Where to see Black Rhino in South Africa

Quick facts about Black Rhino

South Africa’s black rhino population of just over 2,000 is Africa’s second highest after Namibia’s. This population comprises two subspecies: the southwestern black rhino (Diceros bicornis bicornis) occurs mostly in the south and west; the south-central black rhino (D. b. minor) more in the north and east. The indigenous population of the Kruger Park has been boosted by reintroductions but also hard hit by poaching. Today, poaching still takes a heavy toll in Hluhluwe-Imfolozi and other parks in KwaZulu-Natal, the country’s other historical stronghold. Extensive translocations since 2003 have seen 15 new black rhino populations established elsewhere, many in private reserves and under secure protection. Today, numbers nationwide are slowly increasing.

South Africa: black rhino hot spots

At the last count (2023 census), there were 210 black rhinos in the Kruger National Park, the country’s flagship reserve, but you’d be very lucky to see one here. Sightings are similarly tricky in the thick bush of KwaZulu-Natal, although several reserves, including Hluhluwe-Imfolozi, Ithala and uMkhuze, all offer decent chance. Other national parks with black rhinos include Mapungubwe National Park in the far north, and Addo Elephant National Park and Mountain Zebra National Park in the south. Sightings are generally more reliable in private reserves, where reintroduced populations enjoy intensive protection and guides often know the rhinos’ whereabouts. Madikwe and Tswalu, on the edge of the Kalahari, are both a good bet. In the Eastern Cape, Samara, Kwandwe and Shamwari offer similar potential, as does Phinda Game Reserve in KwaZulu-Natal.