The new Wilderness Desert Rhino Camp in Namibia is open!
The reimagined camp continues to embrace its spectacular Damaraland surroundings while celebrating its remarkable conservation achievements in helping to safeguard one of the world’s last free-roaming populations of Critically Endangered black rhinos.
“After months of careful planning, hard work, passion and grit, we are delighted to reveal this remarkable new camp and to continue driving conservation tourism to the diverse Palmwag Concession. As a former rhino research field station, Desert Rhino Camp has evolved into a truly premier destination, underscoring our commitment to our partners, and our unique conservation coalition between Wilderness, Save the Rhino Trust Namibia (SRT) and the famed ‘Big 3’ Community Conservancies in the area”, noted Alex Henderson, Managing Director of Wilderness Namibia.
Namibian Desert Sanctuary
Offering an exclusive desert sanctuary, the camp provides guests with unique opportunities to track rhinos on foot and by vehicle with SRT guides. This immersive experience enables nature lovers to actively support the conservation of Namibia’s black rhinos while experiencing the region’s diverse biodiversity, including robust populations of Hartmann’s mountain zebra, southern giraffe, gemsbok (oryx), springbok, kudu and black-backed jackal. Occasionally, elusive predators such as cheetah and leopard are spotted, as well as an array of fascinating reptile and bird species.
As part of Desert Rhino Camp’s dedication to the Wilderness Impact strategy and its three core pillars—Educate, Empower, and Protect—the efforts of this joint venture provide financial remuneration and employment opportunities, positively uplifting the local communities.
Approximately 11 percent of the camp’s total revenue is shared between the conservancies, SRT and rhino fundraising support. Furthermore, the camp continues to serve as a vital base for one of SRT’s expert tracking teams, ensuring meticulous monitoring and data collection, to further enrich the world’s largest and longest-running black rhino database.
Conservation Ethos
Starkly beautiful landscapes and natural elements guided the camp design. Indigenous stone has been seamlessly integrated, harnessing local skills and craftsmanship. With a dedication to sustainability, Desert Rhino Camp operates entirely on solar power and has used repurposed materials from its former facilities to build staff housing.
Designed by Migs+Drew (M+D) architects, large fabric roofs and locally sourced stone are a feature, blending into the desert terrain with ecological sensitivity. The interiors blend rustic elegance with contemporary comfort, and each of the six modern suites, crafted from canvas and stone, embodies the camp’s ethos. Drawing inspiration from the surrounding copper-coloured earth and red rocks, Reflecting Africa’s interior design celebrates the explorer age with a combination of stone, timber and leather materials, encapsulating the unique story of the rhino at every turn.
“Even our dining experience reflects the camp’s conservation ethos, emphasising sustainability through mindful menus and the use of regional ingredients. Chef Namwandi’s passion for culinary storytelling enriches each dish, inviting guests on an immersive journey through Namibia’s diverse gastronomic landscape, enjoyed in an array of settings, from private dining options to exquisite star-studded dinners beneath the expansive African sky and alfresco lunches while on exhilarating rhino tracking excursions”, added Alex.
The food philosophy celebrates Namibia’s rich heritage by supporting local agriculture and crafting signature dishes such as Lamb Potjie and Prime Beef, cooked over open flame for an authentic touch, while sundowners against dramatic sunsets redefine exclusivity.
“From humble beginnings 20 years ago, we are immensely proud of Desert Rhino Camp’s journey and transformation. We look forward to welcoming our guests to this reimagined sanctuary soon, to experience unparalleled hospitality in Namibia’s awe-inspiring landscapes and contribute to the ongoing protection of an endangered species”, said Alex.
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Start planning your trip Wilderness Desert Rhino Camp
About Wilderness
Founded over 40 years ago, Wilderness is a world-leading conservation and hospitality company, offering immersive journeys to environments in Botswana, Kenya, Namibia, Rwanda, South Africa, Tanzania, Zambia and Zimbabwe. Wilderness is part of a global collective working to conserve the world’s iconic unfenced, untamed and unpredictable wilderness areas. With more than 60 exceptional camps and lodges, Wilderness helps protect some 2.3 million hectares (6 million acres) of land across its eight African destinations. Its goal – to double that by 2030. Four decades on, the company’s purpose is stronger than ever: To increase the world’s wilderness, together.
About Namibia
Namibia is a large and sparsely populated country on Africa’s southwest coast, distinguished by the Namib Desert along its Atlantic Ocean coast. The country is home to diverse wildlife, including the largest population of free-roaming cheetahs and rhinos in the world. It is home to one of Africa’s largest concentrations of rock petroglyphs and some of the largest dunes on earth.
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Photos courtesy of Wildnerness Desert Rhino Camp
