Black Rhino in Kenya
Kenya – home to black, southern white and the last two northern white rhinos – is one of the best countries in East Africa to see these iconic animals. Search for them by vehicle or head out on foot or on horseback.
Quick facts about Black Rhino
| Scientific name: | Diceros bicornis | Habitat: | Scrub & open woodland |
|---|---|---|---|
| IUCN status: | Critically Endangered | Adult weight: | 800–1,400kg |
Kenya’s black rhino is the eastern subspecies, Diceros bicornis michaeli. Kenya represents a black rhino success story. By the mid-1980s, this once abundant species had been reduced to a population of fewer than 300, devastated by a combination of historic big game hunting, reprisal killings by evicted pastoralists and poaching for the illegal horn trade. Today, numbers have risen to just over 1,000 - Africa’s third highest population after Namibia and South Africa. This success reflects an intensive conservation programme, including the creation of fenced rhino sanctuaries and multiple translocations – notably to private conservancies on the Laikipia Plateau. The goal now is to reach a population of 2,000 by 2037.
1.6m
HEIGHT
3,500m
MAX ALTITUDE
30–35 years
LONGEVITY
7.7km2
TERRITORY SIZE
Kenya's top camps for seeing black rhinos
Based on 218 reports since May 2018, the camps below have the best chance of seeing black rhinos. Simply follow the key below.
Best chances to see
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Best areas to see black rhinos in Kenya
Kenya is home to some 900 eastern black rhinos. Reliably good sightings can be had in Nairobi and Meru national parks, and several conservancies in Laikipia and northern Kenya.
Kenya: black rhino hot spots
Today black rhinos occur in over 16 locations across Kenya, all under intensive protection. Over half the population is in the private conservancies of the Laikipia Plateau, including Lewa, Ol Pejeta, Kicheche, Loisaba and Borana. This is where sightings are perhaps the most reliable – although, as everywhere, the animal remains much shyer than its white rhino cousin. Kenya’s only remaining fully indigenous population (untouched by translocation) is in the Maasai Mara National Reserve, where some 35–50 individuals roam the savannah, sometimes crossing the Tanzania border into Serengeti National Park. Some other national parks now incorporate fenced rhino sanctuaries within their borders. These include Meru National Park, Tsavo East National Park, Nakuru National Park and Nairobi National Park, where you can see wild black rhinos within sight of the capital.
Holiday ideas to see black rhinos in Kenya
These trip ideas include places that will give you a chance of seeing black rhinos in Kenya
Lanner Falcon Fly-In Safari
8 days • 3 locations
NAIROBI AIRPORT TO NAIROBI AIRPORT
Three sister camps offer access to wonderfully remote regions across northern Kenya and the Maasai Mara ecosystem. Enjoy an exclusive safari experience focused on great wildlife, superb guiding and considerable comfort, with a range of activities.
US$7,140 - US$8,400 per person
Golden Jackal Fly-in Safari
8 days • 2 locations
NAIROBI AIRPORT TO NAIROBI AIRPORT
A contrasting safari of a lodge and a tented camp, with action-packed activities in Laikipia and wildlife-filled game drives in the Maasai Mara, offers a consistently high-quality experience.
US$11,040 - US$14,130 per person
Rothschild Giraffe Safari
8 days • 3 locations
NAIROBI AIRPORT TO NAIROBI AIRPORT
A example of a luxury Kenyan safari, starting at the iconic Giraffe Manor before fabulous stays on the spectacular Solio Reserve and Sala’s Camp in a remote corner of the Maasai Mara.
US$12,650 - US$17,830 per person
Big Cat Fly-in Safari
8 days • 2 locations
NAIROBI AIRPORT TO NAIROBI AIRPORT
Combining two of Kenya’s best wildlife-viewing areas, this slow-paced safari to the Lewa Conservancy and Maasai Mara guarantees iconic wildlife. The long-established, well-rated camps are great value, too.
US$5,690 - US$8,850 per person
Tawny Eagle Fly-in Safari
7 days • 2 locations
NAIROBI AIRPORT TO NAIROBI AIRPORT
Explore Laikipia and the Maasai Mara ecosystem with stays in the Ol Pejeta and Naboisho conservancies. Two smart yet authentically rustic bush camps provide a traditional safari experience, offering a high standard of guiding and excellent level of care.
US$4,560 - US$8,630 per person
African Hawk-Eagle Fly-in Safari
7 days • 2 locations
NAIROBI AIRPORT TO NAIROBI AIRPORT
Two luxurious camps provide relatively quiet game-viewing within Laikipia and the Mara ecosystem. Situated on private conservancies, both Lewa Wilderness and Naboisho offer the chance to sight all of the "Big 5" and to enjoy a range of safari activities.
US$9,360 - US$16,430 per person
African Finfoot Fly-in Safari
7 days • 3 locations
NAIROBI AIRPORT TO NAIROBI AIRPORT
After a unique start in Nairobi National Park, classic, luxurious camps combine for a high-end and exclusive safari in fantastic wildlife destinations.
US$11,230 - US$17,340 per person
Purple Grenadier Fly-In Safari
6 days • 2 locations
NAIROBI AIRPORT TO NAIROBI AIRPORT
Fantastic guiding from intimate, well-run mid-range tented camps, in superb conservancy locations: this safari is all about making the most of the incredible wildlife in Laikipia and the Maasai Mara.
US$6,390 - US$8,800 per person
Black Kite Fly-in Safari
10 days • 4 locations
NAIROBI AIRPORT TO NAIROBI AIRPORT
Explore Kenya in-depth with visits to Nairobi and Meru national parks, the Mara Conservancies and Amboseli. Nestled in remoter regions, four camps provide fantastic access to rich game, a range of activities and beautifully diverse landscapes.
US$10,410 - US$14,150 per person
Gabar Goshawk Fly-in Safari
7 days • 3 locations
NAIROBI AIRPORT TO NAIROBI AIRPORT
Experience Amboseli and Laikipia during this economically priced safari. Two simple camps offer adventure before a stopover in Nairobi and a final stay in the charming, wildlife-rich Il Ngwesi Eco-Lodge.
US$6,580 - US$6,580 per person
Our top destinations for black rhinos
Read tips for spotting black rhinos in these countries and the best camps and lodges for sightings
