Where to see White Rhino in Botswana
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.
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
The top camps for seeing white rhino in Botswana
Based on 32 reports by our travellers since May 2018, visitors at these camps in Botswana have the best chances of sighting white rhino .
Best chances to see
Good chances to see
Some sightings
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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.
Our best Botswana holidays for white rhino sightings
Based on our travellers' reports, these ideas for Botswana safaris are likely to give the best white rhino sightings
Wildcat Safari
4 days • 2 locations
MAUN AIRPORT TO MAUN AIRPORT
A short, high-quality safari staying at two lavish camps with excellent hospitality and guiding standards. The journey takes you from the wildlife-rich, lush Okavango Delta to dry open plains split by the meandering Selinda Spillway.
US$9,070 - US$17,570 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$6,460 - US$8,220 per person
Kudu Safari
7 days • 2 locations
MAUN AIRPORT TO MAUN AIRPORT
A luxury Botswana safari exploring the Okavango Delta staying at Nxebega Camp and the stunning Sandibe Lodge, with excellent guiding and some of the most prolific wildlife viewing anywhere in Africa.
US$8,730 - US$21,060 per person
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$6,830 - US$10,310 per person
Spring Hare Safari
9 days • 3 locations
KASANE AIRPORT TO MAUN AIRPORT
An authentic and diverse safari to Botswana combining the Chobe Forest Reserve, Savuti Marshes and the Okavango Delta. Strong wildlife viewing, a variety of activities and excellent value camps.
US$7,290 - US$13,320 per person
More information about white rhino in our other destinations
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