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White Rhino
Asset 18

White Rhino

White Rhinos in Africa

The white rhino is the largest and most numerous of the world’s five rhinoceros species. More visible and approachable than the black rhino, it survives today thanks to over a century of intensive conservation.


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Quick facts about White Rhino

Scientific name: Ceratotherium simum Habitat: Woodland savannah
IUCN status: Near Threatened Adult weight: 1,800–2,700kg

The white rhino is the world’s largest land animal after the elephants and, on average, nearly twice the weight of the black rhino. ‘White’ does not describe its colour, which is grey, but may derive from the Dutch word wijd and refer to its ‘wide’ mouth – an adaptation for grazing.

Other features that distinguish it from the black rhino include a huge head, invariably held low, a humped shoulder and a fin-like ridge on the spine. White rhinos form small groups of females and young that graze regular ‘lawns’.

Adult bulls are solitary, and mark their territories using large dung middens. Female produce a single calf, born without a horn, roughly every three years.


±18,000

Population (IUCN, 2018)

50km/h

Max. speed

±50 years

Life expectancy

205cm

Record horn length

Africa's top camps for seeing white rhinos

Based on 575 reports by our travellers since May 2018, the camps below have the best chances of sighting white rhinos. Simply follow the key below.


Best chances to see

Good chances to see

Some sightings

No sightings yet

Top 10 camps for white rhino

% of travellers who saw white rhino

Top 10 camps for white rhino

% of travellers who saw white rhino

Where to see white rhinos in Africa

The vast majority of white rhinos are in southern Africa – notably South Africa, both in national parks and private reserves. Reasonably approachable by vehicle, they may also be tracked on foot.


Top tips for viewing white rhinos

All today’s white rhinos trace their origins to South Africa’s KwaZulu-Natal, the final retreat of the species by 1900. The reserves here, together with the Kruger Park, still support most of today’s population, but the species has also been reintroduced to selected reserves in Botswana, Namibia, Zimbabwe, Eswatini and Kenya.

Wherever white rhinos occur, conservationists maintain tight security against the ongoing poaching threat. Good viewing is typically around waterholes, where the animals drink daily, or at mud wallows, where they cool off during the midday heat.

This species is reasonably docile and more tolerant than black rhino of vehicles. Guided walking trails also offer thrilling encounters and allow you to explore rhino terrain, with its rubbing posts, wallows, dung middens and other tell-tale signs.

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Holiday ideas to see white rhinos

Based on our travellers experiences, these are the holidays which will give you the best chances of good white rhino sightings


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Hartebeest Self-drive Safari

16 days • 8 locations
WINDHOEK AIRPORT TO WINDHOEK AIRPORT

This self-drive safari focuses on the best cultural experiences in Namibia. Visit a Himba village and enjoy three days living with the San Bushmen interspersed with some excellent wildlife watching.

US$4,420 - US$4,830 per person

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Brown Hyena Self-drive

14 days • 8 locations
WINDHOEK AIRPORT TO WINDHOEK AIRPORT

The perfect trip for those who want to mix the adventure and freedom of a self-drive with some of our favourite luxury camps in Namibia and a great mix of activities.

US$8,770 - US$9,880 per person

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Golden Monkey Safari

12 days • 5 locations
KIGALI AIRPORT TO KIGALI AIRPORT

Combine four key areas of Rwanda on this excellent-value trip, for a true wildlife and cultural experience. The perfect itinerary for those who want to see all the highlights of Rwanda.

US$10,190 - US$12,170 per person

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Rock Agama Self-drive Safari

9 days • 6 locations
WINDHOEK AIRPORT TO WINDHOEK AIRPORT

Big on experience and light on time, this self-drive trip packs in Namibia’s highlights while staying in a selection of luxury camps and lodges for an unforgettable 10 days.

US$8,570 - US$14,300 per person

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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$10,360 - US$14,130 per person

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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$11,720 - US$17,830 per person

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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

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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

View all holidays to Africa

Our top destinations for white rhinos

Click below for detailed information about white rhinos in these countries, including our latest sightings data from the camps and lodges there.


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