Where to see Black Rhino in Zimbabwe
The black rhino is the smaller and rarer of Africa’s two rhino species but has the more fearsome reputation. Shy and heavily persecuted, it tends to stick to cover.
Quick facts about Black Rhino
| Scientific name: | Diceros bicornis | Habitat: | Scrub & open woodland |
|---|---|---|---|
| IUCN status: | Critically Endangered | Adult weight: | 800–1,400kg |
Zimbabwe shows what can be achieved through rhino conservation. In 1987, with poaching rampant across Africa, the country held more black rhinos than any other. Sadly, this didn’t last. By the late 1990s, the species had almost disappeared from its Zambezi Valley strongholds, with only a scattered handful elsewhere. Before it vanished, however, a number of individuals were translocated to reserves in the south-eastern lowveld. This reintroduction programme has continued and today there is a growing population in this region, all under intensive protection. Zimbabwe’s population of over 600 black rhinos (as of 2023) is now the fourth highest in Africa.
±5,500
Current population
1.3 m
Record horn length
50 km/h
Max. speed
16 months
Gestation period
The top camps for seeing black rhino in Zimbabwe
Based on 2 reports by our travellers since Jul 2021, visitors at these camps in Zimbabwe have the best chances of sighting black rhino.
Best chances to see
Good chances to see
Some sightings
No sightings yet
Best areas to see black rhinos in Zimbabwe
Black rhinos occur in only a handful of protected areas in east and southern Africa. Your best chance of spotting one is at a waterhole or on foot with a tracker.
Zimbabwe: black rhino hot spots
The most reliable place to see a black rhino in Zimbabwe is in the private conservancies of the southeastern ‘lowveld’ region, notably Save Valley, Malilangwe and Bubye Valley. National parks have very few – although in 2021 over 50 were reintroduced to Gonarezhou National Park, also in the southeast, where the species was eradicated in the 1940s (a 1970s reintroduction having subsequently failed), and they are now doing well here. Elsewhere, there are a handful in Hwange National Park (Sinamatella region) and Matobo National Park (Whovi region), and you can also see them in Victoria Falls Private Game Reserve. African Parks plans to reintroduce black rhinos to Matusadona National Park in 2025. This was their last stronghold in the Zambezi Valley, where the species was once abundant. With adequate protection, they could thrive here again.
Our best Zimbabwe holidays for black rhino sightings
Based on our travellers' reports, these ideas for Zimbabwe safaris are likely to give the best black rhino sightings
Pygmy Mouse Self-drive Safari
18 days • 10 locations
WINDHOEK AIRPORT TO VICTORIA FALLS AIRPORT
A truly epic southern African self-drive safari adventure from Namibia’s mountains and deserts, along the lush Caprivi Strip to Botswana and Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe, staying at luxury lodges throughout.
US$8,700 - US$10,400 per person
Rock Hare Self-drive Safari
20 days • 12 locations
WINDHOEK AIRPORT TO VICTORIA FALLS AIRPORT
An in-depth look at Namibia from the Namib Desert to the Caprivi, with additional stops in Botswana and Victoria Falls. This three-week adventure includes an unrivalled mix of environments and is great value.
US$6,560 - US$8,330 per person
The Highlights of Africa
17 days • 7 locations
CAPE TOWN AIRPORT TO KIGALI AIRPORT
An epic adventure taking in some of Africa’s most incredible sights and wildlife experiences, from Cape Town to the Okavango Delta, Victoria Falls, the Maasai Mara and an encounter with mountain gorillas.
US$16,280 - US$19,680 per person
Sable Self-drive Safari
12 days • 7 locations
WINDHOEK AIRPORT TO VICTORIA FALLS AIRPORT
A great-value southern African self-drive adventure from Namibia along the Caprivi Strip to Botswana and Zimbabwe, combining other-worldly landscapes, unforgettable wildlife spectacles and rarely visited places, and ending at Victoria Falls.
US$7,680 - US$9,270 per person
Leopard Safari
13 days • 4 locations
VICTORIA FALLS AIRPORT TO CAPE TOWN AIRPORT
Victoria Falls, Botswana and Cape Town – a classic southern African itinerary combining luxury, wilderness, safari and culture. We can't think of a better way to spend two weeks.
US$13,430 - US$17,990 per person
Great Egret Safari
12 days • 4 locations
MAUN AIRPORT TO VICTORIA FALLS AIRPORT
This wonderfully varied adventure combines Botswana's Okavango Delta and a live-aboard houseboat safari on the Chobe River, with big game in Zimbabwe's dry Hwange National Park and the stupendous Victoria Falls.
US$10,360 - US$17,410 per person
Nyala Safari
10 days • 3 locations
VICTORIA FALLS AIRPORT TO VICTORIA FALLS AIRPORT
A superb luxury safari in iconic Hwange and Mana Pools national parks, staying in a pair of the finest safari camps in Zimbabwe, with a grand finale at Victoria Falls
US$12,060 - US$16,260 per person
Grysbok Safari
9 days • 3 locations
VICTORIA FALLS AIRPORT TO HARARE AIRPORT
Discover three of Zimbabwe’s iconic destinations in style, flying between Hwange, Mana Pools and Lake Kariba on this varied safari adventure staying at authentic yet luxurious camps.
US$11,070 - US$16,110 per person
More information about black rhino in our other destinations
Click here for detailed information about black rhino in other countries, including the places for sighting black rhino.
