The Top 5 Places To See Rhinos

The Top 5 Places To See Rhinos

Rhinos are fascinating animals. They are the second-largest land mammals on earth today (behind only elephants), weighing up to an astonishing 7,700 lbs and growing up to 6 feet tall and 11 feet long. Distinguished by their thick skin and large nose horns, they are remarkably tough and quick animals, with some rhinos being able to run at speeds between 30-40mph, which is twice as fast as humans. 

Witnessing a herd (or “crash”) of rhinos in the wild is a truly extraordinary and spectacular sight and, luckily, there are numerous places across Africa where you can get up close to these fantastic mammals. To give you the best chance of seeing these unique animals, we have picked out the top 5 places to go to see rhinos.

1. Etosha National Park, Namibia

Located in the northwest of Namibia, Etosha National Park is one of the country’s most substantial game reserves. It is said to be one of the best locations, not only in Namibia, but the world for game-viewing, making it the perfect location to catch a glimpse of rhinos in the wild. It’s not hard to see why it has such a grand reputation; as well as black rhinos, the area is home to ostriches, leopards and some of the largest elephants in all of Africa. Hundreds of species of reptiles, birds and game can be found in the 8,600 square mile area, and there are plenty of opportunities to see them. There are multiple viewing decks in the area, as well as a range of accommodation. The area is accessible by car and is free from malaria. It is also equipped with many facilities such as shops, restaurants, and rest areas. Whether a rookie explorer or a travelled game viewer, Etosha National Park is a premier destination for anyone wanting to see wild rhinos.

Where To Stay:

Ongava Game Reserve borders the national park and is home to both black and white rhino.  Stay at Ongava Tented Camp for the opportunity to not only see rhinos on guided game drives but also approach them on foot with an armed guide.

2. Kruger National Park, South Africa

Stretching across 7,523 square miles, Kruger National Park is one of the biggest national parks and game reserves in Africa. Hundreds of different rare and fascinating animals and vegetation species occupy the area; there are 114 different reptile species, over 500 species of birds and over 140 species of mammals. This number includes both black and white rhinos, of which there are thousands in the area, meaning the odds are in your favour of being able to see them here.

You will also have a great chance of seeing an array of other rare animals while at the Kruger National Park. All of the ‘big five’ game (rhinos, elephants, buffalo, leopards and lions) can be found in the park, as can giraffes, zebras and wildebeest. The area is filled with natural beauty and safaris are widely available, making it a great place to go spotting rhinos and other wildlife, in their natural setting. High-quality safari accommodation, including luxury lodges, are widely available, too. So, at Kruger National Park you won’t have to live like an animal just for the opportunity to see one. 

Where To Stay:

Located in a private concession within the national park, Rhino Post Safari Lodge is a wonderful base from which to seek out these horned beasts.  Stay at sister camp Plains Camp for the chance to track them on foot.

3. Damaraland, Namibia

Named after the Damara People, who reside in the area, Damaraland is widely considered to be one of the most picturesque areas in Namibia. It is a huge place that boasts vast open plains and grasslands, as well as staggeringly deep gorges and mountainous scenery. The beautiful landscape is roamed by over 240 different species including rare game, such as lion, Hartmann's mountain zebra, elephants and, of course, black rhinos.

This untouched natural paradise provides a jaw-dropping backdrop for game viewers looking to lay their eyes upon the rare black rhino and presents a multitude of opportunities to see other rare animals during your trek. The area has multiple accommodation options, including eco-tourism camps and luxury lodges, and there are multiple safari trips on offer which are delivered by expert guides. The best time to go to this amazing part of the world is between July and October, as wildlife viewing is best during these months. 

Where To Stay:

As the name suggests, Desert Rhino Camp is the place to stay in order to see black rhinos and contribute to the protection of the species.  Tracking the desert-adapted rhino on foot in this stunning, rugged landscape is an experience not to be missed.

4. Ol Pejeta Conservancy, Kenya

If you want to see rhinos somewhere they are protected and looked after, then Ol Pejeta Conservancy in Kenya is the place for you to visit. Not only is it the largest black rhino sanctuary in East Africa (meaning you will have many an opportunity to see a black rhino here), it is also home to the last two remaining northern white rhinos in the world.

The Ol Pejeta Conservancy's efforts to protect these animals are not going to waste; their work has helped Ol Pejeta’s black rhino population grow from just 20 in 1993, to over 110 today. Supporting this conservancy helps enormously to protect these fascinating animals which we get so much joy from seeing. Going here will allow you to not only see black rhinos (as well as the rest of the big five game and the other fantastic animals that reside here), but will allow you to protect them, and their existence in the future.

Where To Stay:

Stay at Kicheche Laikipia Camp for a classic tented camp experience and benefit from the great photographic opportunities from the camp’s specially customised safari vehicles.

5. Hluhluwe-Umfolozi Park, South Africa

Hluhluwe-Umfolozi Park is the oldest nature reserve in Africa. Since the area was first established as a park in 1895, it has become famous for its rich abundance of wildlife and its tireless conservation efforts. Thanks to these efforts, it is now home to approximately 1600 white rhinos, which is thought to be the largest population of these animals (per hectare) in the world.

It is also home to around 400 of the rarer black rhino, making this one of the best places to travel to in the world to catch a glimpse of these amazing animals. As well as rhinos, all of the other big five games also reside in the park, along with 86 “special species”, such as cheetah, hippo, giraffe, zebra, wildebeest and crocodile, and 340 species of bird. It is one of the best destinations in the world for wildlife viewing, and its conservation efforts to help protect rhinos makes it one of the best places to go and see them.

Where To Stay:

Include a stay at Rhino Ridge Safari Lodge in your Kwa Zulu Natal adventure and marvel at the huge numbers of rhinos found in the park.