigenous animal, bird and plant species. Exploring this terrain on foot is a heightened and invigorating meeting of man and nature.

Namibia is one of the top destinations in the world for stargazing with its unusually dark night skies. On a cloudless night you will be overwhelmed by the spectacular sight of the Milky Way stretching overhead.

The two rustic overnight camps make the most of sleeping under the breathtaking desert sky. The five sleeping platforms are raised off the ground to ensure that guests are safe and comfortable, while having the unparalleled experience of falling asleep to the night sounds of the wilderness under a starry sky. Comfortable beds and ‘bed-rolls’ are your bed for the night, each contain a 100% cotton linen sheet, down duvets and pillow for your comfort.

Each sleeping platform is equipped with a flush toilet and basin attached to the platform.

The sleeping platforms have a shaded area for that well-deserved afternoon siesta but the shade folds away at night so that you can fall asleep to the beauty of the open skies (weather permitting). There are communal open-air bathrooms including the typical much loved Etendeka Bucket Shower situated between the platforms.

We do not believe in dictating to guests how fit they need to be in order to partake in this experience. Good health, and a good level of fitness, paired with a love for the outdoors, is the perfect combination. Any person above the age of 12 years who is in good physical condition and is capable of walking for 6 to 7 hours should be able to undertake this adventure. Be aware that the heat is an additional consideration and guests should come prepared with a hat and sun screen. It remains the guest’s responsibility to ensure that they are healthy and fit enough to undertake and enjoy this activity.

Etendeka Mountain Camp reserves the right to disallow any guests on the trail who may not be healthy or fit enough to safely undertake the Walking Experience.

Remember day and night temperatures can vary so always pack something warm for the evening.

Your safety remains our focus as you experience what this desert wilderness has to share. Our guides do not carry weapons but are very well trained to avoid conflict with wild animals. In case of emergency, our guides are in touch, via hand held radios, with the camp who can provide first aid or evacuation support if necessary. We strongly recommend that all guests take out travel and medical insurance for the duration of their stay in Namibia and on the Etendeka Concession. Please be aware that the Etendeka Concession is in a very remote area in Namibia and there is no close-by rescue service, Etendeka Lodge Company does have suitable Evacuation Insurance in the unlikely event that a guest needs emergency evacuation.

Choose either the 2 or 3 night experience with the additional option of extending your experience with a night or two at the original Etendeka Mountain Camp.

Day 1: Palmwag Lodge pick up point to River Camp
Meet at Palmwag Lodge on the Uinab River at the normal pickup time and point for Etendeka Mountain Camp. Hand your luggage over to the driver who will safely deliver your luggage to the River Camp. Start your walk from Palmwag Lodge into the Etendeka Concession for approximately 2 to 3 hours to your 1st overnight camp. The scenery is incredible as you access the concession on foot and look out onto the pristine rocky plains set against the Namibian sky. Your experienced guide will give you a sense of what awaits as he identifies desert plants and trees. Keen birders and photographers should have their binoculars and cameras on hand.

Day 2: River Camp to Hill Camp
After your first night under the stars wake up early to the sounds and smells of the wilderness. Enjoy a full cooked breakfast, pack your travel snacks and water bottles into the backpacks provided and start your walk to Hill Camp. The route is spectacular and your guide will be able to identify animal spoor and share information about the history of the area. Stop en route for refreshments and aim to reach Hill Camp by early-afternoon for a late lunch and siesta. The distance of this walk is between 15km and 20km and should take about 6 to 7 hours, including stops, depending on the groups fitness level. Hill Camp is situated on the top of Crystal Mountain with spectacular views and an abundance of crystals and exquisite rock formations. In the afternoon you will be able to do a short sundowner walk around the plateau. Guests will enjoy a simple but delicious and wholesome dinner around the fire. Settle in on your sleeping platform perched on the edge of the mountain and enjoy the night under the stars.

Day 3: Hill Camp to Hill Camp or departure
•Guests who have booked the two-night experience; will enjoy a short morning walk or transfer down to Etendeka Mountain Camp and get the scenic nature drive back to Palmwag Lodge or opt to stay an additional night at Etendeka Mountain Camp.
•Guests who have booked the three-night experience; after an early rise, enjoy breakfast and embark on a 5 to 6 hour walk around Crystal Mountain and down into the valley below. Return to camp for lunch, afternoon siesta followed by a short sundowner walk in the afternoon. Overnight at Hill Camp.

Day 4: A short walk down to Etendeka Mountain Camp where you have the option of picking up the scenic nature drive back to Palmwag Lodge or opt to stay an additional night at Etendeka Mountain Camp.

Arriving guests are met at the pickup point situated at Palmwag Lodge, where secure parking is
provided, and transferred by game viewing vehicle the 18km to the camp. This limits the number of
vehicles using the concession tracks. The transfer usually takes an hour and a half and provides an
introduction to the area and the guide will explain briefly the geology, fauna and flora and some
general details about the concession.

Transfer Pick-up time: 16h00 (Summer & Winter)

A short self-guided ‘sundowner walk’ is an option in the afternoon after arrival at the camp where guests get the opportunity to walk up a hill behind the camp to get a better idea of the spectacular setting and location of the camp.

The morning activity is a guided three to three and a half hour nature walk. The distance is between 4 and 6 km with lots of discussion and interpretation. Conservancies are an important subject with the value of the conservancy to the local communities being explained.

The scenic drive in the afternoon allows guests to travel to other parts of the concession and to have a better opportunity to see the wide variety of animals that have adapted to this harsh environment. All activities are accompanied by a guide; vehicles are restricted to the regular tracks and walks follow routine paths.

After dinner your hosts, Dennis and Bonnie, will point out some of the more interesting constellations, stars and planets with the aid of a ‘star pointer’ and a telescope. With minimal light and air pollution in this area, star gazing is a treat to the eye.

This drive takes about 3 hours, through the scenically beautiful lodge property, with selected stops at sites to view and learn about bushman rock art. Ai Aiba Lodge is home to over 200 different bushmen rock art sites and our guides have been professionally trained to interpret these paintings to our guests.
The drive will also include a stop for refreshments and snacks. A must-see for anyone visiting the area. This drive can be done both in the morning or the afternoon.

Morning drive – departs at 07h30 (Summer and Winter). Breakfast served from 07h00.
Afternoon drive – departs 17h00 in Summer*, and 16h00 in Winter*.

Rates for activities available in documentation.

*Summer months = Jan, Feb, Mar, Sep, Oct, Nov and Dec.
*Winter months = Apr, May, Jun, Jul & Aug.

Walking the area surrounding the Lodge is highly encouraged and is an excellent way to experience the beauty of the Erongo Mountains. Our guides have been very well trained on the interesting Fauna and Flora of the area and are available to escort guests through the property.

?Guided Morning walks:
Breakfast is available in the restaurant from 07h00.
Your guide will take juice and snacks along for en-route. Please carry your own water.
Please ensure that you wear good walking shoes, and have adequate sun protection.

1)Ai Aiba Walk:
This walk is 2 – 3 hours in duration and can be of varying degrees of difficulty depending on your preference. It will include visits to certain rock art sites, and a focus on the smaller intricacies of nature.
Morning walk departs at 07h30 (Summer and Winter), from the restaurant.

2)Walk & Drive:
This activity starts from the lodge with a 10min drive to Moringa valley. From there guests hike to a number of different rock art sites, including some fantastic viewpoints along the way. Then another short drive (10-15min), followed by another hike through majestic landscape to view some more rock art sites and interesting rock formations. A short 20min drive will then take you back to the lodge. Total duration is approximately 3 hours.
Morning walk departs at 07h30 (Summer and Winter), from the restaurant.

3) Walk with visit to the San Living Museum:
This walk is approximately 3 hours. Our guides will walk with you to the San Living Museum, stopping at certain rock art sites en-route. Once at the Living Museum the bushman will take guests on a bushwalk, and then our guides will lead you back to the lodge again.
Morning walk departs at 07h30 (Summer and Winter), from the restaurant.

?Guided sundowner walk:
Very close to the lodge, you will be guided up a granite hill where you can relax and enjoy a cold
‘sundowner’ drink while watching the sun set over spectacular views of the Erongo Mountains.
Sundowner walk departs at 18h30 (Summer) and 17h30 (Winter), from the restaurant
Rate: Included in the rate (excluding drinks). Note that our guide will gladly take your drinks order and carry the drinks up to the sundowner spot for you.

Rates for activities available in documentation

*Summer months = Jan, Feb, Mar, Sep, Oct, Nov and Dec.
*Winter months = Apr, May, Jun, Jul & Aug.

Why walk when you can ride? A cycling adventure that mirrors the leisurely pace of our guided sundowner walk. You leave from the lodge late afternoon, on E-bikes and cycle along jeep tracks to a tranquil sundowner spot in the bush. Enjoy a ‘sundowner’ drink and snacks with panoramic views as the sun begins to set. Return to the lodge via a fun single track in the twilight. Trip can also be done in reverse – out on the single track and back on the jeep track; please discuss with your guide.

Rates for activities available in documentation

If you love mountain biking, you will love our trails. We have worked with expert trail builders to create a network of trails that let you discover this amazing landscape at your own speed. You can see the ancient Bushmen Rock Art Sites or spot some wildlife while riding on scenic trails.
Our trails are suitable for riders of all abilities, but we focus on making them fun, free-flowing and beautiful. There are many trails to choose from, but we have marked three routes with different lengths and difficulties, using jeep tracks or specially made single track trails. If you want more challenge and adventure, you can try some of the extensions that go to the granite outcrops of the property.
Our trails are well marked and maintained.
You can bring your own bike, rent one of our new Specialized Levo E-Bikes or join one of our guided E-Bike Tours.

•Guided Mountain Bike Tour, including E-Bike Rental:
Take a professional guide who knows the trails like the back of their hand and can show you the best spots to enjoy the scenery and the thrill. No need to worry about getting lost or missing out on anything, just follow your guide and have a blast on your e-bike!

Duration: Max. 4 hours
Minimum age requirement for the E-Bike Rental and Mountain bike trails is 8 years.
Children 8 and over: quoted adult rate

Rates for activities available in documentation

•Specialized Levo E-Bike Rental:
Don't worry if you don't have your own mountain bike. You can rent one of our awesome Specialized Levo E-Bikes. They are the best in the market for Mountain E-Bikes. You'll have a blast riding them for hours without any trouble.

Duration: Max. 4 hours. Please advise Reception of your plans and ensure that you have our number in your cellphone (+264 64-570330). Please also ensure you collect a map from Reception and take it with you or download our online map.

Minimum age requirement for the E-Bike Rental and Mountain bike trails is 8 years
Children 8 and over: quoted adult rate

Rates for activities available in documentation

Mountain Bike Routes:
Light Green Route: A lovely introduction to the trails on Ai Aiba. Generally easy-going, predominantly jeep track riding.

Dark Green Route: Although this is only 30km, this ride is not to be underestimated. There are a lot of new single tracks on this route and even though it is not very technical, it is slow going and requires constant concentration and effort.

Blue Route: This route is a bit shorter than the Dark Green Route but also allows you to ride some of the best single tracks on the farm.

Various tours are available, and can all be booked directly at the lodge. Times are flexible, and bookings can usually be made according to your requirement. Please ask at Reception for more information.

•Bushwalk – approx. 2hours. Learn about hunting, snaring, tracking, lighting fire and collecting bush food.
•Live in the village – approx. 2hours. Learn about singing and dancing, lighting a fire, making ropes and jewelry.
•Combination (Action day) – approx. 4hours. A combination of the bushwalk and the “live in the village” tour.

*Rates on request