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Desert Rhino Camp
Desert Rhino Camp
Desert Rhino Camp
Desert Rhino Camp
Desert Rhino Camp
Desert Rhino Camp
Desert Rhino Camp
Desert Rhino Camp
Desert Rhino Camp
Desert Rhino Camp
Desert Rhino Camp
Desert Rhino Camp
Desert Rhino Camp

About Desert Rhino Camp

To track black rhino on foot from Desert Rhino Camp is one of the world's most thrilling wildlife adventures.

Deep in the Palmwag Reserve, these rare animals are protected by the Save the Rhino Trust. Their desert home – like the camp's – is truly remote, the sense of wilderness enhanced by the sheer scale of the reserve.

To encounter a rhino on foot is a truly heart-pounding moment. Set off each morning to explore the desert home of these antediluvian beasts, a world shared with giraffe and elephant, lion and hyena. When rhino are spotted, it’s time to leave your 4WD in favour of walking, in the hands of expert guides with years of rhino-tracking experience.

A picnic lunch in the desert is a further highlight, before returning to your contemporary oasis. Cooling off in the plunge pool might be your priority, or freshening up in your outdoor shower, before relaxing on your private veranda looking out over the desert – or indulging in afternoon tea and cake.

As the sun sets behind the mountains, the flickering light of the campfire beckons, backed by a floodlit waterhole beneath the magic of the Namibian night sky. To pull yourself away is to follow the sandy paths to a warm and comfortable bed, or even – for extra adventure – to sleep under the stars.

Our view

Desert Rhino Camp is one of our favourite camps in Namibia. It's very remote, and feels it; it's got tremendous character, as have the managers here when we've visited; and it offers the chance to track black rhinos – which is something that's possible in very few places indeed. The camp does work as a two-night stop, but to make the most of it, you need three nights here. This may appear to be a big chunk of time, and it's not an inexpensive camp – but we think that the Rhino Camp is well worth it.

Karen Sharpe

Karen Sharpe

Namibia expert

Accommodation

6 suites

Children

Best for 16+

Open

All year

Activities

4WD Safari

4WD Safari

Birdwatching

Birdwatching

Guided walking safari

Guided walking safari

Private activities

Private activities

Traveller reviews of Desert Rhino Camp

119 real, un-edited reviews from Expert Africa's travellers.


97%
119 reviews since August 2007
Excellent
103
Good
15
Average
0
Poor
1
Terrible
0
carlaofromRio de Janeiro

Arrived 11 Apr 2025, 3 nights

"Desert Rhino Camp review"

"Simply the best!!... The guides and the trackers made our stay super pleasant …" Read carlao’s full holiday review

Overall rating: Excellent

DavidfromDoha

Arrived 3 Mar 2025, 3 nights

"Desert Rhino Camp review"

"an excellent camp, amazing landscape - see the black rhino at close quarters …" Read David’s full holiday review

Overall rating: Excellent

Mr & Mrs Sfromwinchester

Arrived 19 Feb 2025, 2 nights

"Desert Rhino Camp review"

"Excellent dinner in candle lite bona with singing and campfire... …" Read Mr & Mrs S’s full holiday review

Overall rating: Excellent

Tom and AmandafromUS

Arrived 23 Sep 2023, 2 nights

"Desert Rhino Camp review"

"Probably our best experience on the trip …" Read Tom and Amanda’s full holiday review

Overall rating: Excellent

Mrs WfromBath

Arrived 18 Sep 2023, 3 nights

"Desert Rhino Camp review"

"One of the highlights. found a Rhino - Approaching on foot was exhilarating …" Read Mrs W’s full holiday review

Overall rating: Excellent

Mr A.fromFontainebleau

Arrived 24 Jun 2023, 2 nights

"Desert Rhino Camp review"

"Wonderful staff... the best ! …" Read Mr A.’s full holiday review

Overall rating: Excellent

Mr & Mrs RfromGlos

Arrived 11 May 2023, 3 nights

"Desert Rhino Camp review"

"Our favourite camp of the three we visited. …" Read Mr & Mrs R’s full holiday review

Overall rating: Excellent

RMN and ATfromLondon

Arrived 26 Oct 2022, 3 nights

"Desert Rhino Camp review"

"everyone comes here to track totally wild black rhino …" Read RMN and AT’s full holiday review

Overall rating: Excellent

Mr & Mrs ZfromSaratoga

Arrived 10 Sep 2022, 3 nights

"Desert Rhino Camp review"

"we were privileged to see an incredible amount of game …" Read Mr & Mrs Z’s full holiday review

Overall rating: Excellent

Mr & Mrs MfromLondon

Arrived 27 Aug 2022, 3 nights

"Desert Rhino Camp "

"The staff were incredible... a great experience …" Read Mr & Mrs M’s full holiday review

Overall rating: Good

See all Desert Rhino Camp reviews

Safaris visiting Desert Rhino Camp

Just ideas, we'll always tailor-make a trip for you


Map

Pelican Fly & Drive Safari

10 days • 5 locations • 1 country
WINDHOEK AIRPORT TO WINDHOEK AIRPORT

A unique itinerary visiting the must-see highlights combining the adventure of a classic Namibian self-drive with the ease and spectacular views of a fly-in safari.

Visiting Namib-Naukluft, Damaraland and 3 other areas

US$7,700 - US$8,760 per person

Read more about the Pelican Fly & Drive Safari

Map

Ruppell's Korhaan Fly-in Safari

9 days • 4 locations • 1 country
WINDHOEK AIRPORT TO WINDHOEK AIRPORT

Explore Namibia’s remotest wildernesses while staying at some of the most exclusive luxury camps in the country. This epic fly-in safari will deliver otherworldly landscapes, fascinating wildlife and genuine cultural experiences.

Visiting Damaraland, Skeleton Coast and 1 other area

US$11,240 - US$16,720 per person

Read more about the Ruppell's Korhaan Fly-in Safari

Desert Rhino Camp: Our full report

Remote, exclusive and specialised, Desert Rhino Camp lies in the vast Palmwag Concession.

This semi-desert reserve of about 5,000km² between Etosha National Park and the Skeleton Coast is one of the best places to see desert-dwelling black rhino and other desert-adapted wildlife. Fully rebuilt in 2024, the camp has been operating for more than 20 years and its activities – run by a reliably superb and committed team – centre on tracking black rhino.

Desert Rhino Camp was fully rebuilt early in 2024, reopening in July that year. While we are confident that the camp’s ethos will not have changed, we look forward to seeing this new incarnation, which we have described below.

A joint venture between Namibia's Save the Rhino Trust and Wilderness Safaris, Desert Rhino Camp – founded in 2003 – was formerly known as Palmwag Rhino Camp. Few camps are so remote, and have such a large area that they can call their own. The Palmwag Concession (or Palmwag Reserve) has a number of tree-lined, freshwater springs that support good populations of the rare Hartmann's mountain zebra, giraffe, oryx, springbok and kudu. It is also one of the best places to see desert-dwelling black rhino, as well as predators including lions, cheetah, leopard, and brown and spotted hyena, although sightings of these are rare.

Following its rebuild, Desert Rhino Camp has just six wood-and-canvas suites, one accommodating a family of four in two suites linked on a single deck. Throughout, the feel is contemporary, neutral colours and extensive use of natural materials blending into the desert landscape.

Each suite is set on a low wooden plinth, a somewhat box-like structure beneath a stretched canvas roof that arches over the bedroom, veranda and bathroom, with a cushioned deck doubling as a star bed to take in the glories of the Namibian night sky.

Panoramic sliding glass doors on two sides open the bedroom to a wooden deck and the desert landscape beyond. Behind the king-size or twin beds a dramatic photograph of a rhino accentuates the role of this lodge in rhino conservation. Bedside tables flank the bed, while a comfortable ottoman sits at the foot. Simple rush matting softens the wooden floor, a ceiling fan stirs the air, and full-length curtains add a cosy feel – much appreciated during the cold winter months.

Stone walls partially encompass each suite, including an outdoor shower that is artfully designed to look almost like a mirror image of its indoor partner. Other bathroom components, including twin stone basins and hanging mirrors, lie behind the headboard, along with plenty of hanging and storage space.

An extensive wooden deck ensures that no aspect of this rugged landscape is missed – with outdoor seating ranging from comfortable easy chairs to directors’ chairs around a small table. It all looks exceptionally well designed.

Sandy pathways lead from the suites to the main area, where the shade from a stretched canvas roof is enhanced by the presence of a gnarled old tree. From the lounge to the dining area to the bar, it is completely open at the front, offering views of the nearby waterhole – which is floodlit at night – and the mountains beyond.

Stone back walls and wooden flooring accentuate the overall design, with neutral fabrics covering armchairs and sofas, light-coloured wooden tables, and solid bar stools fronting a proper bar. A long dining table is positioned to take in the views, but with roll down see-through blinds a welcome addition come the cooler evenings; it can get very cold here!

In the heat of summer, a small, canvas-shaded plunge pool could be inviting, while a firepit surrounded by comfortable chairs comes into its own in the early morning or as the sun goes down.

For more than 30 years, the Save The Rhino Trust has been solely responsible for helping to protect the rare, desert-adapted black rhino. The majority of this species are found in north-west Namibia, where populations have increased steadily from about 40 in the early 1980s, and the Palmwag Concession boasts the largest population of black rhino outside of a national park anywhere in the world. A portion of the revenue from every guest at Desert Rhino Camp goes to the Trust, which has trained local people to patrol and monitor the rhino. It is with these trackers, some of whom are seconded to the camp, that you go out tracking.

Activities at Desert Rhino Camp are firmly focussed on rhino tracking. Each evening, guests taking part in the following day's rhino activity meet at camp for a chat with the trackers. They will explain their work and what you can expect during your activity. The next morning, you start out early in a 4WD vehicle, driving around the reserve and enjoying any wildlife you see. Meanwhile, the trackers are out and about, looking for the rhino. When they find one, they radio your guide and arrange to meet somewhere. You then go in closer on foot, with your guide, at a slow and steady pace. The trackers will always ensure that you stay a safe distance away, but the sheer exhilaration of being within a couple of hundred metres of a rhino whilst on foot more than makes up for the fact that you do not get right up to it. Note that given the open terrain and the rarity of the rhinos, the trackers are not armed – but they are well-trained.

Although the walking isn't very strenuous, the terrain is very uneven as the landscape is strewn with small rocks and boulders. Sure-footedness and sturdy walking shoes are therefore recommended. Note, too, that the days can be long, and you'll sometimes be out from 6.00am to 6.00pm. This can include bouncing around on uneven roads in an open-sided game vehicle, with potentially long periods when there's not a lot to see. This is especially likely in the rainy season (around November to March), when much of the wildlife in the area heads further north, out of the concession.

On our last visit in April 2019 we stayed at Desert Rhino Camp for two nights and were lucky enough to see a total of five separate black rhino including a courting male and female and a mother and calf on our 12-hour rhino-tracking excursion, as we understand it this was our guides record for a single day. Some of the sightings were better than others, some of the rhino heard us coming or caught our scent and ran away - not surprising for a species that is renowned for being skittish. Despite being a long and dusty day, we thoroughly enjoyed our day in no small part to our enthusiastic, knowledgeable and personable guide who really brought the desert to life, despite the relatively low densities of other wildlife. Not all excursions are this long, and certainly, not all are as successful.

Geographics

Location
Damaraland, Namibia
Ideal length of stay
Three nights to make the most of the rhino tracking. Desert Rhino Camp often combines well with its sister camps, Little Kulala, Doro Nawas or Serra Cafema.
Directions
Desert Rhino Camp is a 15-minute transfer from the nearest airstrip. If you're arriving by road on a self-drive trip, it's a 2–3 hour scenic 4WD drive from the pick-up point near Palmwag, where you leave your car. The area is best accessed after a stay in southern Damaraland or western Etosha.
Accessible by
Self-drive or Fly-and-Transfer

Food & drink

Usual board basis
Full Board & Activities
Food quality
On our last visit in 2019, we found the food at Desert Rhino Camp to be good. Vegetarians and most other dietary requirements can be catered for with advanced notice.

Breakfast is served in the early morning, before you set out for the rhino-tracking activity. As well as a small buffet of cereal, yoghurt, freshly baked bread and muffins, a cooked breakfast is available for those who want something a bit more substantial.

Lunch is invariably a picnic out in the bush. We had a good selection of dishes, including a vegetable and a meat lasagne, bean salad, a Greek salad, a variety of cheeses and fresh bread. This was accompanied by a selection of soft drinks, beer and wine.

Back in camp, afternoon tea of homemade cakes or savoury snacks is available at around 4.00pm, with tea and coffee.

Dinner is a sociable occasion, usually enjoyed around one large table, and consists of three set courses. We were offered a starter of lentil soup, followed by a choice of either game cordon bleu or lamb shoulder, Both were served with beetroot, green peas and a potato rosti. Dessert was sponge pudding with custard.
Dining style
Group Meals
Dining locations
Indoor and Outdoor Dining
Further dining info, including room service
Room service is not available.
Drinks included
All drinks are included, except for imported and premium brand wines and spirits.

The borehole water is not considered safe to drink but drinking water is provided.

Special interests

Photography holidays
For a photographic safari in Namibia, Desert Rhino Camp offers exceptional opportunities to capture the black rhino that wander this semi-desert region, along with other desert-adapted wildlife, while the dramatic scenery of the ancient Etendeka lava flows make for great landscape photography.
See ideas for Photography holidays in Namibia
Walking safaris
Desert Rhino Camp concentrates on tracking Namibia's desert-dwelling black rhino. Typically you'll start in a vehicle, then after finding the animals, will approach them on foot led by well-trained (and unarmed) guides. It's a thrilling experience!
See ideas for Walking safaris in Namibia
Wildlife safaris
Desert Rhino Camp is one of the best places in Africa to see black rhino roaming free, and to track them on foot. If your particular focus is on rhino, it makes a great place for a wildlife safari in Namibia.
See ideas for Wildlife safaris in Namibia

Children

Attitude towards children
Desert Rhino Camp does not accept children under the age of 12. It is important to note, too, that children must be 16 years of age or older to track rhino on foot.
Property’s age restrictions
Children need to be over 12 years of age. Families visiting with children aged 12–16 years must pay for a private vehicle. Children under 16 may not track rhino on foot, in line with Save the Rhino Trust regulations.
Special activities & services
None
Equipment
One family tent at Desert Rhino Camp incorporates two en-suite rooms, making it suitable for a family of four.
Generally recommended for children
We consider that Desert Rhino Camp is suitable for mature children over the age of 16.
Notes
Children are very much the responsibility of their parents. If children misbehave on activities, the camp reserves the right to ask them to remain back in camp. Parents should also be aware that this camp is not fenced and wildlife can pass through, and there is obviously an inherent risk while tracking rhino on foot.

Our travellers’ wildlife sightings from Desert Rhino Camp

Since mid-2018, many of our travellers who stayed at Desert Rhino Camp have kindly recorded their wildlife sightings and shared them with us. The results are below. Click an animal to see more, and here to see more on our methodology.

Black Rhino

100% success

Giraffe

100% success

Oryx

90% success

Zebra

54% success

Elephant

50% success

Spotted Hyena

48% success

Lion

27% success

Brown Hyena

26% success

Meerkat

20% success

Wildebeest

11% success

Cheetah

11% success

Leopard

11% success

Communications

Power supply notes
An extensive photovoltaic system creates solar power for all purposes.
It is possible to charge batteries in the tents.

Communications
The camp has WiFi, but no cellphone signal. There is a satellite phone for emergencies only.
TV & radio
There is no cellphone signal and no WiFi.
Water supply
Borehole
Water supply notes
The toilets and showers are fully plumbed and hot water is available via a solar-powered water heater.

Sustainability

Desert Rhino Camp sustainability

Save the Rhino Trust

Based in the Kunene Region in Namibia's northwest, Save the Rhino Trust Namibia (SRT) is a non-governmental organisation working to protect the area's population of desert-adapted black rhino (Diceros bicornis bicornis) – the only truly free-ranging population in the world. It was founded in 1982 by a group of local conservationists concerned about the decreasing number of rhino due to poaching.

Save the Rhino Trust Namibia (SRT) works closely with Save the Rhino International in the UK, which supports a number of rhino conservation programmes in both Africa and Asia.

Living outside of a fenced protected area, the Kunene's rhinos are considered to be the largest truly free-ranging black rhino population left in the world. These rhino are protected and monitored by staff from SRT, in conjunction with Namibia's Ministry of Environment and Tourism (MET) and local communities. A number of dedicated SRT patrolling and monitoring teams cover the core rhino range area of over 25,000 km22 (6.7 million acres). These teams deter poaching and record valuable data on individual rhino, such as age, sex, rhino horn size and shape, ear notches and condition. This information is shared with MET who maintain the Kunene Black Rhino database – one of the longest-running and most comprehensive databases on black rhino in the world. This data helps to inform biological management decisions on Namibia's black rhino population.

Other SRT activities include assistance to MET during translocation operations of desert-adapted black rhino into their former habitat to establish meta-populations, and to ensure the survival and growth of the species. Collaboration is fundamental to SRT success and part of their effort focuses on building up knowledge, understanding and skills within partner organizations – including communities, tour operators, government and the international community. An incentive-based training programme in certain conservancies provides community game guards with theoretical and practical training as well as field equipment, uniforms and transport – as well as incentive bonuses. A further activity involves presentation of scene-of-the-crime training courses to rhino stakeholders in the area.

Guests at Desert Rhino Camp can enjoy a unique rhino-tracking experience with SRT trackers, leaving camp in a 4x4 vehicle to search for the rhinos, before getting closer on foot – although not too close!

See more great sustainability projects in Namibia

Health & safety

Malarial protection recommended
Yes
Medical care
Desert Rhino Camp has a medical kit on site. The nearest doctor is in Outjo, but in an emergency guests would be airlifted to Windhoek.
Dangerous animals
High Risk
Security measures
Because the area is unfenced and because of the potentially dangerous wildlife, guests are escorted to and from their suites after dark by a guide.
There is an air-horn in each suite to attract attention in case of emergency.

Fire safety
There are fire extinguishers in each suite and in central areas.

Activities

  • 4WD Safari

    4WD Safari

  • Birdwatching

    Birdwatching

  • Guided walking safari

    Guided walking safari

  • Private activities

    Private activities

Extras

Disabled access
On Request
Laundry facilities
Included
Money
There is an electronic safe in each suite. Currency exchange is not offered here.
Accepted payment on location
The camp accepts payment by Visa or Mastercard as well as cash in Namibian dollars and South African rand.

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Desert Rhino Camp's location

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When to go to Damaraland

Our month by month guide: What it's like to visit Desert Rhino Camp in Damaraland


Jan

Feb

Mar

Apr

May

Jun

Jul

Aug

Sep

Oct

Nov

Dec

Damaraland in January

In Damaraland, January marks the start of the rainy season. The rains, though often light and localised, bring life to the desert landscape.

At Twyfelfontein, the rock engravings glisten after sporadic showers. Some days are clear and hot, with temperatures around 30°C/86°F, while others see dramatic thunderstorms. These can create flash floods in ephemeral riverbeds like the Ugab, temporarily transforming the arid terrain. The greening landscape provides a refreshing backdrop for the ancient rock art at Brandberg Mountain.

Many birds in the region are in full breeding plumage, with migrant species adding to the variety. Wildlife, including the desert-adapted elephants, disperses across the rejuvenated landscape, making sightings more challenging, but rewarding. The Damara Living Museum offers insights into how local communities adapt to these seasonal changes.

  • Variable weather: hot, dry or humid with rain
  • Occasional localised thunderstorms
  • Wildlife dispersed, harder to spot
  • Stark mountains against atmospheric skies
  • Few tourists, low rates at accommodations

Our view

This is not a great time to visit

Weather in January

Damaraland in February

February is typically the wettest month in Damaraland, though rainfall remains patchy across this predominantly arid region.

The Spitzkoppe granite peaks against thunderous, atmospheric skies create dramatic vistas for photographers. Some days are clear and hot, while others see afternoon thunderstorms that briefly but dramatically charge the landscape. These rains can make travel more challenging, especially to remote sites like the Epupa Falls. However, the landscape feels vibrant and alive, with insects and smaller animals more easily spotted, and seasonal flowers blooming. Many birds and animals are raising their young, offering unique wildlife viewing opportunities.

Despite the rains, the rock art at Twyfelfontein and the Petrified Forest remain accessible.

  • Hot and humid with occasional rain showers
  • Thunderstorms meander over the landscape
  • Birdlife spectacular, migrant species present
  • Wildlife harder to see, but landscape lush
  • Low tourist numbers, great for solitude

Our view

This is not a great time to visit

Weather in February

Damaraland in March

March in Damaraland usually sees the main rains tailing off, though precipitation varies greatly across the region. Many days are clear, with strong sun driving temperatures up, while others may experience light rainfall.

The landscape often appears vivid and green, providing a striking contrast to the bare rocky outcrops of Spitzkoppe and Brandberg. Animals such as springbok and mountain zebra may be finishing raising their young. Small herds of plains game such as these can be more visible against the greener backdrop. The Damara Living Museum showcases how local communities adapt to these seasonal changes. The clearer skies towards the end of the month make for excellent stargazing at lodges where you can move your bed to sleep under the stars.

  • Weather becoming drier as month progresses
  • Animals looking healthy after months of plenty
  • Balmy nights sleeping under star-filled skies
  • Migrant birds begin to depart
  • Few tourists, rates often low at lodges

Our view

A good time to visit, with pros & cons

Weather in March

Damaraland in April

April in Damaraland is typically dominated by dry weather, with decreasing chances of rain. Temperatures begin to fall, but days remain pleasantly warm. The rains often leave the landscape verdant, creating stunning photo opportunities at sites like the Etendeka Plateau and Klip Valley.

Animals are in fantastic condition, often with fast-growing young in attendance. The desert-adapted elephants may be more easily spotted as they begin to return to the riverbeds to feed on Ana and Camelthorn trees. With dust washed from the atmosphere, photographers can capture clear shots of spectacular landscapes. Stargazers will enjoy increasingly clear night skies. In the Palmwag Concession, water and food remain in plentiful supply, so finding mammals such as black rhino can still be challenging, but worth the effort.

  • Cooler nights, days still warm and pleasant
  • Landscape still green from recent rains
  • Air clear, for crisp photographs
  • Wildlife starting to become easier to find
  • Easter sees an increase in visitors

Our view

A good time to visit, with pros & cons

Weather in April

Damaraland in May

By May, Damaraland is usually drying out fast. If rains have been good, the land remains green, especially around natural springs found in valleys and craggy rocksides. The air quality and clarity can be amazing, making this an ideal month for photography at sites like Twyfelfontein and along the remote Hoanib riverbed.

Temperatures are moderate, typically warm with crisp, clear mornings and blue skies. Evenings are cool enough to wear an extra layer. Many lodges still charge low season prices, offering good value. The combination of increasingly good wildlife sightings, beautiful landscapes, and crystal-clear air make May one of the best months to visit Damaraland. It's an excellent time to explore the region's geological wonders, such as the ancient Etendeka lava flows.

  • Lovely weather: warm days, cool nights
  • Landscape drying out, still some greenery
  • Clear, sharp colours for photography
  • Wildlife more visible along scenic riverbeds
  • Low visitor numbers, moderate lodge rates

Our view

A very good time to visit

Weather in May

Damaraland in June

June sees Damaraland dry and clear, with blue, largely cloudless skies. Days are often lovely and warm, but nights can be cold, sometimes below freezing in desert areas.

Visitors should pack warm clothing for early morning nature drives to spot desert-adapted elephants or black rhinos. Most outdoor pools are too cold for swimming, except for the very dedicated. It’s a particularly good climate for walking; either short walks or perhaps a multi-day hike on the Etendeka Plateau.

Historically, June prices have been low, but Damaraland's increasing popularity means many lodges now consider it high season.

  • Clear, bright days and cold nights
  • Wonderful for stargazing and night walks
  • Good wildlife viewing in remote wildernesses
  • Hiking comfortable in cooler temperatures
  • Moderate lodge rates, increasing bookings

Our view

A very good time to visit

Weather in June

Damaraland in July

July in Damaraland offers fairly warm temperatures above 20°C/68°F in the middle of the day, but often cold nights. Visitors should dress in layers and be prepared for chilly mornings and evenings.

Rain is extremely rare, and clear skies make for great photographs of the sandstone mountains in morning and evening light. As vegetation shrivels, animals gather near food and water sources, making sightings of desert-adapted wildlife more likely. Elephant herds are more regularly seen along dry riverbeds during this period.

Lodges charge high season rates, and many are booked up well in advance, especially during European school holidays.

  • Dry days, clear skies, crisp cold nights
  • Peak time for wildlife viewing in Damaraland
  • Desert-adapted elephants more easily spotted
  • Wonderfully cool for day walks and longer hikes
  • High season rates, book accommodations early

Our view

A very good time to visit

Weather in July

Damaraland in August

August is the height of Damaraland's winter. Expect cloudless skies and usually warm sun during the day, but nights can drop to freezing in desert areas. Visitors should bring warm clothes for nature drives and walks in chilly mornings and evenings.

The landscape begins to change from green to golden grasses and stark hillsides. Wildlife sticks close to dry river-beds where desert-adapted elephants dig for water, creating waterholes for other animals.

The clear, dry conditions make it an excellent time for hiking and exploring geological features like the Organ Pipes and Burnt Mountain.

August is the most popular time to visit Damaraland, especially for families. Booking well in advance is essential.

  • Perfect weather for outdoor activities
  • Excellent wildlife viewing opportunities
  • Popular time for hiking and tracking rhino on foot
  • Good time for cultural experiences at Damara Living Museum
  • Peak season, lodges booked up well in advance

Our view

Fantastic: the very best time to visit

Weather in August

Damaraland in September

September in Damaraland brings blue, cloudless skies and fantastic wildlife viewing. Rain is almost unheard of, and as the month progresses, days and nights quickly get warmer. Daily maximums can reach the low 30s Celsius/mid-80s Fahrenheit, though low humidity keeps it comfortable. The air becomes dustier, occasionally affecting visibility for photographers at sites like Twyfelfontein or Brandberg.

In the Palmwag Concession and along the Ugab River, animals congregate around remaining water sources, making September one of the best months for game viewing, especially for desert-adapted elephants and black rhinos, but also desert-adapted lion. It's a popular month for visitors, particularly safari enthusiasts seeking sightings of these unique sub-species.

The Himba at Khowarib provide insights into how local communities adapt to the dry season.

  • Warm days, nights getting warmer
  • Landscape golden brown, very photogenic
  • Prime time for seeing desert-adapted wildlife
  • Air can be hazy with dust
  • High season rates, book well in advance

Our view

Fantastic: the very best time to visit

Weather in September

Damaraland in October

Damaraland is usually at its hottest and driest in October. Temperatures build throughout the month, with daily highs potentially exceeding 40°C/104°F towards the end. The extreme dryness, though, makes even these high temperatures bearable.

Wildlife watching is at its best, particularly in areas like the remote Palmwag Concession and along the Hoanib River. October is popular among wildlife enthusiasts, as shyer species such as brown hyena and cheetah are more regularly seen. However, dust and occasional smoke may make the air hazy, challenging landscape photographers but creating beautiful sunsets.

Visitor numbers can decrease towards the end of the month, potentially allowing for last-minute bookings at some lodges.

  • Hot and dry, true desert conditions
  • Wildlife congregates at remaining water
  • Excellent month for photographing sunsets
  • Peak tourist time, expect higher rates
  • Unusual species like brown hyena more regularly seen

Our view

A very good time to visit

Weather in October

Damaraland in November

November in Damaraland is unpredictable; sometimes dry and hot, sometimes cloudier and cooler. Typically, mornings are hot and clear, with clouds gathering from the afternoon. Humidity builds, occasionally resulting in spectacular thunderstorms with convection rainfall in late afternoons. These storms are usually localised and may not reach desert areas.

Places receiving good rain, like parts of the Palmwag Concession, quickly turn green, softening the landscape. Many mammals give birth, offering unique wildlife viewing opportunities. Once rains settle in waterholes, wildlife disperses in search of food, making game viewing more challenging. However, this is an excellent time for birdwatchers, with migrant species arriving and taking on breeding plumage.

The rock art at Twyfelfontein and Brandberg can be particularly striking after light rains.

  • Variable weather, possibility of rain
  • New growth if rains arrive, landscape greens
  • Wildlife viewing still good, with babies often born
  • Shoulder season rates offer better value
  • Birdlife increases with migrant arrivals

Our view

A good time to visit, with pros & cons

Weather in November

Damaraland in December

December is often a dry month between November’s short rains and the main rains in January, and is one of its hottest months. Occasional short, often spectacular thunderstorms are often highly localised and generally welcomed, clearing the air of dust and allowing plant life to flourish. This creates a green carpet across the usually arid landscape, providing food for young animals.

Wildlife, including the desert-adapted elephants, disperses widely as food is more plentiful, making game viewing in areas like the Palmwag Concession more challenging. But sightings in early December can be enjoyed and photographed at leisure often with few or no other viewers. Many birds are breeding, sporting their most colorful plumage.

Christmas and New Year fall within local summer holidays, so accommodation options can be surprisingly busy, especially in cooler areas near the coast.

  • Hot days, possibility of refreshing showers
  • Landscape may become green with early rains
  • Good time for seeing young animals
  • Desert-adapted species less concentrated
  • Holiday season brings more visitors

Our view

This is not a great time to visit

Weather in December

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