Ekoto Camp

Ekoto Village in Orupupa Conservancy

Ekoto Self-Catering Camp is a unique joint venture between the Orupupa Conservancy, Global Conserve, and private investors. The camp provides the Conservancy with much-needed income beyond traditional livestock farming, supporting sustainable development for the local community while offering guests an authentic Namibian experience.

Ekoto Camp is a joint venture with the local communities and fully solar-powered. 

• EXPLORE THE FORGOTTEN VALLEY ON GUIDED HIKES

The Forgotten Valley is full of diverse hiking trails. We offer guided walks of different lengths and levels — from leisurely strolls across flat terrain to more challenging routes with rocky climbs. Together with your guide, you can decide which hike best suits your fitness, experience, and mood. Every walk promises a beautiful scenery and the chance to discover the magic of the valley at your own pace.

• REFRESHING DIP IN THE NATURAL POOL

At the foot of the Tufa Rock, a small – or, depending on the season, larger – rainwater pond invites you to cool off on hot days. You are welcome to take a dip, but please be aware that this natural pool is also home to snapping turtles. Despite their modest size of only 8–15cm, they can deliver a sharp bite if fingers or toes come too close.

• FORGOTTEN VALLEY AND TUFA ROCK FROM A BIRD’S EYE VIEW

Directly from camp you can climb the steep trail that leads you to a breathtaking viewpoint. The path is rocky, sandy, and fairly challenging – but every step is worth it. In just 10 focused minutes, you’ll climb around 300 metres in altitude. If you prefer a gentler pace, you can comfortably reach the top in around half an hour, even with children or less experienced hikers. At the summit, you’ll be rewarded with a sweeping view that makes the effort disappear instantly. On the way down, take care, as less experienced hikers may need a steady hand to avoid slipping. For the best experience, we recommend hiking in the early morning to catch the sunrise — and avoiding the descent after dark.

• SWIMMING POOL

For your convenience, pool towels are provided at the swimming pool. Please do not use the chalet towels in the pool area.

• RELAX & UNWIND

Need a break from driving or hiking? There’s always something to do at camp! At reception, you’ll find a game box for relaxing afternoons or fun evenings. Book lovers can browse, and exchange books at our book exchange shelf or choose your favourite spot on the terrace — in the sun or the shade — and let your soul unwind.

The valley is home to an incredible variety of wildlife — from the rare highland elephants and giraffes to impalas, zebra, leopards, baboons, kudus, and a fascinating array of bird species. Here you are a guest in their natural habitat. Please keep the following in mind: Never leave food scraps behind, as this encourages animals to approach humans for food. Move slowly, observe quietly, and respect the natural behaviour of wildlife. Patience and calm are the keys to unforgettable encounters — whether you’re enjoying them with your own eyes or through a camera lens. The cheerful songs of lovebirds fill the valley, and birdwatchers will delight in the many other feathered species that call the Forgotten Valley home.

In this remote corner of northwest Namibia, a remarkable population of elephants known as the highland elephants resides. Unlike their savanna cousins, they have adapted to steep, rocky slopes and can climb seemingly impossible mountain terrain. During the day, they feed on hardy mountain plants, and at night they go down into the valleys to drink at the waterholes. While desert elephants have been studied extensively, research on these remarkable “mountain climbers” remains limited — though their numbers are gradually growing. Spotting them is always a rare and unforgettable experience.

The Ekoto Selfcatering Camp is named after the charming village at the foot of the valley. The people of Ekoto, mainly Herero, continue to live in traditional and maintain peaceful community. Many of our staff members are from here, and the village takes pride in its elephant-proof community garden. Each extended family grows vegetables for their own use and for sale in our camp shop — an important extra source of income. We respect and preserve the authentic lifestyle of the community, interfering as little as possible in their daily routines. If you’d like to learn more about Ekoto village, feel free to speak to us at reception — we’ll be happy to arrange a respectful visit.