Etendeka Plateau, an unique hauntingly beautiful desolate landscape

We are heading for the Etendeka Plateau; place of flat-topped mountains

The next 3 days, we will leave comfortable Palmwag Lodge and go walking in the Etendeka area, an unique hauntingly beautiful desolate landscape.

Etendeka Mountains, sunset view from Crystal Mountain, notice the flat tops
Mountain Camp, Namibia 2019

Etendeka Plateau

Etendeka Plateau of northwestern Namibia consists of volcanic rocks. The name Etendeka means "place of flat-topped mountains" in the language of the local Himba people. It refers to the characteristic table-topped hillocks dotting the plateau at 700-800 meters. It´s covering 78,000 km2 - nearly double the size of Denmark - between the Huab River in the south and the Hoanib River in the north. It´s basalt is commonly mineralized with quartz, agate, zeolite, and calcite. Especially geodes of amethyst are famous and highly sought after by collectors (source). Geodes are spherical to sub spherical rock structures with an internal cavity lined with mineral materials (source).

Geode, a pherical structures with
an internal cavity lined with minerals,
Kristall Galerie, Swakopmund, Namibia 2019

There are crystals everywhere on the top of Crystal Mountain
Etendeka Mountains, Namibia 2019

Namibia is ideal for star gazing

Stars can be seen throughout the whole world, so why necessarily in Namibia? The reason is quite simple: Due to the low population density, the very low air pollution and the virtually non-existing light pollution, Namibia offers ideal conditions to explore the southern night sky (source). Every traveller, astronomer or not, will be thrilled by Namibia’s night sky. Not only on top of the Gamsberg, but also on several guest farms professional star gazing and photography are possible. Here, even to the untrained eye, the difference between the northern and the southern night sky becomes evident. In the deep, black sky the Milky Way shines so bright that it actually casts shadows. One has the illusion to be standing right in it. Many star signs, nebula's and galaxies can only be seen in the southern night sky. Etendeka Plateau is a perfect place for star gazing.

Geting ready for star gazing at River Camp
Etendeka Mountains, Namibia 2019

Euphorbia damarana (Damara milk-bush) 

One plant we see everywhere in Etendeka Mountains is the Euphorbia damarana (Damara milk-bush). This plant is regarded as one of the most toxic plants in Namibia. The toxic milky latex of the plant is capable of killing animals and humans, except rhino and oryx who feed upon it. If you have an open wound and come into contact with the plant, it´s can supposedly kill you. Another story reports the deaths of 11 miners at the Uis Tin Mine after consuming food cooked over a fire of Euphorbia damarana. Also, it has been used to contaminate watering holes with the plant's latex to poison and catch game which drink from the watering hole (source).

Our guide Boas next to the Euphorbia damarana (Damara milk-bush)
The bush is pressed flat by a black rhino resting here.
Etendeka Mountains, Namibia 2019