Desert Rhino Camp is in the Palmwag Concession. Covering a staggering 400,000ha, the community-owned nature reserve has an intricate ecosystem supporting desert-adapted wildlife including elephants and the world's largest population of black free-roaming rhino.
The luxurious accommodation at Desert Rhino Camp is enhanced by its remote and precarious existence. The camp has eight walk-in Meru-style safari tents on elevated platforms with en suite bathrooms; the living area has enormous sofas that look out through open sides at the remarkable Damaraland landscape.
The décor is simple yet comfortable in earthy tones reminiscent of the land beyond. It’s easy on the eye with subtle hints of colour and pattern in between. Just enough to leave the main focus on the ever-changing hues of the incredible setting sun on the horizon in strong contrast to the deserted plains below.
Meal times area cause for yet more surprises as first-class food is whipped up from what seems like the bare earth and served beneath what could easily be the darkest night sky you’ve ever experienced. It’s spectacular.
As are the sightings of the black rhinos you will most likely get a chance to see, although not guaranteed. Head out with your guide in search of them and all the while exploring the wilderness, so vast, so remote and so untouched. Seeing a black rhino is always amazing. Seeing them in this setting is indescribable.
Rhino tracking; nature drives; birdwatching; nature excursions; star gazing; full day outings with lunch in the bush.
The camp is run in conjunction with Save The Rhino Trust and activities include coordinated rhino tracking safaris, nature drives and night drives with local trackers and experienced wildlife safari guides.
Natural springs in the reserve support an astonishing array of plants, animals and birds. Some of the more exciting finds will include the Welwitschia mirabilis, rhino, elephant, Hartmann's mountain zebra, spotted hyena, gemsbok, white-tailed shrike, Herero chat and white-backed mousebird. Though rare, sightings of predator include lion, cheetah, leopard and the brown hyena.
In the rugged Palmwag Concession of Damaraland, Desert Rhino Camp is dedicated to the conservation of critically endangered desert-adapted rhinos. Originally established as a research initiative two decades ago to protect this rare black rhino subspecies, it has evolved into a model of collaborative conservation through partnerships with local communities, Save the Rhino Trust Namibia (SRT), and Wilderness. The camp's design and mission centre around the ongoing protection of these remarkable creatures, making it a premier destination for observing them in their natural habitat. Powered by a hybrid system that limits generator use to a maximum of eight hours a day, each tent is equipped with its own solar panel, inverter, and solar-powered geyser. Additionally, reverse osmosis filtration provides high-quality drinking water, eliminating the need for plastic bottles. A portion of the camp's profits is also donated to Save the Rhino Trust, further supporting conservation efforts in the region.
“Everything we do at Desert Rhino Camp revolves around our pioneering partnership with Save the Rhino Trust Namibia and community conservancies in the area. Our conservation purpose is 100% why we’re here. And why we invite guests to witness, learn, and participate in our efforts to help protect the desert-adapted black rhino”. Alex Henderson, Wilderness Namibia MD.
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