Experience the new Wilderness Desert Rhino Camp
Months of 'careful planning, hard work, passion and grit'
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.
The Wilderness Desert Rhino Camp in Namibia’s Palmwag Concession in the Kunene Region has reopened after a complete rebuild. The camp, which was temporarily closed from December 2023 until July for the project, continues its conservation efforts 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," Alex Henderson, managing director of Wilderness Namibia, said.
He added that as a former rhino research field station, Desert Rhino Camp has evolved into a truly premier destination, underscoring their commitment to their partners and the unique conservation coalition between Wilderness, Save the Rhino Trust Namibia (SRT) and the famed ‘Big 3’ community conservancies in the area.
Desert sanctuary
According to Wilderness, the camp offers an exclusive desert sanctuary and also 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, 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.
Wilderness said 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 will provide financial remuneration and employment opportunities, positively uplifting the local communities.
Approximately 11% 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 largest and longest-running black rhino database in the world, it said.
Rustic elegance
“This impact purpose, together with the starkly beautiful landscape and natural elements, guided the camp design,” Wilderness said.
It added that 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 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. “Even our dining experience reflects the camp’s conservation ethos, emphasising sustainability through mindful menus and the use of regional ingredients,” Henderson said.
“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, to not only experience unparalleled hospitality in Namibia’s awe-inspiring landscapes, but to directly contribute to the ongoing protection of an endangered species.”