Track A Wild Rhino
A search for the greatest survivor of them all...
"In this space between humankind and the uninhabitable abyss lived, and live, the last of the black rhinos... Surely it would be an amazing sight to any traveller to witness the grace, elegance and dignity with which these last rhinos inhabit the austere country that the world has bequeathed to them." - Rick Bass, The Black Rhinos of Namibia
There is a certain majesty about approaching these monolithic-like creatures on foot. Whether it's in the bushland of Zimbabwe or the deserts of Namibia, this is one of those 'once-in-a-lifetime' safari experiences.
SAMPLE Itinerary - 8 days
Usually combined with other attractions such as the rock art of the Matopos or the famed national park that is Etosha, we are fierce advocates of this itinerary because of the commitment of those involved to rhino conservation. Rhinos, both black and white, have been confronted with an extraordinary challenge to survive against the odds. One of the mechanisms through which conservation organisations have been able to stabilise the population loss is through the employment of former poachers as rhino tracking scouts. During your rhino tracking safari, you will stay in genuinely unique and opulent accommodations, all in the knowledge that your stay has directly contributed to keeping rhinos alive.
Day 1&2 - After arriving in Windhoek, you will be transferred to the home of the AfriCat Foundation, Okonjima. An ideal stopover as a halfway point between the capital, Windhoek, and some of the attractions of the North such as Etosha National Park, Damaraland, the Skeleton Coast and Kaokoveld. Situated amongst the Omboroko Mountains, Okonjima is reknowned for its cheetah and leopard safaris, and for its commitment to research and conservation of the Big Cats.
Day 5&6 - What you came to do, track wild black rhinos in the desert. At the Desert Rhino Camp, you will have arrived in the area known for having the largest free-ranging population of black rhino in Africa. Whilst here, you'll have the opportunity to track the critically endangered animal either on foot or by vehicle. We also encourage you to meet the Save the Rhino Trust trackers and team, who have been, and continue to be, responsible for this remarkable conservation story.
Day 3&4 - Your next stop will be the gem that is Damaraland Camp, situated in the Torra Conservancy. Unique because its inspirational community partnership whereby the camp is largely owned and run by the local community, the camp is an oasis of eco-friendly luxury in the Namibian Desert. Whilst in Damaraland, you'll be able to go on nature drives to see desert-adapted elephants, visit a local Damara community, absorb the area's ancient rock-art and gaze in amazement at the clear night sky.
Day 7&8 - Time to finish your trip on a high by visiting Etosha National Park. We'll have you stay at Onguma the Fort, which we've sourced for its utterly unique setting and architecture which draws from Moroccan and Indian styles. From the fort which is situated on the eastern edge of Etosha, you'll be able to enjoy time in the water-level Onkolo Hide, go on game drives in both the Onguma Reserve and Etosha itself, or simply relax and take in the stunning views of the always-wildlife-decorated Etosha Pans.
alternate zimbabwean itinerary - 5 days
Day 1&2 - After arriving via Victoria Falls or Bulawayo Airport, you'll be transferred to the granite wilderness that is Camp Amalinda. Here you will also have the chance to track wild rhinos but the twist is that these will be white rhinos. A larger but more placid species than its black counterpart, the experience is equally remarkable and the stark difference between Namibia's desert and the rocky outcrops of the Matopos will have you captivated.
Day 3-5 - Welcome to possibly Southern Africa's wildest and most remote national park, that being Gonarezhou. A personal favourite of quite a few members of the Diwa Zambezi team, the temperament of the elephants, the scale of the Chilojo Cliffs and the sheer silence of the place will have you redefining the meaning of awe-inspiring. If that weren't enough, the vast knowledge of the team at Chilo Gorge is the feather in Gonarezhou's cap.
