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Desert Rhino Camp is a luxury safari camp in the remote and rugged Damaraland region of Namibia. It offers eight spacious tents with ensuite bathrooms, a dining and lounge area, a swimming pool and a fire pit. It’s a place to experience the thrill of tracking the endangered black rhino on foot or by vehicle, enjoy the stunning scenery and wildlife of the desert, and support the conservation and community efforts of the Save the Rhino Trust. The camp is located in the Palmwag Concession, a 450,000-hectare private reserve that borders the Skeleton Coast National Park. The concession is home to the largest free-roaming population of black rhino in Africa, as well as other desert-adapted animals such as elephants, lions, zebras, giraffes and antelopes. The landscape is dramatic and diverse, with rocky hills, sandy plains, dry riverbeds and ancient welwitschia plants. The camp is situated on a hillside overlooking a valley and a waterhole. The camp is designed to blend in with the environment and minimise its impact. The tents are made of canvas and wood, with thatched roofs and stone floors. Each tent has a king-size bed or twin beds with cotton linen, a bathroom with flush toilet and bucket shower, a dressing area with wardrobe and luggage rack, a writing desk and chair, a fan and a safe. The tents also have large windows and verandas with chairs and tables, where you can enjoy the views. The dining and lounge area has a thatched roof and wooden furniture, with sofas, cushions, rugs and lanterns. The swimming pool has sun loungers and umbrellas. The fire pit has chairs and blankets.
Sustainability
Desert Rhino Camp uses solar power for lighting and heating. It collects rainwater for drinking and washing. It recycles and composts waste. It grows organic vegetables and herbs in its garden. It supports local farmers and artisans by buying their products. It also educates guests about the desert ecosystem and its conservation.
Some of the specific measures that Desert Rhino Camp takes to be sustainable are:
Using low-impact vehicles and equipment for the safari activities
Using natural materials and colours for the tents and the furniture
Using organic cotton and wool for the linen and the towels
Using recycled paper and glass for the stationery and the bottles
Using locally made pottery and baskets for the dishes and the containers
Using eco-friendly candles and lanterns for the lighting
Using natural ventilation and insulation for the cooling and heating
Using indigenous plants and flowers for the landscaping and the decoration
Using biodegradable soap and shampoo for the personal hygiene
Using natural remedies and oils for the spa treatments
Desert Rhino Camp is involved in various social projects that benefit the people of Damaraland region. The camp employs local staff and pays them fair wages. It also trains them in hospitality skills and environmental awareness. It supports local schools and clinics by donating money and materials. It sponsors local events and festivals that celebrate the culture and heritage of the Damara people. It also collaborates with local NGOs to promote women’s empowerment, youth development and social welfare.
Some of the specific ways that Desert Rhino Camp impacts the community are:
Providing employment opportunities for local people, especially women
Providing skill development opportunities for local staff, such as first aid, driving, guiding and cooking
Providing educational opportunities for local children, such as bursaries, books, uniforms and stationery
Providing health care opportunities for local people, such as free check-ups, medicines, vaccinations and awareness campaigns
Providing cultural opportunities for local people, such as music, dance, drama and art classes
Providing social opportunities for local people, such as self-help groups, cooperatives, clubs and associations
Rooms
There are eight tents to choose from, each with a different name and view. They can accommodate two to three people each, and have a king-size bed or twin beds with cotton linen, a bathroom with flush toilet and bucket shower, a dressing area with wardrobe and luggage rack, a writing desk and chair, a fan and a safe. The tents also have large windows and verandas with chairs and tables, where you can enjoy the views. The tents are named after local plants and animals.
Food and drink
The food and drink at Desert Rhino Camp are fresh, tasty and varied. The chefs prepare breakfast, lunch and dinner using ingredients from the garden or from nearby towns. The menu changes daily depending on what’s available, but you can expect dishes such as cereal, toast, eggs, bacon, sausages, pancakes, sandwiches, salads, soups, pasta, burgers, steaks, chicken, fish, vegetables, rice, potatoes, bread, cheese, fruit, cake and pudding. You can also enjoy tea, coffee, juice, water, wine, beer and spirits. The meals are served in the dining area or in the bush.
Things to do
There is plenty to do at Desert Rhino Camp, whether you want to relax or adventure. You can take a guided rhino tracking safari on foot or by vehicle, where you can see the majestic animals up close and learn about their behaviour and conservation. You can also take a scenic drive or a nature walk, where you can see other wildlife such as elephants, lions, zebras, giraffes and antelopes. You can also take a cultural tour, where you can visit a local village and interact with the Damara people. You can also enjoy a massage or a spa treatment in your tent. You can also relax by the pool or by the fire pit.
Kids
Desert Rhino Camp is a family-friendly camp that welcomes children of all ages. The tents can accommodate extra beds or cots for kids.
Getting there
The nearest airport is Ondangwa Airport, which is about six hours drive from Desert Rhino Camp. You can rent a car at the airport or book a transfer with the camp. You can also take a charter flight from Windhoek or Swakopmund to Palmwag airstrip, which is about an hour drive from the camp. The drive from Windhoek or Swakopmund is about eight hours.
- Recycling
- Solar powered or renewable energy
- Employs local people
- Local or organic food
- Education
- Wildlife
- Rural
- Pool
- Restaurant
- Up to 2
- Up to 4
- Tented camp
- Safari
