OLIVE GROVE GUESTHOUSE AND ERONGO WILDERNESS LODGE
May 2010
Big Sky Lodges is proud to announce that they are joining forces with Dennis Liebenberg and Etendeka Mountain Camp.
With effect from 01 May 2010, Big Sky Lodges will be taking over all reservations, administration and marketing functions of Etendeka Mountain Camp. Dennis will remain at the Camp and will continue to personally oversee the management of the Camp and the concession
Dennis Liebenberg built Etendeka Mountain Camp, and has been personally managing it for over 19 years. Dennis was awarded this concession by the Ministry of Environment and Tourism (MET) and was a pioneer in Namibia by involving the local communities in a type of joint venture tourism product, whereby the communities directly benefited from his operation. Dennis has now assisted two of the neighbouring communities, Omatendeka and Anabeb, in being awarded the Etendeka Concession from the MET for a 20 year period. Part of this agreement was for Dennis to lease this concession from the communities, in the form of a tourism operator. This will now be done in conjunction with Big Sky Lodges.
It is very important that the fantastic experience that Dennis has offered his guests over the past 19 years be maintained. Etendeka Mountain Camp is a rustic and extremely Eco-Friendly property, which has been awarded “five flowers” by The Namibian Eco-Awards. These aspects of the Camp will be maintained, however, some changes will be made in order improve the service levels and to enhance the comfort of the guests stay, while ensuring that the simplicity and eco-friendliness of the Camp is not compromised.
· Guest tents: All tents are currently being replaced; the new tents are similar to the previous ones, but slightly larger in size. The number of guest tents will also be increased to 10 (previously 8), and this will be done before the start of the 2010 high season.
· Linen & Mattresses: New mattresses will be bought and all the linen will be replaced with 100% cotton linen.
· Bathrooms: This is an area where the eco-friendliness of this camp is highlighted. The “bucket” showers will be retained, but some minor changes will be made to the bathrooms to increase the guests comfort.
· Lounge, Bar & Dining Area: Over the next 12 months, the entire entertainment area will be re-built, in a manner which is in keeping with the ethos of the camp.
The guest experience offered at Etendeka Mountain Camp has always been the element that distinguishes this camp from other eco-friendly camps in Namibia. The level of guiding here is excellent, and knowledge of this special part of Namibia is imparted and shared with the guests with enthusiasm and a real passion for the environment and nature. This focus will not change.
For all reservations from the 1st May 2010, please use the new contact details below.
Etendeka Mountain Camp: Via Big Sky Lodges
Email: info@etendeka-namibia.com
Web: www.etendeka-namibia.com (currently under construction)
Tel: +264 (0)61 239 199 / Fax: +264 (0)61 234 971
April 2010
Erongo Wilderness Lodge has its first female guide. Heidi has worked at a number of lodges in Namibia and has received excellent feedback from recent guests. She will be part of the team with Andre and Lezil van Zyl, the new managers who started at the beginning of February. They have maintained the Lodge's relaxed vibe and the kitchen is certainly benefitting from Andre's skills as a qualified chef. Big Sky Lodge's new relief manager, Helene van Wyk, who joined from Mowani, divides her time between Erongo Wilderness Lodge and Olive Grove.
Olive Grove's Wellness Room is able to offer increased flexibility since Claire Liebenberg has joined the Windhoek team. Claire, a qualified therapist will help guests destress with soothing massages, manicures and pedicures. You can book your treatment on arrival although to guarantee availability it is advisable to book in advance. After you have thoroughly relaxed, you can also enjoy a cappucino or latte in the new Cafe de Grove.
March 2010
Olive Grove Transfers
Olive Grove have just invested in a smart new transfer vehicle enabling them to offer 'meet and greets' at both Eros and Hosea Kutako International Airports, and town shuttles for your guests. Eg. a oneway trip from the International airport is N$165.00 per person (based on 2 people). If you would like the full rate sheet for Olive Grove's transfers please email us.
Erongo Wilderness Lodge Images
New images are now available of the lodge on our website. We have high resolution versions available - please contact us if you would like copies.
September 2009
The steady flow of fantastic feedback we receive about Erongo Wilderness Lodge never ceases to make me smile. Here is a recent review which generally sums up the impact the property has.
"After over 7 hours in a car, I think we would have appreciated almost anywhere but Erongo was just a piece of paradise, hidden away up an awesome track and with animals right up to the door. Dassies everywhere - pure entertainment for hours just in front of our patio.
The way the camp is laid out gave a real sense of everyone being hidden away in their own private space, and the restaurant at the top of the hill gave a wonderful view out over the valley and appeared to be a magnet for such a huge variety of birds that my camera had to come to every meal. The waterhole lit up at night made sitting out with a drink or coffee an important part of the evening, even if it meant warm jackets and gloves.
Charlie, the guide for our 'flat, short walk before breakfast', was an absolute delight. He just loves his job and his enthusiasm and interest made it a wonderful experience, even though it certainly wasn't flat and we were back so late they had almost decided to move from breakfast to lunch. We would have loved an extra day here just to go exploring with him again.
The evening trip to the caves to see the rock art gave the feeling that we were the only people in this huge wilderness and again our guide was excellent, finding us troupes of baboons, klipspringers and amazing eagles and hawks - so difficult to spot in this landscape that it feels so rewarding when you do."
February 2009
Rains in Namibia Roger at Erongo Wilderness Lodge is raving about the stunning verdant landscape they are walking through each day. The Omaruru River is flowing bank to bank and the lodge recieved 70mm of rain in 30 minutes last Friday! There are no problems at all accessing the lodge thanks to their all weather roads.
