Wilderness Desert Rhino Camp

That long, bumpy trip in from the pickup point, about an hour and a half, was worth it. The lodge welcomes you with staff singing, and the rooms have huge glass doors framing lovely views. There are outdoor beds and showers, plus a free minibar with liquor and beer. The food was varied and really well prepared. Ask them to set up the outside bed for a romantic night under the stars. It’s also one of the few Damaraland camps that felt fairly accessible for someone with a handicap.

We saw five rhinos in the wild, though getting around meant some very bumpy drives. I stayed three nights; the rooms were comfortable and the meals, served family-style, were nicely made. The trackers and guides were very good. My guide was Leonardo, and he was excellent.

The staff were so happy, responsive, and talented, and the whole experience was stunning. A huge thank you to our chefs and guides.

Seeing wild black rhinos on foot was incredible. We also spotted elephants, jackals, giraffes, and a wonderful variety of desert-adapted birds. The camp works with Save the Rhino Trust, Wildlife Safaris, and the Minnesota Zoo to balance tourism with conservation, and this is one of the rare places where black rhinos are studied and protected. Don’t skip the “scorpion hunt”! We were on a self-drive trip around Namibia arranged by Audley Travel. Getting here took a five-hour drive from Swakopmund, then another two hours by jeep from the welcome station, but I’d say it was worth the effort. The staff were among the nicest I’ve met anywhere. The facilities are rustic but elegant, and the food was excellent.