Etaambura Camp

Etaambura, Namibia’s only ovaHimba co-owned camp, is situated in Orupembe Conservancy on top of one of the highest hills above the holy plains of Onjuva where livestock and springbok peacefully graze together. These sandy, red plains are steeped in Himba history, and our guides will share the stories with you – why the area was consecrated by the semi-nomadic herders who live here.
Etaambura whose name means ‘the place from where you can see the rain’ is ideal for a few days stop-over – only four hours drive from Purros, five from Opuwo and three to four hours from the Kunene River. Ask our Himba team about daily activities on offer: a guided walk to a Himba village or stock watering place, a game drive or visit to an old marble mine, a day’s excursion to the Kunene River. Here, you will be treated as guests, not tourists because local people are proud of their ownership of Conservancy Safaris Namibia, and of their camp.

We now offer a traditional Himba dinner by arrangement and can provide a breakfast, and lunch. Rates on request. If you prefer to do your own catering, you are welcome to use our facilities but please make sure you don’t mix up our crockery and cutlery with yours. Our staff will be happy to assist self-caterers as needed – to make a fire, boil water for your tea and coffee, and for a small fee, wash your dishes.

Etaambura hill is a botanical treasure trove, in a biodiversity hotspot full of endemic trees and shrubs. You might see a klipspringer or at dusk, a Jameson’s rock rabbit. Tiny footprints are evidence of genets and African wildcats. The calls of a diversity of birds, the whispery rustle of paper-bark and other Commiphora trees, bottle trees in bloom, and the rich hues of purple-pod terminalia – with unimpeded 360-degree views – make this camp unforgettable.

Facilities

Lodge is built from natural materials
Beautiful lookout points and sunset deck
No pool or wifi
Landing strip 20 minutes from camp

Rooms

Activities

Guided walks (two to three hours or more) – our guide can tell you about the shrubs and trees you pass and how local people use them, including the omumbiri (commiphora wildii) or perfume plant. This and other Commiphora species are sweet-smelling – the myrrh referred to in the Bible. The different hues of marble can be viewed in the vast slices that were cut out of Etaambura hill during now abandoned mining activities. It’s also worth watching the spectacle of domestic stock being watered at a deep hole in the riverbed, needing three people to pass buckets up to the drinking trough, carved from a commiphora tree trunk.
Cultural visit in your vehicle (half day) – visit an ovaHimba village with our guide and sit down for a translated chat to exchange information about the differences between your lives. Local people enjoy hearing about you as much as you enjoy meeting them. Remember, with Etaambura’s guide, you are a guest in the village, not just a tourist. An interesting detour on your way back to the lodge: the old marble mine.
Guided drive in your vehicle to Kunene River – this is a full-day trip traversing a slow rocky pass, so plan on taking a picnic lunch and plenty of water. The Kunene River is well worth seeing and depending on the river’s height, our guide will know of a safe pool where you can cool off with a dip.

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