Reviews of Desert Rhino Camp
Wildlife sightings and reviews
119 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
27% success
11% success
11% success
100% success
100% success
90% success
54% success
50% success
48% success
26% success
20% success
11% success
"Return to Desert Rhino Camp-amazing!"
Our guide Herunga was excellent, the trackers, Jasson, Denson and Albertus were fantastic. All the staff were just delightful, joyous and such a pleasure to be with. They are all committed to saving the black rhino and their songs and dancing reflect the passion they have for their wildlife and their country.
We successfully tracked 6 black rhino including 'Speedy' who we first saw in 2006. He seldom visits the area and it was a very special moment to watch and track him." See all these reviews: 14n in Namibia
"Traditional safari Camp"
You have to be patient at desert rhino. Our first day we saw one rhino for 10 minutes and we were in a bumpy truck for 9 hours, be prepared! The consolation was at the end of the day, cold G&T and beer in our room watching a beautiful sunset. Our second day was no shorter but much more productive we saw 5 rhino, elephants, giraffe. It was a wonderful day.
The downside is that all the time is in the truck so you are removed from the environment. However this is the happiest camp we have ever stayed in, there is lots and lots of singing. The staff cant do enough for you. The guiding is enthusiastic. Take your own charge adapter!" See all these reviews: 18n in Namibia
"Once in a lifetime experience"
Trackers from Save the Rhino Trust and guides from the camp were of the highest quality.
Our comfort in camp and on safari was top of mind.
Staff embodied the spirit of the mission of the camp rather than just doing things because they were told to." See all these reviews: 12n in Namibia
"Memorable stay at Desert Rhino Camp"
On arrival we were welcomed with singing from all the staff and a welcome drink. We stayed 3 nights and went Rhino tracking on two mornings finding Rhino on both. It was well worth the early starts, one of which was in fog.
We were impressed with the care taken in minimising the impact on the Rhinos and it was a privilege to observe them in such stunning scenery. This is a lodge with a very special atmosphere and the staff here were exceptional, including the SRT trackers, making us feel very much at home.
A big thank you to Johannes, Elfreida and Ellery." See all these reviews: 15n in Namibia
"Desert Rhino Camp"
It was a long haul (130km roundtrip) to see black rhinos the first day, but still worth it.
The next day was shorter drive, but still saw rhinos." See all these reviews: 15n in Namibia; 4n in Botswana; 1n in South Africa
"Great safari at Desert Rhino Camp"
The main point is that it does what it says on the tin - you get to see desert rhinos! What an experience - 0500 wake up for 0530 breakfast and 0600 start. For us a 2 hour drive west to the fog belt through a remote, harsh, spectacular landscape to the sightings area. Then a search (no radio tracking here) and eventual 600m walk up to the first sighting - a fully horned mother and calf about 200m away in a natural amphitheatre setting. Later 2 sightings at much closer quarters of de-horned males. Fantastic! Then a 90 minute drive to a great picnic spot beneath a cliff in the shade. Finally another hour’s drive back to base.
Two warnings:
- you don’t see nearly as much wildlife here as, for example, in Etosha or Okinjima but when you do the setting is much more amazing, e.g. a single large giraffe in a huge vegetation-less plain of brown boulders - what was it doing there?; and
- the 7+ hour safari was very bumpy, eventually very hot and exhausting for a 66 year old like me. Perhaps not a good choice for infirm or unfit pensioners. But what an experience.
The food was excellent, we loved the communal dining (outdoors on our first night) and drinks (excepting premium wines) were free and plentiful.
Great drive out and canyon picnic with Jeff, one of the friendly and informative guides.
Can only rate service as good because we got to the pick up point 1 minute before the deadline (didn’t realise only gravel roads for the last 125k!) to find the pick-up had left. It had to turn round to collect us, which delayed and rushed our arrival (as we wanted to go straight out on the 1630 afternoon game drive)." See all these reviews: 11n in Namibia
"Unique"
Highlights included the singing staff (to greet us on arrival and to wave us off at the end); Kevin the jackal who was neither tame nor wild and wandered around as if he owned the place; the 2 hyenas who came almost too close for comfort after dark; foot trekking to view the desert rhinos was very "real" and we found on both days; the "Scorpion" dinner, under the stars, entertained by singing and dancing staff. This was the hottest time on our trip - it must be almost unbearable in the summer.
There is other game to spot, but not as abundant as later in the trip. This is for rhino afficianados. Probably the most friendly staff we came across - they describe themselves as "family" and all are dedicated to the work of the Save the Rhino Trust." See all these reviews: 12n in Namibia
"Great hospitality!"
Positive: Very caring, considerate and nice staff. Guides are all very knowledgeable, caring and experienced. Thanks our guide, Johann very much and all staff. They tried their best to make us feel easy and have a nice holiday even the location is remote and inconvenience.
Great game drive." See all these reviews: 15n in Namibia
"Millionaire moments"
"Absolutely wonderful with amazing staff."
We were greeted upon arrival and departure with beautiful singing. At Desert Rhino, we learned first hand about the "clicks" spoken in the local languages. We especially liked the communal style dining where we got to meet other guests and which also included our guide and one of the managers. A special treat was the "bush" dinner. We also enjoyed the early morning rhino tracking.
One minor downside is the location which is 1-1/2 hours from where we had to leave our car." See all these reviews: 10n in Namibia; 6n in South Africa
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