Rhino tracking at Desert Rhino Camp, Damaraland, Namibia

The endangered black rhino of Damaraland

Join trackers from Save the Rhino Trust and get an insight into what's involved in saving this species from extinction.

Rhino tracking at Desert Rhino Camp, Damaraland, Namibia

Rhino tracking in the desert wilderness

If you're staying at Desert Rhino Camp in Damaraland, and you are offered the opportunity to track rhinos, grab it with both hands. It's an exciting and unique experience that doesn't often come up.

Your adventure starts the evening before, with a briefing from the SRT trackers who explain the background of the organisation, its aims and projects and advise you what to expect from your tracking experience.

Experience conservation at work firsthand
Gain a valuable insight into this amazing animal
Enjoy the freedom of walking in the desert
Learn from your experienced guides
A rare and exciting opportunity

A wildlife encounter like no other

The next morning you have an early start as you set out in a 4x4 vehicle behind the SRT tracking team. Using their extensive records of the animals movements and tracking equipment they can locate rhinos in this vast area, though you may have to drive for some time to reach the location.

Once found, the vehicles are parked and you set off on foot, tracking the animal. Moving slowly as you follow your guide, you gradually approach the rhino.

The experienced trackers make sure that you'll never get too near, ensuring your safety at all times. The feeling of being so close to a wild animal with no barriers in between is truly thrilling.

How long you remain with the rhino or rhinos will vary according to conditions, and will be determined by the trackers using their knowledge and judgement. Afterwards you return to the vehicle for the drive back to camp and some well-earned refreshments.

Is it a black or white rhino?

Black and white rhinos are both grey in colour so the name isn't very helpful to determine which one you are looking at. A white rhino has a wide flat lip and is a grazer, and the black rhino has a hook-lip and is more of a browser - now you know!

Where to go

Tracking the rare desert-adapted black rhino is an experience offered in very few places, Desert Rhino Camp in the Palmwag Concession area of Damaraland is THE place to do it in Namibia.

When to go

Rhino tracking is offered all year round, subject to availability of the Save The Rhino Trust tracking teams.

How to do it

The tracking experience requires an early start from Desert Rhino Camp, driving to the location of the rhinos, where tracking on foot begins. You’ll be under the guidance and supervision of the experienced tracking team, and the precise nature and duration of the activity will be determined by them. It should be noted that the trackers are not armed due to scarcity of the black rhino and the excellent visibility of the terrain, but they are extremely experienced and put your safety to the fore.