Grootberg Conservancy was set up as a community based project to allow the local people to particpate and benefit from tourism.  The European Union provided valuable funds for the construction of Grootberg Lodge, situated on the top of Grootberg Pass with stunning views over the 12,000ha conservancy.

In the Grootberg Conservancy in conjunction with the Ministry of Environment and Tourism, two black rhinos have been placed in the care of the local custodians.  These prehistoric beasts have been fitted with radio transmitters and through the lodge you can particpate in a 3/4 day rhino tracking activity.  Not only will you have the chance to track black rhino but to see other game as well such as desert elephant, springbok, kudu, giraffe and many species of bird.

Please note that persons under the age of 12 years are not allowed to participate in the rhino tracking patrols.  Should you be traveling with children under this age please consider the 3/4 day Himba Excursion as an alternative for this day also offered from Grootberg Lodge. 

We can offer rhino tracking on tailormade safaris  or self drive safaris through Rhino Camp with is operated by Wilderness Safaris and supports Save the Rhino Trust.

Save the Rhino Trust was set up in the early 1980’s to protect the dwindling black rhino populations in the arid western section of the Kunene Region from poachers and ultimate extinction.  It is one of Namibia’s longest standing and most proactive Non-Governmental organization and employs around 30 Namibians in the rural western area.  Today, the black rhino (Diceros bicornis bicornis) population has more than doubled in the Kunene/Erongo regions since the project started and thanks to the protection of a special branch of the Namibian Police’s Protected Resources Unit and the surrounding communities.  It is also the only rhino population in the world to have survived and increased its numbers outside of a formally protected park.

SRT has rhino patrols where local game guards work in five groups, each regularly patrolling a specified area within the 25,000sq kms rhino range.  The rhinos are picked up from radio collared transmissions and GPS during such patrols by mainly by vehicle, foot and camel and followed on foot until sightings whereby the animal is observed at close range through binoculars and notes made for any distinguishing marks and body condition assessed, this information is recorded and photos taken and then entered onto the computer database for analysis and maintenance of these records are continued on each individual.

SRT is also active in other community support, it assists in education and training centres and health  programmes, as well as being involved in setting up several craft centres to sell locally produced crafts giving work opportunities and income for rural communities especially also for women.

The pride in the success of this whole project from the protection and greater awareness of the rhino in the region is evident with the local Damara and Herero tribes who actively support the project and reap the benefits that tourism and the support SRT brings.

Please note that persons under the age of 12 years are not allowed to participate in the rhino tracking patrols for safety reasons.  Should you be traveling with children under this age we can offer alternatives such as the full day Damaraland Wildlife Excursion or the full day Himba Excursion offered by Palmwag Lodge.