According to Save the Rhino, it’s estimated that there were between 19,682 and 21,077 White rhinos and between 5,042 and 5,455 Black rhino species in Africa in the year 2017. In 2021, the White Rhino population
n stands at 17,212 to 18,915 and the Black Rhino population stands at 5,366 and 5,627 which is all thanks to the persistent efforts of conservation programs across Africa.
The theme of World Rhino Day this year is “Keep the Five Alive.” The topic was chosen with the vulnerable population in mind. The theme was chosen by wildlife activists around the world to raise public awareness about rhinoceros and to enlighten people about the problems and conservation improvements that are needed to preserve these rare animals alive for future generations.
If you’d like to see rhinos, here are the eight best places to spot rhinos in Southern Africa.
South Africa
Kruger National Park
The Kruger National Park is home to over 145 mammal species, including the Big Five. According to Kruger Park, it also boasts the world’s largest population of rhinos. According to a recent report by South Africa National Parks (SANParks), there are around 3,529 white rhinos and 268 black rhinos left in the Park. Why not see whether you can spot on yourself?
Rhino Safari itinerary example for Kruger National Park: 14-day Bespoke Safari in South Africa.
Sabi Sand Game Reserve
The Sabi Sand Game Reserve is located right next to Kruger National Park. There are no fences in between, meaning that the wildlife walks criss-cross in between both parks. Sabi Sands Game Reserve also offers outstanding views of rhinos. However, the black rhino is harder to spot than the white rhino.
Rhino Safari itinerary example for Sabi Sands Game Reserve: 5-day Sabi Sand Game Reserve Safari.
Hluhluwe Game Reserve
The Hluhluwe Game Reserve is home to a large rhino population. Besides the fact that the number of rhinos has actually decreased, intense conservation efforts they have managed to get the number up again.
Namibia
Etosha National Park
The Etosha National Park is home to a large salt pan and offers outstanding wildlife viewing as the animals gather around the many waterholes. This also includes the endangered rhino, you can spot them in the thicker vegetation areas of the park.
Rhino Safari itinerary example for Etosha National Park: 8-day Best of Namibia Self-drive tour.
Damaraland
Damaraland is an area with mountains and a desert. This area sometimes even doesn’t get any rain for years. Therefore, it is really remarkable that animals can survive here. Next to also being home to elephants, Damaraland is also home to the desert-adapted black rhino.
Rhino Safari itinerary example for Damaraland: 9-Day Desert to Coast Self-drive trip.
Botswana
Moremi Game Reserve
The Moremi Game Reserve is the protected part of the Okavango Delta. In the Mopane woodlands and open savannahs, you might have the highest chance to spot a Rhino.
Rhino Safari itinerary example for Moremi Game Reserve: 4-Day Delights of Moremi Game Reserve Safari.
Zimbabwe
Matusadona National Park
The Matusadona National Park is located along Lake Kariba. According to ZimParks, this lake was built to cause some ecological changes to feed the park and make it more accessible. This has also brought the park a wide range of wildlife, including rhinos.
Rhino Safari itinerary example for Matusadona National Park: 7-Day Wild Zimbabwe Safari.
Hwange National Park
Rhino Safari itinerary example for Hwange National Park: 9-Day Zimbabwe Water and Wildlife Safari.
Find out more on how you can help preserve the Rhino population here.
Author: Devryn Panaino
Published: 5 April 2017
Last Update: 30 January 2024