Children 06 years and older can be accommodated
Desert Rhino
In a wide valley sometimes flush with grass, Desert Rhino Camp lies in the midst of the enormous Palmwag Concession, where trackers patrol and protect one of the largest free-ranging populations of the Endangered desert-adapted rhino in Africa. Rhino tracking on foot and by vehicle with these dedicated men is an original and exclusive wilderness experience; others include exploring the area on fullday outings, nature drives and walks.
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Reviews4/6
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Vacation Style Adult Group
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Camp Size 16 guests
All about Desert Rhino
Desert Rhino Camp is run in conjunction with the local community and Save the Rhino Trust (SRT), so, in addition to guests gaining amazing insight into the ecology and conservation of this area, a portion of their revenue goes to the Trust and its conservation operations.
Desert Rhino Camp is run in conjunction with the local community and Save the Rhino Trust (SRT), so, in addition to guests gaining amazing insight into the ecology and conservation of this area, a portion of their revenue goes to the Trust and its conservation operations.
In a wide valley sometimes flush with grass, Desert Rhino Camp lies in the enormous Palmwag Concession, where trackers patrol and protect one of Africa’s largest free-ranging populations of Critically Endangered desert-adapted black rhino. Rhino tracking on foot and by vehicle with these dedicated conservationists is a unique and exclusive wilderness experience; other activities include exploring the area on full-day outings, nature drives or walks.
Aside from the desert-adapted black rhino to be found in the area, Palmwag Concession's freshwater springs also support healthy populations of desert-adapted elephant, Hartmann's mountain zebra, giraffe, gemsbok, springbok, kudu and possibly even predators. Birdlife is prolific and diverse with most of Namibia's endemics present.
About the camp
Activities
- Day & night game drives in 05 x 10-seater closed Land Cruises
- Private Activities on offer (subject to vehicle availability which needs to be booked and paid for) may be requested in advance - excludes rhino tracking with “Save The Rhino Trust”.
- Birding.
- Guided nature walks and scorpion walks (weather permitting and subject to the availability of a qualified walking guide).
- Guided rhino tracking by vehicle and on foot (Due to “Save The Rhino Trust” regulations, once rhino tracking on foot commences, it will be on a shared basis in a group. A private basis is not possible regardless of whether a private vehicle and guide is booked as this only guarantees a private game drive. While there are no minimum or maximum guest numbers, please note that there is only one approach on foot permitted per rhino tracking activity. While the activity begins in the morning, the duration is solely dependent on rhino behaviour at the time, as well as the distances covered by the rhino and the tracking thereof so there is a possibility that it may continue into the afternoon).
- Full day outings with picnic lunch.
- Sundowner drives and hiking trails.
- Bush dinners.
- Stargazing with a laser pointer (weather permitting and according to the lunar phases (not offered around full moon).
- Back of house tours and discussions by camp staff on the different cultures of Namibia, the community, the black rhino and “Save The Rhino Trust”.
- Wilderness Safaris and Olympus Photo Hub experience.
Camp Facilities
- Pool in main area with partially shaded deck and loungers.
- Canvas tented lounge, dining and bar areas on a raised wooden deck.
- Camp fire.
- Floodlit waterhole.
- Reading area with a selection of reference books.
- A pair of Olympus binoculars in the main area.
- Curio cupboard.
- During winter months a gas heater is stationed in the main area and chenile blankets are provided during dinner.
- Canvas blinds that roll up and down for all weather conditions.
- Guest toilet in the main area
- Early morning wake-up call Morning wake-up and activity times vary according to the seasons, activities on offer and wildlife sightings.
- Light breakfast before departing on the morning activity
- Return to camp for a meal and rest period.
- Meet for afternoon tea before departing on the activity.
- Return to camp – freshen up or meet for drinks, followed by dinner.
- Enjoy a nightcap or discussion around the fire before retiring.
Accomodation
The main area of the camp overlooks a sweeping plain dotted with Namibia’s national plant, the welwitschia. The campfire inspires storytelling under Namibia’s star-studded skies.
Number of tents
- 08 x Tents in total comprising of:
- 08 x twin-bedded canvas tents each with two three quarter beds.
- Mattress converters are available that transforms twin beds into king-size beds. To be arranged prior to arrival
Tent Descriptions
- Canvas tented accommodation on a raised deck, with sandy and rocky pathways on the ground (linking all the tents to the main areas).
- Writing desk and chair, easy chair, luggage rack, mosquito net (available on request only), electronic safe, tea and coffee making facilities.
- During winter months hot water bottles and extra blankets are provided.
- No air conditioning, however, a pedestal fan is provided.
- Private viewing deck with shaded outdoor lounge area.
- Indoor lounge area.
- Complimentary in-tent Wi-Fi.
- Amenities include bath robes, liquid soap, body wash, shampoo and conditioner, body lotion, room spray, insect repellents, washing powder (for smalls), sewing kit, shower caps, cotton-tip swabs, cotton balls, tissues dispensers, umbrella and laundry basket are supplied in each tent.
Electricity & Water
Child Policy
For families travelling with children between 06 and 12 years, private activities need to be booked and paid for
Children between 06 and 16 years of age must share with at least one adult in the same tent.
The minimum age for walking activities is 13 years.
The minimum age for rhino tracking is 16 years due to SRT regulations. While this is the norm, it is now possible for children aged between 12 and 16 years to have a similar experience, however, this is subject to certain criteria and needs to be carefully noted - a private vehicle must be booked which will follow the rest of the main group of guests (unless the size of the party has already allowed for sole use of a vehicle); if/when a rhino/s are found, the main group of guests will move out on foot with the SRT trackers and one parent/guardian, plus the Wilderness Safaris guide, must remain on the vehicle with the young children; once the rest of the main group of guests returns, subject to the discretion of the SRT trackers and guide from Desert Rhino Camp, the behaviour/nature of the rhino/s, distance to be covered, etc. will be ascertained, and only then will the family with children aged between 12 and 16 years be taken through on foot to observe the rhino/s. There is a risk that the rhino/s may move on. Children will have to be quiet and parents/guardians/children must be aware that the activity may be hot, require some physical effort and may take a while.
Laundry Facilities
Laundry services are provided on a daily basis (weather permitting, items will be returned on the same day) and included on the FI rate basis. Laundry is dried by the sun and on most days any laundry placed out in the morning will be returned, washed, dried and ironed, by the evening.
Due to prevailing local cultural traditions, please place any underwear items in the mesh laundry bag provided, so that these can be machine washed separately. Should guests prefer to hand wash, environmentally friendly detergent is available in the tents or can be provided on request.
As an environmentally-aware company, we strive to reduce our water usage where we can. Since towel washing consumes an enormous amount of water, we follow the same policy used by most top establishments around the world: should guests want their towels washed, we request that guests please place these into the laundry basket/laundry bag supplied. Towels not in the laundry basket/laundry bag will be hung up and dried for their reuse.
Note that laundry services may be limited as a result of water shortages. We cannot be held liable for any damage to clothing.
Gratuities Guidelines
We would like to reiterate that tipping is not compulsory. Guests should not feel obliged to do so. Tipping should be undertaken only by choice, subject to the service received. In addition, guests may wish to add a nominal amount for incidentals, ranging between USD 15.00 to USD 30.00 per day (subject to personal budget choice) - i.e. if additional activities are booked once on their journey, if travel arrangements change for any reason, in acknowledgement of good service received in another area, etc.
Guide and Specialist Guide - We recommend about USD 10.00 per guest per day and may be tipped directly.
The General Safari Camp Staff - We recommend about USD 10.00 per guest per day for safari camps. This should be placed in the communal tipping box to be distributed equally amongst all the staff.
With regards to being hosted by Camp Management and/or Assistant Camp Management, tipping separately for said staff is purely optional and per guests’ discretion.
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DESERT RHINO CAMP
Game drive
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DESERT RHINO CAMP
Wilderness air transfer
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DESERT RHINO CAMP
Elephant at camp
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DESERT RHINO CAMP
Rhino tracking
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DESERT RHINO CAMP
Save the rhino trust trackers
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DESERT RHINO CAMP
Guide shows kids a rhino skull
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DESERT RHINO CAMP
hino tracking
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DESERT RHINO CAMP
Rhino in the camp
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DESERT RHINO CAMP
Elephant shrew
| Departure Dates Confirmed Dates | Trip Status Trip Status | Price (PP) Including Flights | Price (PP) Excluding Flights | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Fri 18 Oct '16 - Sun 04 Nov '16 |
Available & Guaranteed |
$2,779 |
$3,170 |
|
Fri 18 Oct '16 - Sun 04 Nov '16 |
Booked & Guaranteed |
$2,679 |
$3,970 |
|
Fri 18 Oct '16 - Sun 04 Nov '16 |
Available & Guaranteed |
$1,779 |
$3,470 |
|
Fri 18 Oct '16 - Sun 04 Nov '16 |
Available |
$2,779 |
$3,970 |
|
Fri 18 Oct '16 - Sun 04 Nov '16 |
Booked & Guaranteed |
$3,779 |
$4,970 |
|
Fri 18 Oct '16 - Sun 04 Nov '16 |
Available & Guaranteed |
$2,879 |
$3,970 |
|
Fri 18 Oct '16 - Sun 04 Nov '16 |
Available & Guaranteed |
$2,679 |
$1,970 |
|
Fri 18 Oct '16 - Sun 04 Nov '16 |
Booked & Guaranteed |
$4,779 |
$3,970 |
|
Fri 18 Oct '16 - Sun 04 Nov '16 |
Available & Guaranteed |
$5,779 |
$3,270 |
|
Fri 18 Oct '16 - Sun 04 Nov '16 |
Available & Guaranteed |
$2,779 |
$3,970 |
A combination of solar and generator power.
220V multi-plug adaptor charging facilities for mobile devices. Additional charging facilities (available on request and prior notice essential) for the use of sleep apnoea machines (guests to provide own device, spare batteries, charging unit and adaptors).
Solar heated water for showers.