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
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54% success
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11% success
"Undoubtedly the high spot of our trip"
This is a large concession area set aside by government approval to protect the indigenous black rhino population and the many other animals and birds in the area. It has always been a bit of untouched wild Africa and is being maintained as such. The Save the Rhino Trust shares some of the income from visitors and is actively monitoring and studying the rhino population and they arrange for visitors to get to creep up on some rhinos on foot and to witness how they record the condition of individual animals.
The staff were absolutely delightful - they welcome you when you arrive with a small group of them singing a welcoming song as part of the ritual of offering cold drinks and cold towels. Apart from this they proved extremely professional and capable. The accommodation is again in large canvas sided rigid framed "tents" albeit with ensuite bathrooms (solar heated water) even including twin basins and tasteful décor - as good as any 5 star hotel yet in the middle of a wilderness.
The camp is obviously environmentally conscious and run everything in such a way that water use is optimised and even firewood is imported from areas with sufficient wood. The hospitality was unmatched (which in a country like Namibia is saying something, as catering standards there are generally high) and the food was excellent.
However the most memorable aspect of our stay was the "activities" touring the surrounding concession area covering quite large distances with an absolutely excellent guide, Ali, who apart from being extremely knowledgeable about the wild life, plants, geology (you name it!) was an ace at driving a 4x4 through difficult terrain. We saw a wealth of wild life (in addition to the rhinos of course) in some of the most beautiful scenery we have had the pleasure to view.
If there was a grade above "excellent" then Desert Rhino Camp might deserve that!" See all these reviews: 25n in Namibia; 3n in Botswana
"Desert Rhino Camp review"
However, the rhino tracking has its limitations. There aren't many rhinos there so it may take a very long time to find one, The group the day before took 12 hours. We were lucky and the trackers found two less than two hours. It's an interesting experience getting out of the vehicle and following the trackers to get a good view but since you are not allowed with 100-150 meters, you will only see them at some distance. Nevertheless, the country is beautiful and we came across both desert elephants and a lion.
Also it's a very long safari vehicle drive from where you leave your car at the gate to the facility." See all these reviews: 15n in Namibia
"Desert Rhino Camp review"
The camp staff were welcoming and really made us feel at home. Our guide, Johann, gave us an appreciation of the landscape and wildlife and is obviously knowledgeable and passionate about both. The rhino trackers were amazing! We have no idea how they were able to find the elusive desert rhino in such rugged territory." See all these reviews: 14n in Namibia; 6n in Botswana; 1n in South Africa
"Desert Rhino Camp review"
We found a Rhino quite quickly and thoroughly enjoyed watching it from the dried river bank. This left the rest of the full day a little anti-climatic. Two nights were enough here we thought although we were looked after royally." See all these reviews: 11n in Namibia
"Desert Rhino Camp review"
Tracking rhinos was of course a highlight. Spent twenty minutes with "Don't worry" at a distance of 50 meters!" See all these reviews: 12n in Namibia
"A wonderful experience at a wonderful camp"
This is a wonderful camp, of the highest standard in all respects. Our guides, Ali and Johann, and our Save the Rhino trackers, Martin and Denzyl, were caring, professional, knowledgeable and enthusiastic, the lodge staff were all friendly and could not have been more helpful.
Tracking black rhino on foot on 2 separate occasions was amazing, a never to be forgotten experience." See all these reviews: 16n in Namibia
"Desert Rhino Camp"
The staff at the camp were delightful, most helpful and efficient. The whole camp had a jolly, local air about it. Nothing too fancy or contrived.
Ali, our guide, was a delight. Very knowledgeable and utterly charming, without ever being too pushy or bossy. The other guides whom we met seemed just as friendly and informative, as were the trackers.
The only minor disappointment was the fact that, when we went before, we were able to do much more tracking on foot. We had been given to understand that this was still possible but in fact it isn't. You approach the rhino in the vehicle and only the last two or three hundred yards are on foot. This may be to reduce the impact on the rhinos, in which case fair enough, but perhaps it should have been made more clear to us so that we were prepared for it. Or was it just because we were with Mike Hearn last time that we had special treatment ?
But over all a wonderful experience." See all these reviews: 7n in Namibia; 6n in Botswana
"Local lions add to the experience"
It is a remarkable area, very different from Damaraland but equally fascinating. In addition to seeing 2 black rhino, albeit from a very safe distance, we were fortunate enough through some very good guiding to see 2 cheetah sunning themselves.
the camp was comfortable, very well run, with good food & delightful staff." See all these reviews: 13n in Namibia
"Tracking and finding a rhino was a highlight"
The room and the food were also very good, and I particularly enjoyed socialising with the assistant manager, Agnes, the guide, Raymond, and the trackers over dinner." See all these reviews: 20n in Namibia
"Desert Rhino Camp review"
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