Wilderness Desert Rhino Camp

Highlights

• Exclusive opportunity to see Critically Endangered black rhino up close.
• Track black rhino on foot in Namibia’s astonishing Damaraland with monitors from Wilderness’ on-site conservation partner, Save the Rhino Trust (SRT) Namibia.
• The area is home to other large mammals which are occasionally seen from nature drives, including zebras, spotted hyenas and giraffes, and antelope such as oryx and springbok.

Destination: Wilderness Desert Rhino Camp is set in a valley in the midst of the expansive 583 000 hectare Palmwag Concession, and looks out over a sweeping plain dotted with Namibia’s fascinating national plant, the welwitschia. It is here, in the seemingly endless desert, that trackers patrol and protect one of the largest free-ranging populations of Critically Endangered desert-adapted black rhino in Africa.

Experience: Rhinos are the star of the show. Guests have the rare opportunity to join SRT monitors on a guided walk, or by vehicle – an original and exclusive wilderness experience. Nature drives to see desert-adapted wildlife and take in the magnificent scenery are also on offer, as are mindful, guided nature walks exploring the smaller fauna and flora of the area. Back in camp guests can have a refreshing dip in the pool and welcome in the night around the campfire while discovering the constellations of the southern sky.

Purpose: Wilderness Desert Rhino Camp is run in conjunction with the local community and Save the Rhino Trust (SRT), so, in addition to guests gaining amazing insight into the ecology and conservation of this area, a portion of their revenue goes to the Trust and its conservation operations. Our pioneering partnership ensures the ongoing conservation of one of the last free-roaming populations of black rhino on the planet.

Wildlife: Stark, beautiful and remote, the area is home to other large animals which are occasionally seen including zebras, spotted hyenas, giraffe and antelope such as oryx and springbok. Even more rare are desert-adapted lions, elephants and even leopards.

Birdlife is prolific and diverse, with most of Namibia's endemics present. Birding enthusiasts have the chance to tick Rüppell’s korhaan, Benguela long-billed lark, Herero chat and Verreauxs' eagle on their lists.

Wilderness Desert Rhino Camp: Two decades ago, the camp began as a research base for protecting the area’s unique black rhino subspecies. Today, Wilderness Desert Rhino Camp continues as a beacon of purpose-driven partnership between local communities, Save the Rhino Trust Namibia (SRT), and Wilderness, remaining one of the best places to see these imperilled animals in their pristine natural habitat. The protection of extraordinary desert-adapted wildlife remains central to everything we do at Desert Rhino Camp, including the design of the camp, which is now even more inspired by and connected to this remarkable environment. Guests wind down and relax in their comfortable and airy tented suites offering endless views of the rocky plains. The camp is intimate and private with only six rooms, redesigned to prioritise comfort. Guided by the palette of the textures and wildlife of the desert, Desert Rhino Camp incorporates natural stone found on site, reinforcing the camp’s connection to nature, and providing a sheltered sanctuary in the desert landscape. The convivial campfire is where evening stories begin, knowledge and local traditions are shared and delicious cuisine is celebrated.