Reviews of Desert Rhino Camp
Wildlife sightings and reviews
116 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
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"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"
"Desert Rhino Camp review"
On arrival I had to almost immediately go out on an afternoon game drive, with another couple who had already been at the camp for a night. I was keen to go on the drive, so didn't mind heading straight out. But unfortunately I missed the usual "welcome" given by the camp manager, and failed to receive any further information other than the snippets I picked up from the guests and my guide along the way. The activities were quite different to what I expected (may be the activities would have been fully explained if I had had more time on arrival). The morning drive involves closely following the Trackers and the focus is soley on finding the rhino.
More often than not, I was told, they usually find the rhino early in the day, whilst they are still active. However, they take a packed lunch with, in case a rhino is not found, in which case you stay out until you do find a rhino (or have to give up)! If the rhino is found during the morning you will return to camp for lunch, and then the late afternoon will just be spent on a general game drive/ scenic sundowner drive. The Trackers now only track one rhino per day, and rarely track the rhinos during the afternoon, unless they have been unsuccessful in their search during the morning. So for example if they find the rhino at 8:30am, they then call it a day. You can continue on a "general game drive", and may of course be lucky enough to spot another rhino from the road, but you receive no further assistance from the trackers. However there are lots of other mammals and birds present on the concession, so it was great to be able to spend some time observing these as well. The mountain zebra were a particular highlight; I did not see them anywhere else in any great numbers. Another highlight was seeing a large herd of elephants with a young baby." See all these reviews: 18n in Namibia
"Remote or what!"
We were there for as purpose and not disappointed." See all these reviews: 18n in Namibia; 6n in Zimbabwe
"Fantastic atmosphere at Desert Rhino Camp"
Everyone was very welcoming and friendly. It has a great atmosphere and we enjoyed the communal dining with our guides and the camp managers. It has a very relaxed feel and the scenery is fantastic.
We enjoyed the rhino tracking immensely." See all these reviews: 12n in Namibia
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