Wilderness Desert Rhino Camp, situated in Namibia’s expansive Palmwag Concession in Damaraland, will be temporarily closed from December 7, 2023, until July 2024 to undergo a complete rebuild. The new camp aims to enhance guests’ in-camp safari experience while celebrating its conservation success story, and the ongoing protection of one of the world’s last free-roaming populations of critically endangered black rhino.
Built in 2003, Desert Rhino Camp serves as a base for one of Save the Rhino Trust tracking teams, with the operational costs covered by Wilderness. Save the Rhino Trust is responsible for leading all the rangers’ activities, while ensuring all data are collected, processed and secured. Besides contributing towards the largest, longest-running black rhino database in the world, the partnership has enabled SRT to increase its range by 20 percent.
By visiting Desert Rhino Camp, each guest makes a significant contribution to the protection of this imperiled species. As part of the lease agreement, the company provides financial remuneration and employment opportunities to the conservancies, uplifting the local communities. Approximately 11 percent of the total DRC revenue is shared between the conservancies, Save the Rhino Trust and rhino fundraising support. This contribution exceeds the total sustainable profit made by the camp in the past five years.
“Everything we do at Desert Rhino Camp revolves around our pioneering partnership with Save the Rhino Trust Namibia and community conservancies. Our conservation purpose is 100 percent why we’re here. And why we invite guests to witness, learn and participate in our efforts to defend the desert-adapted black rhino,” said Alex Henderson, Wilderness Namibia managing director.
Natural stone found on site has inspired the colors and texture and reinforces the camp’s connection to the area. Large stretch-fabric roof structures with deep overhangs and silhouettes provide shade and protection without compromising the horizon-wide views. With details of timber and leather, the tent interiors, though modern, have been noticeably inspired by the explorer genre.
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