What is there to do at Desert Rhino Camp?

The Namib Desert intrigues with a plethora of experiences to enjoy. Besides seeing black rhino from a walk, venture out on nature drives to explore the dramatic scenery and other unique wildlife. Search for smaller flora and fauna on guided walks. Grab a UV spotlight and see scorpions glow at night. Or simply relax around the camp fire, enjoying traditional song and dance, and incomparable stargazing.

Yes, Namibia is one of the world’s safest travel destinations. With low crime rates, a low to no malaria risk, and a peaceful political climate, Namibia beckons for a relaxed family holiday away from the stresses of everyday life.

What language is spoken in Namibia?

The official language of Namibia is English. German is also spoken, and Afrikaans is the most widely understood language. Oshivambo is the most widely spoken in the country.

Namibia is located in the south-western reaches of Africa, with South Africa to the south and east, Botswana to the east, Angola and Zambia to the north, and the Atlantic Ocean to the west.

Namibia

Desert Rhino Camp

Roam with rhinos.

A desert sanctuary. A refuge for rhinos. An escape for explorers. Immerse yourself in a place where everything has meaning.

Home Africa Namibia Damaraland Desert Rhino Camp

Destinations

Wilderness Desert Rhino Camp

Designed for desert wanderers

From humble beginnings as a field station dedicated to helping protect Namibia’s last remaining wild black rhino to a thriving community partnership. Discover one of the last untouched places on Earth, and the home of some of the world’s rarest animals at Wilderness Desert Rhino Camp.

Rhino trekking at Wilderness Desert Rhino Camp

NAMIBIA

Let us introduce you to Desert Rhino Camp

Once a field station dedicated to protecting black rhinos. Now a thriving 21-year community conservancy partnership. Where intrepid explorers will find a desert sanctuary. In one of the last untouched places on Earth. Roam amongst the rhinos. See rare desert-adapted animals.

Camp fire at Wilderness Desert Rhino Camp

Desert Rhino Camp moments

Here you can walk in the footsteps of remarkable desert-adapted rarities, especially the star of the show, the black rhino. Learn from their guardians in the wild. And play your part in their monitoring, ensuring these horned beauties continue to walk this ancient landscape for years to come.

Guests at the pool during sunset at Desert Rhino Camp

Staff in traditional dance at Wilderness Desert Rhino Camp

Guests getting ready for a nature drive Wilderness Namibia

Guest pool at Wilderness Desert Rhino Camp

Desert Rhino Camp moments

Here you can walk in the footsteps of remarkable desert-adapted rarities, especially the star of the show, the black rhino. Learn from their guardians in the wild. And play your part in their monitoring, ensuring these horned beauties continue to walk this ancient landscape for years to come.

Accommodation

Amid the vastness of Damaraland's extraordinary vistas, the newly constructed Wilderness Desert Rhino Camp emerges. From the starkly beautiful and arid landscape, it is something to behold. Six contemporary canvas and stone suites, including one family unit, offer a sheltered oasis, intimately connected to the Namibian landscape.

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Cuisine

After a day out in the desert, exploring the vast landscapes and seeking out elusive wildlife, your time at camp revolves around the convivial campfire or indulging in a bush dinner under a galaxy of stars. Here, stories unfold, local traditions are shared, and delicious cuisine is savoured.

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THE DETAILS

Wilderness Desert Rhino Camp

Breathless. Humbled. Proud. When you see one of the world’s last free-roaming black rhinos you’ll feel it all at once. Your stay at Wilderness Desert Rhino Camp directly contributes to the ongoing quest for survival that these animals face. It’s a safari experience where every moment is intrinsically linked to community and conservation.

Purpose

Facilities

Wildlife

Area

Activities

Protecting black rhinos

Here, amongst dramatic flat-topped mountains, wind-sculpted sandstone cliffs, and dry riverbeds, our pioneering partnership with three community conservancies and the Save the Rhino Trust has ensured the ongoing conservation of one of the last free-roaming populations of black rhino on the planet. A 21-year collaboration that has seen the rhino population grow and poaching levels reduce by 80%.

Pool

Indulge in a sundowner with new friends around the pool.

Wi-Fi

Stay in touch with friends and family, and share your sightings.

Star Bed

Each of the suites has its own stargazing deck, inviting quiet contemplation under the bountiful African sky.

Solar

The camp uses a Photovoltaic system where all its power is generated by the sun.

Wide open landscape at Wilderness Desert Rhino Camp

A landscape full of wonder

In a wide valley in Damaraland’s enormous Palmwag Concession, lies Wilderness Desert Rhino Camp. Wind down and immerse yourself in this warm, welcoming space, a celebration of earth tones, looking out over sweeping plains dotted with Namibia’s curious national plant, the welwitschia, while glimpsing occasional desert-adapted species and rare, endemic birds.  

Purpose

Protecting black rhinos

Here, amongst dramatic flat-topped mountains, wind-sculpted sandstone cliffs, and dry riverbeds, our pioneering partnership with three community conservancies and the Save the Rhino Trust has ensured the ongoing conservation of one of the last free-roaming populations of black rhino on the planet. A 21-year collaboration that has seen the rhino population grow and poaching levels reduce by 80%.

Facilities

Pool

Indulge in a sundowner with new friends around the pool.

Wi-Fi

Stay in touch with friends and family, and share your sightings.

Star Bed

Each of the suites has its own stargazing deck, inviting quiet contemplation under the bountiful African sky.

Solar

The camp uses a Photovoltaic system where all its power is generated by the sun.

Wildlife

Area

A landscape full of wonder

In a wide valley in Damaraland’s enormous Palmwag Concession, lies Wilderness Desert Rhino Camp. Wind down and immerse yourself in this warm, welcoming space, a celebration of earth tones, looking out over sweeping plains dotted with Namibia’s curious national plant, the welwitschia, while glimpsing occasional desert-adapted species and rare, endemic birds.  

Activities

EXPERIENCES

Desert Rhino Camp experiences

By day, track, walk and drive as you explore how desert adaptation is a necessity, and learn all about the life that survives in this arid land. Welcome the night, sitting around the camp fire sharing stories beneath the magic of an impossibly starry sky.  A truly authentic African adventure.

Explore all Experiences

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Nature drives

Get close to rare wildlife, explore otherworldly landscapes and immerse yourself in uncharted territory on a nature drive.

Nature Drives

Namibia

Birding

Birding with a knowledgeable Wilderness guide is spectacular across all our regions, with 930 different species for twitchers to tick.

Birding

Botswana, Namibia, Rwanda, Tanzania, Zambia, Zimbabwe

Stargazing

Lie on a blanket, behold the beauty of your surrounds, and contemplate space and your place in it when you go stargazing.

Stargazing

Botswana, Namibia, Tanzania, Zimbabwe

Rhino tracking

Experience the thrill of a rhino walking safari.

Rhino Tracking

Namibia, Zambia

Wilderness Experiences Conservation Tree Planting

Conservation experiences

Rewild. Protect. Conserve. Wilderness combines unforgettable wildlife encounters with positive impact experiences.

Conservation Experience

Botswana, Namibia, Rwanda, Zambia, Zimbabwe

MAP

Explore camps in Damaraland

Eruptions 125 million years ago, when Africa and South America were joined as Gondwana, created the astonishing basalt landscape of Palmwag, stretching some 583,000 hectares. It’s a harsh, arid landscape that is bound to delight and surprise, with all the life it supports.

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Travel with us

Journey with Wilderness

Africa’s ever-changing landscapes bring shifts in wildlife through the seasons. You could embark on our safari activities multiple times, each time having a unique experience in the wild. From the desert dreams of Damaraland to the wonderful waterscapes of the Okavango, let us take you wherever your heart desires.

See all journeys

DESERT RHINO CAMP AWARDS

Camp awards

Wilderness Desert Rhino Camp is a beacon of conservation tourism. Over decades of operation, its success has paved the way for many sustainable safaris to follow suit. The hard work of our teams on the ground and the communities we work alongside have been recognised through numerous awards. And we couldn’t be prouder.

Sustainable Development Finalist 2022

Tripadvisor

Certificate of Excellence 2019

Experiential Travel Award 2014

GUEST EXPERIENCES

Testimonials from fellow safari-goers

With an excellent 4.7 star rating from 212 reviews, guests consistently praise Desert Rhino Camp's exceptional wildlife viewing, dedicated guides, and luxurious accommodations. Read what fellow safari-goers have to say about their unforgettable experiences at Wilderness Desert Rhino Camp. Read more reviews on TripAdvisor.

Magical experience

"Wow- what can I say.. This was an amazing experience, made so by all the staff at the camp and the absolutely fabulous guide Bons. The hospitality was out of this world. The camp staff sung to us on many occasions (when we arrived, before a bush dinner and when we left) which was so special and appreciated. They all seemed so happy to be doing their jobs. Bons is unreal- his passion and knowledge are second to none. It was pure magic. Tracking the desert Rhino on foot was an experience not to be missed. Highly recommend."

Charlie T | Australia

★★★★★

Magic happens

"I cannot put into words how lovely this camp is. Hospitality was invented here I think. The staff goes out of their way to make your stay as memorable as possible. They throw in some surprises which I will not spoil here but let’s just say I loved the scorpio drive! Everyone has a smile on their faces and goes above and beyond in order to make your stay as memorable as possible. When the staff sang us goodbye we truly had tears on our faces. Will recommend and if we ever go back to Namibia we will definitely return!"

Tessa | The Netherlands

★★★★★

Rhino walking

"The bleak rocky terrain of the desert at Desert Rhino Camp, the walking to rhino's was superb with our guide Kanu. 4 separate sightings, 5 black rhinos, Dave, Katri & Ase, including a mother (Tatu) and her calf, exceptional work by Save the Rhino Trust Namibia in looking after these exceptional Creatures. We were also so lucky to see a cheetah, all be it in the distance. Lovely camp, recently rebuilt and good food. Staff excellent, and great communal dinner for all guests around the large table."

JJ | UK

★★★★★

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FAQs

General

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JOURNAL

Desert Rhino Camp featured stories

Wilderness Desert Rhino Camp has many stories to share. And it’s no surprise with its unique wildlife, beautiful scenery, fascinating history, and community and culture at its core. We would love to share our tales from the Namib Desert with you and hope that one day you too will have your own stories to share.

See all stories

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