As the name suggests, The Desert Rhino Expedition is an 8 day accommodated / tented camping trip, into the desert to search for the black rhino. This truly wilderness exploration takes place in the remote and rugged Palmwag Concession, using teams of local trackers who work for The Save the Rhino Trust (SRT). The SRT trackers main task in the area is to conduct research on and monitor with the help of camels, the black rhino in the north-west of Namibia. This organization has been involved with rhino conservation in this area since the early 1980's, working tirelessly to protect the last free-ranging rhino population on earth - the rare desert-adapted black rhino. Since the SRT was formed, poaching has dramatically decreased and rhino numbers have more than doubled.

• Explore remote areas that are for the most part inaccessible by vehicle.
• A camel train and a team of Save the Rhino trackers will take the exploration deep into the heart of the Namib Desert in search of this rare and endangered species.
• Camel expeditions follow ancient paths worn into this harsh land by countless generations of desert elephant and rhino, a journey that few people have ever seen.
• Little time is actually spent on the camels, most of the trek is done on foot or by safari vehicle.
• The camels carry the equipment from camp to camp.
• The desert adventure also includes the search for the unique desert-adapted elephant.
• The revenues generated from this venture are channeled back into critically important rhino conservation projects.
• Expedition members travel to and from Palmwag Lodge under their own arrangements.

Camping Safaris | Namibia

Day 1: Palmwag Lodge

On your arrival, you are welcomed by the guide to the area, and receive a full briefing on the tour ahead. Afterwards you can relax at the swimming pool, under shady palm trees and revive your spirits, with delicious refreshments from the quaint pool-bar. The lodge is nestled in a spectacular landscape with waving palms whispering in the wind, and is one of Namibia's oldest and most popular eco-tourist destinations. Overnight accommodation is a thatched bungalows, with en-suite bathroom facilities.
Meals: Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation: Palmwag Lodge

Day 2: Aub River, Palmwag Concession

After an early breakfast, the expedition heads northwards, by game drive, to Mbakondja Camel Camp to meet the Save the Rhino Camel team. A camel ride or walk south to the Aub River follows, where the Adventurer Camp has been erected prior to your arrival. In addition to the tracking and viewing of desert-adapted elephant and black rhino, your guides will inform you of nature's survival strategies in this arid environment, concentrating on a variety of topics including; birds, insects, medicinal uses of plants and wildlife viewing in general.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 3: Barab River, Palmwag Concession

The journey today continues with a walk to the Barab River, concentrating on the tracking of these elusive animals, through a series of hills, rocky landscapes and diverse geology. The gravel plains, even with little or no recent rainfall, are covered in nutritious vegetation, offering life-giving sustenance to the black rhino. Camp will be set up prior to your arrival.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 4: Kudu Springs, Palmwag Concession

After an early breakfast, there is a ride out further west through the Okomutati Springs to Kudu Springs. This area is almost inaccessible to vehicles, and is a pristine wilderness area, that enhances the sense of remoteness. En route, there is also the opportunity to see some extraordinary plant life, including the ancient Welwitschia plants and numerous lichens. Camp will be set up prior to your arrival.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 5: Hunkab Spring, Palmwag Concession

Heading northwards, the expedition moves to another favoured drinking point for Kaokoland's diverse animal life, the Hunkab Spring. Fresh drinking water in the desert forms the basis for seasonal animal movements and a surprisingly diverse range of animal life can be seen here. Animals from Hartmann's Mountain Zebra to elephant, and a variety of birdlife including the endemic Ruppell's Korhaan, come to quench their thirst. Camp will be set up prior to your arrival.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 6 & 7: Hoanib Camp, Kaokoland

Time to bid farewell to the Save the Rhino Trust Trackers and depart on a game drive from Hunkab, travelling through the concession area to the ephemeral river of the Hoanib Valley. The Hoanib River provides a life-line in this harsh and unforgiving territory as it is lined by hundreds of Ana Trees, whose plentiful production of pods, attract large herds of antelope, giraffe and elephant. This seemingly parched and desolate region, is one of Namibia's richest desert wildlife areas. Accommodation for 2 overnight stops is at Hoanib Camp in Meru-style tents, with en-suite facilities of flush toilet/bucket shower. Energy is supplied by solar-powered inverter systems. Activities include day game walks/drives, night drives and rhino tracking into the Hoanib River valley.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 8: Air charter to Palmwag Lodge

After an early breakfast and game drive, the expedition members fly back to Palmwag Lodge, in time for lunch and a final farewell to the Desert Rhino Expedition.
Meals: Breakfast & Lunch

Included

Accommodation and meals as listed on the itinerary
Park entrance fees
Passenger liability insurance

Excluded

Beverages
Items of a personal nature
Tips
Travel Insurance

Features

Explore remote areas that are for the most part inaccessible by vehicle
Original active adventure journey as guests join trackers in their work
View spectacular desert life such as the desert-adapted elephant and black rhino, the latter a rare subspecies which has become a conservation success story.
Track black rhino on foot and experience Save the Rhino Trust activities in the area.
View extraordinary plant life, including the bizarre Welwitschia and numerous lichen fields.
Camps situated in huge private concessions, ranging in comfort from luxury Discoverer tents to "wild camping" in basic Adventurer trails camps.
Activities at Hoanib Camp include day and night game drives and nature walks.
Contribution from guest fees made directly to the Save the Rhino Trust

Route & Accommodation

The itinerary above is a guideline only and whilst we try to adhere to it there may be circumstances when it may change - for example weather and/or road conditions, seasonal daylight hours etc. Overnight stops on occasion may be altered from those indicated.

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