Reviews of Desert Rhino Camp
Wildlife sightings and reviews
113 independent comments and wildlife information from our travellers who have visited Desert Rhino Camp and kindly agreed to share their thoughts. They do not necessarily represent the views of Expert Africa
33% success
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100% success
92% success
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26% success
17% success
14% success
"Desert Rhino Camp review"
Bons, our guide, was one of the best ever. Great fun, like the rest of the team, knowledgeable and super professional.
We happened to be the only residents after the first night. The whole camp turned out for my birthday party with cake, singing and dancing.
We saw five fabulous desert adapted black rhinos , including a calf. All looking extremely healthy and well despite the harsh conditions.
We enjoyed the long days in the desert hugely. The scenery is just breathtaking." See all these reviews: 11n in Namibia
Black Rhino
4 sightings
Giraffe
2 sightings
Oryx
4 sightings
"Desert Rhino Camp review"
I had assumed the rhino wore collars and could be located easily and electronically. Nothing of the sort. The trackers leave at first light ahead of the guests who leave at 6.30 hoping for news of a sighting. The scenery of the unfenced reserve is very varied but all of it spectacular. We got news of a sighting after about an hour, but caught only a very fleeting glimpse of a nervous animal disappearing into thick cover. Big disappointment. However the next sighting was altogether much more thrilling, lasted for at least 30 minutes or more and we ended up, out of the vehicle, on top of a high ridge standing above a very irritated rhino who clearly could not get to us, but had a very good attempt at a charge, getting to within 2-3 metres of one of the more intrepid trackers and then snorting and scuffing the ground in irritation as he could not reach us. The trackers drivers and guides were all so excited at this close encounter, as were we. Eventually he gave up and wandered off as we drove on, until we spotted what looked like a large grey rock lying in the shade, which turned out to be a female rhino with a calf no more than a month old and which had not been seen and recorded by the trackers. We got a very good view of them trotting off into cover, and again the trackers were delighted. Total: four rhino so far.
We stopped for lunch in the shade of a big tree and then set off again, to be rewarded with a fifth rhino and a good close sighting. We were out of camp for almost 10 hours, covered 140 kms on. very rough stony tracks and eventually learned that 5 in a day was a record for the year so far. Altogether a thrilling day. The next day: not a single rhino, but we saw a different part of the beautiful reserve and plenty of other animals.
Our policy is always to spend three nights in a place if at all possible and I would highly recommend that for everyone." See all these reviews: 17n in Namibia
Black Rhino
Multiple sightings
Giraffe
Multiple sightings
Oryx
Multiple sightings
"Desert Rhino Camp review"
Our only negative (which left us a bit unnerved at the beginning), was the first day when we were to leave, the Jeep would not start. With help of others, they got it started and we were off. Not too long afterwards, as we were viewing game, he turned off the engine and the Jeep wouldn’t start (in the middle of no where). Fortunately, other jeeps were not too far away. They pushed us to get it started.
Long story shortened, they finally called the camp to get a new battery, and after that we didn’t have any problems, but it left us feeling a lack of confidence in the maintenance of the vehicles in the remote bush. John did speak to the person in charge at the camp about our concern of the maintenance of the vehicles, as it leaves a terrible impression on the guests.
But all in all, we loved Desert Rhino Camp." See all these reviews: 9n in Namibia; 6n in Botswana; 3n in Zimbabwe; 1n in South Africa
Black Rhino
Multiple sightings
Brown Hyena
1 sighting
Elephant
Multiple sightings
Giraffe
Multiple sightings
Lion
1 sighting
Zebra
Multiple sightings
"Desert Rhino Camp "
William took myself & husband for a sundowner drive and then we came back and had a brief chat with the Save the Rhino guys who would be out trekking with us the following day. We were then driven out along with the other ladies for a fabulous BBQ bush dinner. The staff were incredible here. They introduced dinner every night with not only their fabulous singing but watching them describe the dinner menu in English & Local was like watching a show in a theatre. Was truly spectacular and something we have never witnessed before on our travels.
The 2 of us set off the following morning along with our guide William in search of the desert adapted black rhino. After about 4 hours of hard driving the SRT team who were in another vehicle told us they had found 2 coming towards us in the distance. We got out and followed the team on foot a little way. The 2 rhino were in the very far distance but to be honest you needed binoculars to see them. We watched for a few minutes and they then ran off.
We were told that they had unfortunately smelt our vehicle which made them turn away. So we were unlucky not to have the experience of seeing them up close. Very disappointed! We then had a nice picnic lunch and a further 5 hour hard drive back to camp where no more rhino sightings occurred. We did see 3 giraffe, some springbok and a jackal.
We were told upon arrival back we were now the only 2 guests staying at the camp for the next 2 days which was very nice and they set a lovely table up for us around the pool with a delicious dinner.
The following day we opted out of another day of Rhino trekking as we found it too hard going the previous day driving for nearly 10 hours (extremely bumpy with the wind in your face) without seeing much. Instead we relaxed around the pool and enjoyed their wonderful hospitality.
William drove us the following morning back to our car (1 1/2 hours). He was a superb guide and it was just unfortunate that we didn't get to see rhino's closer, nevertheless overall it was a great experience to stay here." See all these reviews: 21n in Namibia
Black Rhino
1 sighting
Giraffe
Multiple sightings
"Desert Rhino Camp review"
The rhino tracking is great (assuming they don't run away immediately).
The staff at the camp is amazing and will do whatever is needed to give you a great stay.
Comment on private guide at Desert Rhino Camp:
Excellent guiding with a lot of patience (needed here).
We spent multiple days looking for the elephants and the guide was always willing to help and do his best (despite lack of luck right up until the end)" See all these reviews: 15n in Namibia; 2n in Botswana
Black Rhino
4 sightings
Elephant
1 sighting
Giraffe
Multiple sightings
Zebra
Multiple sightings
"Desert Rhino Camp review lovely location "
Good rhino sighting.
Saw meerkats.
Springs near camp dry now so longer drives to find wildlife." See all these reviews: 11n in Botswana; 7n in Namibia
Black Rhino
1 sighting
Giraffe
1 sighting
Meerkat
1 sighting
"A Thrilling Experience"
We immediately connected with our personable and knowledgeable guide Rechie, who always went above and beyond to make our time memorable. As my "birthday present," Rechie gifted us not one, but two black rhino sightings and approaches in one day. And after learning of a sighting of two lionesses (which we had previously tried to locate), Rechie quickly whisked us from camp just before our departing flight to see them; such a thrilling experience!
While the accommodations are not as luxurious as some of the other Wilderness lodges, we found the tents to be very comfortable, cozy, and perfectly situated!" See all these reviews: 16n in Namibia
Black Rhino
2 sightings
Giraffe
Multiple sightings
Lion
1 sighting
"Transcendental experience"
We were met at the gate by the staff member who was expecting us. Our guide William was waiting patiently for us. He welcomed us and told us not to worry about the fact that we were late (we had apologized as we felt guilty, we hate being tardy, we had left with plenty of time to spare...). We enjoyed the beer, water and food that he had provided. The drive to the camp was great, there were a few animals spotted along the way.
Upon arrival, we had a lovely greeting. We loved the singing and the refreshing towel and beverage. We had a very warm welcome and a great introduction to the camp. The grounds were fantastic! The accommodation was clean and comfortable, we enjoyed the lounge and the pool. The service of drinks by the pool, and the entertainment/friendliness of the staff was appreciated. We had fun playing Scrabble with Selena! The setting of accommodation provided a real sense of being part of nature and being able to enjoy it to the fullest potential.
Our game drives were unreal. Seeing the rhinoceroses from such a close distance was spectacular. It is wonderful that you provide the opportunity to go out with the trackers and be part of the important conservation projects and research that you conduct. We thoroughly enjoyed the information talks that the guides provided whilst we were out. We had a Chinese visitor and his interpreter on our stay and it was great to see the staff have such patience and enthusiasm as conversations were translated for his benefit - it was a nice feeling to have see multiple languages being spoken and shared.
The sundowners with drinks and nibbles out in the amazing setting was incredible. It was really unbelievable - actually brought tears to my eyes (that's me - Tania - 'the girl'), my husband was also in awe and describes it as transcendental!
William was a thoughtful and wonderful guide. He knew that we enjoyed Gin, so he brought along some special local Gin on our second night. He also knew that we enjoyed the stargazing and laid out the blanket for us, provided an incredible torch, and knowledge!
The food was wonderful, fresh and tasty. We appreciated the fresh fruit, and the cookies that were available all of the time.
The Barman/Artist was very friendly and efficient. He was polite and it was lovely having a chat with him.
Highly recommend this location - please make time." See all these reviews: 15n in Namibia
Black Rhino
1 sighting
Giraffe
3 sightings
Oryx
10 sightings
Zebra
1 sighting
"Desert Rhino Camp review"
Our guide and rhino trackers were the best!
Cannot say enough about our good experience here." See all these reviews: 14n in Namibia; 3n in Botswana
Black Rhino
1 sighting
Giraffe
3 sightings
Oryx
6 sightings
Zebra
7 sightings
"Great stay at Desert Rhino Camp"
Bons was an excellent guide and gave us a great time. His never ending enthusiasm and passion was so good to see. We were reasonably sure that during our stay we would see rhino, but seeing them on every drive was incredible. We were hopeful that we might see elephants, and although we thought it extremely unlikely, also hoped that we might see lions. We had extremely good sightings of them all, and in such an amazing environment.
Bons made our stay very memorable and enjoyable. He was always keen to get out before daybreak and last to get back in camp. It was great to be able to maximise the time game viewing. It's well worth the effort to get up in time to see the sunrise. And for us, being able to spend time watching the elephants and not rush back to camp or some shade for lunch made it even more special. Our shade from the vehicle was plenty…we can eat any time, but we can’t watch desert elephants any time!
The camp was nicely laid out with very comfortable Meru-style tents proving that rustic can feel luxurious. All the staff were very attentive and friendly, and Selma was always so happy and full of beans." See all these reviews: 22n in Namibia
Black Rhino
4 sightings
Elephant
2 sightings
Giraffe
1 sighting
Lion
1 sighting
Oryx
9 sightings
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