Giraffe (Giraffa spp.) face numerous conservation threats across their range in Africa, particularly anthropogenic factors such as habitat loss and fragmentation, poaching, and civil unrest. In northwest Namibia, these challenges are exacerbated by rapidly changing environmental conditions and increasing pressures from human activities. Additionally, here Angolan giraffe (G. giraffa angolensis) live mostly in communal conservancies, outside of formally protected national parks. Our study highlights that long-term population monitoring can inform the conservation of Namibia's desert-dwelling Angolan giraffe on community-owned land. From 2016 to 2023, we conducted regular monthly or bi-monthly individual-based photographic Angolan giraffe surveys of three separate river systems: the Khumib, Hoarusib and Hoanib, encompassing several community conservancies. Population growth across all river systems increased from 261 unique individuals in 2016 to current estimate of 472 individuals in 2023. Combined with long-term GPS satellite telemetry studies of 17 individuals, we have redefined the distributional ranges and connectivity of this desert-dwelling population across their hyper-arid Namib desert habitat. The northwest Namibia conservation story is a flagship long-term research study of the Giraffe Conservation Foundation (GCF), integrating scientific research, community collaboration, and adaptive conservation strategies. Over the past eight years, systematic monitoring and GPS telemetry have documented a remarkable 81% increase in Angolan giraffe numbers, underscoring the effectiveness of conservation initiatives in communal conservancies. This success highlights the role of local communities in wildlife stewardship, demonstrating that conservation efforts outside/neighbouring national parks can yield substantial population growth. By showcasing these findings, we aim to promote evidence-based conservation, encourage sustained community engagement, and reinforce the importance of protecting desert-dwelling Angolan giraffe in one of Africa's most extreme environments.