Reviews of Desert Rhino Camp
(95%) From 34 travellersThey do not necessarily represent the views of Expert Africa.
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Memorable
An exciting stay with rhino encounters on successive days and two excellent guided walks tailored to our needs.
Although generaly well organised the second rhino trekking experience proved somewhat unnerving when some members of the group felt that the guide did not have complete command of the situation (as far as this is possible) and some people lost confidence in him which detracted from the experience. There was arguably insufficient info given beforehand as to what people could expect so that one of the group complained at the amount of walking required and could not return to the vehicle by foot.
The whole group then had to wait in the open for a considerable period for the vehicles to come to us and again there was a general feeling that the situation was not under control with the guide eventually having to climb a hill to try and spot the vehicles and make contact with them. This is more about the perception of others rather than our own but it did make for a less than comfortable atmosphere at times because of the way the situation was seen to be (mis)handled.
In the camp itself the tents were attractively presented and equipped but were a little worse for wear in places and the 'housekeeping' was inconsistent with hot and cold water flasks not always topped up and eg hot water bottles provided on a warmer night and not when they were really needed when it was so cold people could hardly sleep! This was general concensus not just our opinion as was the fact that laundry wasn't returned until worryingly late in the day and that during 'siesta' time in the middle of the day no member of staff could be raised to request a shower, drinking water or water flasks despite the indication there was always someone around if needed.
2 out of three dinners were very good , the picnic lunches were excellent and breakfast was enjoyable though cooked orders were sometimes very late or forgotten altogether.
Our individual needs were catered for in terms of activities when we asked to do (longer) guided walks in place of the scheduled sundowner drives and these were very rewarding and informative. We realise lodges prefer to stick to certain regimes for all sorts of legitimate reasons but it IS worth asking for something which might suit you better. We would have been very frustrated physically if we had been confined to camp, in vehicles or on short nature walks for the 3 nights we were there.
Overall a very memorable and worthwhile experience but strange that in such an isolated place guests should be made to feel slightly 'neglected'.
Expert Africa comments
We were very disturbed to hear that these travellers felt even ‘slightly neglected' – as well as concerned about other aspects of this feedback.
We have copied sent these comments to the team that run Palmwag Rhino Camp, or ‘Desert Rhino Camp' as it is now known, and they replied commenting that they had “already taken action to rectify the lack of detail experienced by [our] guests in some areas of the service and activity delivery.”
They also said that they were “in the process of planning a comprehensive refurbishment of Desert Rhino Camp for 2008, without losing the rustic camp feel.”
On the activities, their manager had “received a report from the guide concerned and am satisfied that the tracking of rhinos during [our] guests’ stay was conducted professionally. However, communication between guide, trackers and guests seemed to have been insufficient when alternative plans had to be made. This has been taken up with the guide and camp management and I do apologise if it created uncertainty for some of the other guests.”
They added that they “would like to thank you again for your feedback and ask for your acceptance of my sincere apologies for some poor delivery of service, and misunderstandings that was encountered. The need for us to constantly improve on our offering is understood, and we will continue to strive towards a better and improved experience.”
Well worth the bumpy ride to get there!
A true wilderness experience!
Read more about the whole safariAmbition achieved - rhinos spotted!
Although we were anticipating two tents, on arrival we were informed a camp bed had been put into one tent, allowing us to stay together as a family.
The tents were well furnished and the static beds comfortable - a hot water bottle in the evening was welcome. The bucket shower was a new experience and, when required, hot water was provided. In the absence of running water, a flask each of cold and 'hot' water was placed at the sink. The hot water wasn't always.
Camp staff and guides were very attentive and we were particularly impressed by the waiting staff (female), who remembered from day to day what drinks we preferred! Our guide, Harry, was knowledgeable about the wildlife and plant life we encountered. We were delighted to observe a female rhino and her calf from a distance, having tracked a short distance on foot. One of our highlights and all credit to the trackers!
The dining tent was nicely set out in the evening and a single dining table ensured we mixed with other guests. The meals were good, although there was no choice young people.
We were able to take part in game drives in the morning and afternoon/early evening at which we saw a good selection of the wildlife and amazing scenery.
The vastness of the location is fabulous!
I would go to this camp again to experience the vastness of the area. Also to appreciate the incredible ability of species to survive in such an arid, inhospitable environment. Our guide was the best!
As for the black rhino... for understandable safety issues one can only catch a distant view. Since we were on foot on what seemed the surface of the moon I was happy not to get closer to this unpredictable animal.
More worthwhile was seeing the Desert Elephant, giraffe and many other animals who somehow survive there. For this camp you have to enjoy riding for bumpy hours in the vehicles!
Again this camp espouses to provide education to the area villagers and contribute financially to the Himba community. There was little evidence that this happens in actuality beyond the brochure.
They don't do washing here...but you can do your own - it dries is less than an hour!
We have always believed that acting responsibly is the only way to approach tourism and we're one of
the few companies to hold AITO's original coveted 5-star status for responsible tourism. It's a lead
that others are now following.
