Highlights

• Unmissable opportunity to see Critically Endangered black rhino up close.
• The dramatic and incomparable, moonlike landscape is characterised by dramatic flat-topped mountains, wind-sculpted sandstone cliffs, broad valleys and dry riverbeds.
• Track black rhino on foot in the open Damaraland plains with monitors from Wilderness’ on-site conservation partner, Save the Rhino Trust (SRT) Namibia.The area is home to other desert-adapted large mammals, including elephant, giraffe, oryx (gemsbok) and zebra, as well as prolific and diverse birdlife.

NOTE: Rhino tracking remains the key focus and purpose at Wilderness Desert Rhino Camp, a standard activity included on a FI rate basis and available to all guests.

Destination: Wilderness Desert Rhino Camp is set in a valley in the midst of the expansive 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 the 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 interesting desert-adapted mammals, and special plants like the welwitschia. Alongside the iconic black rhino, guests can look out for desert-adapted elephant, Hartmann's mountain zebra, giraffe, oryx, springbok, and kudu. Lions and leopards may even be seen occasionally. Birdlife is prolific and diverse, with most of Namibia's endemics present. Birding enthusiasts can tick Rüppell’s korhaan, Benguela long-billed lark, Herero chat and Verreaux’s eagle off their lists.

Wilderness Desert Rhino Camp: Guests wind down and relax in their comfortable and airy Meru-style tents offering endless views of the rocky plains. The camp is intimate and private with only eight rooms. Inside, hints of red, brown and orange reflect the ancient desert, while Namibia’s extraordinarily clear skies seem to flow from the outside in.

The convivial campfire is where evening stories begin, knowledge and local traditions are shared and delicious cuisine is celebrated.