Palmwag Conservancy — Huab River Floodplain Dispersed Camp

The Huab River floodplain cuts a dry, sandy corridor through the Palmwag Conservancy between Khorixas and Sesfontein — one of the last strongholds for desert-adapted black rhino and elephant in the world. Dispersed bush camping is permitted within the conservancy for self-sufficient overland travelers, and the riverbed flats provide flat, sheltered spots with good shade from ana trees and leadwoods. No facilities whatsoever out here — dig your cat hole, pack your waste, leave nothing. This is a fee-access conservancy, so a permit from Palmwag Lodge or the Namibia MET office in Khorixas is required before you pitch.

Access is via sandy, deeply corrugated 4WD tracks off the C35 or D2620. Sand driving skill is mandatory — soft riverbed sections can swallow a loaded rig fast. Wet season (Feb–Apr) can make the Huab impassable entirely. Best windows are May through November. Cell signal is flat-zero out here. Fuel in Khorixas before you leave — there is nothing until Sesfontein.

Rhino country bush camp, Damaraland desert floor.