Imagine a different kind of safari in the dramatic landscape of northwestern Namibia. On this bucket list Rhino Walking safari you will trek Rhinos on foot with your expert guide.
Taking you to one of the best private concession areas in Namibia, you will get the chance to get close to these magnificent desert-adapted animals. This area has the largest number of free-roaming Black Rhinos in the world. In fact, it is the only Rhinoceros species worldwide living on communally and traditionally-owned land without formal conservation status.
Conservation is ingrained in the Namibian psyche to such an extent that it is even in the country’s constitution and you will experience these innovative conservation efforts first hand. A portion of your safari fee will also go towards Namibia’s Rhino conservation efforts.
| Starts in Windhoek | Ends in Windhoek | Duration: 8 Days | Next planned Departure: TBC |
Highlights:
• The rugged, beautiful Damaraland, home to desert-adapted wildlife
• Sightings of at least three, possibly four of Africa’s famed Big Five
• Experience the desert-adapted fauna and flora of Namibia
• Making a real contribution towards ensuring the survival of Namibia’s Black Rhino population
Summary:
Day 1 Windhoek to Palmwag Concession
Day 2-8 Palmwag Concession
Day 8 Palmwag Concession to Windhoek
Day to Day Itinerary
DAY 1:
Start of safari in Windhoek, Namibia – Our exciting Save the Rhino safari will start in Windhoek, the capital of Namibia from where we will depart to our lodge. The 6 to 7-hour drive is a spectacular scenic treat!
Our lodge is situated on the Palmwag concession in dramatic Damaraland, home to a number of rare, desert-adapted species, such as Lion, African Elephant, Giraffe and of course the target of our trip, the Black Rhinoceros.
DAY 2-5:
Palmwag Concession – The campsite in the concession will be our base from where we will start out every day. Each day we will follow a different route, depending on where the animals are. These decisions will be made with the help of the local trackers and rangers, maximising our time in Palmwag.
We will be walking in an area where other tourists don’t get to go. The only people operating here are the Save the Rhino Team scouts patrolling. The itinerary and the exact route will be flexible. We will be tracking the desert-adapted wildlife that roams in this area. The distance covered each day will depend on the fitness of the group. The group size is limited to 6 to ensure an exclusive experience and a better chance to get close to the wildlife.
We have a full backup team that will take care of all our camping needs.
The star of the safari is, of course, the desert-adapted Black Rhinoceros. Your safari in Palmwag will help the plight of these incredible animals immensely. Supporting anti-poaching work through consistent patrolling and monitoring of Black Rhino in the desert of northwestern Namibia, particularly within the tourism concessions like Palmwag, funds from tourists are instrumental in keeping staff active on the ground.
Other wildlife that we hope to see are Giraffe, Hartmann’s Mountain Zebra, Springbok, Greater Kudu, Gemsbok and hopefully some of the predators that roam this spectacular area like Cheetah, the famous desert adapted Lions, Leopard, Side-striped Jackal, and Spotted and Brown Hyaena. This concession is also rich in reptiles, including Kaokoland Sand Lizard, Namaqua Chameleon, and Anchieta’s and Namib Rock Agama.
There is also some strange-looking but fantastic flora, including Welwitschia, Toothbrushtrees, Bottle Trees, euphorbias, Leadwood Trees, Shepherd’s Trees and more. Birding in the area is surprisingly productive, with some special species and near-endemics occurring here. The list includes Rüppell’s Korhaan, Benguela Long-billed Lark, Herero Chat, Verreaux’s and Booted Eagle, Lanner Falcon, Greater Kestrel, Monteiro’s Hornbill, Namaqua Sandgrouse and Burchell’s Courser.
On the final full day of the walking safari, we will return to the lodge where we stayed the first evening for a farewell dinner.
DAY 8:
Palmwag Concession to Windhoek – Unfortunately this is where our safari ends but you can consider extensions to include some of the fantastic parks in Zambia, Zimbabwe, Botswana or South Africa, or we can extend your stay in wonderful Namibia in Etosha National Park, Sossusvlei, Fish River Canyon or Swakopmund/Walvis Bay.
