Reviews of Desert Rhino Camp
Wildlife sightings and reviews
120 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
26% success
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10% success
100% success
97% success
87% success
56% success
48% success
45% success
25% success
18% success
11% success
"Desert Rhino Camp review"
Every arrival at all the camps included cold or hot towels and refreshing drinks, adjusted to suit the time of day. Desert Rhino was in one sense the most 'local' as staff were drawn from neighbouring villages, and the nephew, Water, of our guide Bons, was also working as part of the serving staff, hoping to work his way up to becoming a guide.
The programme was fully explained on arrival as was our accommodation, including the possibility of having the outside stargazing bed made up. The only minor hitch was the beds being set up as a double but this was quickly rectified.
Any concerns about Kathy's ability to participate fully were equally dispelled as both our guide, and the trackers assisted where necessary and very willingly. Accordingly we both enjoyed the rhino tracking experiences, and all other aspects, including the evening meal/dancing which was at walking distance from the main camp." See all these reviews: 10n in Namibia
Black Rhino
2 sightings
Zebra
2 sightings
"Desert Rhino Camp review"
The guides and the trackers made our stay super pleasant. And of course we saw 4 Rhinos!!!" See all these reviews: 15n in Namibia
Black Rhino
Multiple sightings
Giraffe
Multiple sightings
Oryx
Multiple sightings
Zebra
Multiple sightings
"Desert Rhino Camp review"
The landscape is amazing but the real reason for going is to see the black rhino at close quarters. I had 3 separate sightings over 2 days, one of a rhino with a calf, and one at about 20 metres distance.
It is a great experience to approach these animals on foot, with a trained ranger and guide." See all these reviews: 8n in Namibia
Black Rhino
Multiple sightings
Giraffe
1 sighting
"Desert Rhino Camp review"
Excellent dinner in candle lite bona with singing and campfire
Saw 4 black rhino but long day out tracking.( 13hr)
Would have been better to fly into camp. Drive very uncomfortable." See all these reviews: 9n in Namibia; 5n in South Africa
Giraffe
Multiple sightings
Oryx
1 sighting
"Desert Rhino Camp review"
Brown Hyena
1 sighting
Elephant
3 sightings
Giraffe
3 sightings
Meerkat
1 sighting
Oryx
10 sightings
"Desert Rhino Camp review"
We stopped for an enjoyable picnic lunch under a shady tree before driving about 2 hours back to the lodge. The second morning we found a Rhino earlier in the drive which meant we returned to the lodge for lunch.
The food was very good and the organisation and all the staff were extremely professional. Our only mild criticism is that almost everyone only stays for 2 nights so we visited the ‘Scorpion Club’ twice.
I won’t remark on the tents etc as I understand the camp is closing for rebuilding in the first half of 2024.
Note: directions say after turning right onto the C43 you follow the road for 9km and turn left. You might want to note in your directions that that this turning is reassuringly sign posted Desert Rhino Camp. There is nothing at the meeting site so it’s useful to know that if you are going to arrive early you can call in at Palmwag Lodge 3km south of the Desert Rhino turning for a drink and toilet stop!" See all these reviews: 23n in Namibia
Black Rhino
2 sightings
Giraffe
10 sightings
Oryx
5 sightings
"Desert Rhino Camp review"
So dedicated to pleasing their guests
Arrival and departure songs really performed with deep genuine commitment
Lodge charming with old style tents. True atmosphere
We also enjoyed very much the diner bbq" See all these reviews: 14n in Namibia
Black Rhino
2 sightings
Cheetah
1 sighting
Giraffe
2 sightings
"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
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