Wilderness Desert Rhino Camp newsletter – April 2025

Condition of the veld

In April 2025, the condition of the veld in the Palmwag Concession was all green. The grass cover is higher than usual because the rainy season was very good.

Some overgrazing is evident; however, parts of the veld that are less used by animals are already starting to recover, thanks to the rain. 

Trees found in the area

• Commiphora africana
• Terminalia prunioides
• Maerua schinzii
• Euphorbia damarana
• Salvadora (master bush)

Flowers found in the area 

• Aloe 
• Indigofera
• Commiphora

Water sources 

• Uniab River (an ephemeral or seasonal river)
  Status: it was running full, with a few isolated pools (omurambas) still holding some water. These pools are essential for wildlife but are drying up quickly. This flow only occurs after heavy rains, which were mixed this season.
• Spring-fed waterholes
  Status: Partially functional. 

• Numerous black rhino – Critically Endangered and closely monitored
• Desert-adapted elephants
• Hartmann's mountain zebra
• Giraffe
• Oryx
• Springbok
• Kudu
• Klipspringer
• Steenbok
• Spotted hyena
• Jackal – mainly black-backed jackal
• Bat-eared fox
• Cape fox
• Porcupine
• Honey badger
• Ground squirrel 

In early 2025, a rare leopard with a distinct torn ear was seen repeatedly near a rocky outcrop east of Palmwag Lodge, a significant sighting since leopards are elusive in this region.

• The Damara are the dominant local group in the Palmwag area. They have deep cultural ties to the land and play a vital role in community-based conservation.
• Many are involved in conservancy programs, anti-poaching patrols, and eco-tourism operations through partnerships with NGOs and operators like Save the Rhino Trust and IRDNC.

Employment and Training

• In 2025, several young Damara community members have been recruited into tracking teams, lodge support roles, and as community guides. 90% of employees are from the community.
• Training initiatives in hospitality, wildlife monitoring, and first aid are ongoing, helping build local capacity and reduce urban migration.

Positive Developments

Local craft markets and cultural tourism are gaining interest, with guests eager to learn about Damara traditions, language, and songs.

• The DRC Song is one of the most emotional and soulful songs we perform. It has a deep impact, we've witnessed guests moved to tears when it's sung to them.
• It is now officially delivered by a guide, who opens with a heartfelt message on behalf of the entire team. This message highlights the meaningful contribution guests make simply by being here — supporting the lives and development of the three constituencies, and playing a role in protecting and preserving the endangered black rhino. The song and message together create a powerful moment of connection and appreciation, honoring the guest’s presence and their part in the broader conservation mission.
• Wildlife sightings and rhino protection efforts continue to strengthen community pride in conservation.

Conservation updates

Palmwag Concession remains a key area for conservation in Namibia, with strong teamwork between conservation groups, local communities, and tourism partners.

Desert Rhino Camp (DRC), working with Save the Rhino Trust (SRT) and local conservancies, supports rhino tracking and monitoring.
Tourism helps fund these efforts — visitors who join rhino tracking safaris directly support anti-poaching and local community programs.