Where to see White Rhino in Kenya
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 not indigenous to Kenya, yet the country’s population of around 870 is now Africa’s third highest. This represents a steady growth from the 51 rhinos originally translocated from South Africa between 1965 and 1992. The first translocated rhinos went to Lake Nakuru and Meru national parks. Since then, the private conservancies on the Laikipia Plateau have become Kenya’s white rhino stronghold. One conservancy, Ol Pejeta, is also home to the last two surviving individuals of the northern white rhino – a distinct subspecies from the southern white rhino that occurs everywhere else. Sadly, as both are female, this race is now functionally extinct.
±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 Kenya
Based on 168 reports by our travellers since Jul 2018, visitors at these camps in Kenya have the best chances of sighting white rhino .
Best chances to see
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Best areas to see white rhinos in Kenya
Although the vast majority of white rhinos are in southern Africa – notably South Africa - they can still be seen in other countries. Reasonably approachable by vehicle, they may also be tracked on foot.
Kenya: white rhino hot spots
Most of Kenya’s white rhinos live in the well-protected private conservancies of the Laikipia Plateau, including Lewa, Ol Pejeta, Kicheche, Solio and Borana. Here, the animals are easily found on the open grasslands, and many lodges offer on-foot guided rhino tracking. At Ol Pejeta, you can also see Najin and Fatu, the world’s two last surviving northern white rhinos. As the Laikipia population grows, it has provided rhinos to help boost the smaller populations elsewhere – including at Lake Nakuru National Park, where white rhinos may appear against a backdrop of the lake’s famous flamingoes, and Meru National Park, where around 30 live inside a fenced special protection zone. Other reserves with white rhinos include Ruma National Park, on the shores of Lake Victoria, and Emakoko Conservancy, outside Nairobi.
Our best Kenya holidays for white rhino sightings
Based on our travellers' reports, these ideas for Kenya safaris are likely to give the best white rhino sightings
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
Peregrine Falcon Fly-In Safari
6 days • 2 locations
NAIROBI AIRPORT TO NAIROBI AIRPORT
Discover two of Kenya’s quieter wildlife havens with visits to Meru National Park and Mara North Conservancy. Top-quality sister camps provide considerable comfort and a range of activities by which to explore the game-rich surroundings.
US$7,840 - US$8,980 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$16,330 - US$19,740 per person
More information about white rhino in our other destinations
Click here for detailed information about white rhino in other countries, including the places for sighting white rhino .
