Where to see White Rhino in Namibia
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 |
Namibia is home to over 1,400 white rhinos, the second most after South Africa. The species was once widespread, outside arid areas, but by the 1880s had been hunted to extinction. Reintroduction began in 1975, with 16 individuals translocated from KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa, to Waterberg Plateau National Park, and continued from 1995 with translocations to Etosha, Namibia’s premier national park. The population has since thrived, increasing at 6.7% p/a from 2002 to 2021 - although poaching persists, with a recent spike in 2022. Today, three national parks hold around 24% of Namibia’s white rhinos. The rest are on some 85 privately managed ranches and conservancies.
±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 Namibia
Based on 325 reports by our travellers since May 2018, visitors at these camps in Namibia have the best chances of sighting white rhino .
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Best areas to see white rhinos in Namibia
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.
Namibia: white rhino hot spots
White rhinos occur towards the north of Namibia in areas that receive over 200mm rainfall p/a. You can thus see them in Etosha National Park and its surrounding conservancies, but not in the more arid terrain of Damaraland, known for its free-ranging populations of the smaller black rhino. South of Etosha, you can also find white rhinos on guided game drives though the scenic terrain of Waterberg Plateau National Park, where they were first reintroduced to Namibia. Elsewhere, numerous private ranches and conservancies offer easy white rhino viewing within secure, fenced areas. These include Okonjima, best known for its big cat conservation, Omaanda, near Windhoek, and Otjimbondona Kalahari, on the edge of the Kalahari. Many offer on-foot rhino tracking with an expert guide.
Our best Namibia holidays for white rhino sightings
Based on our travellers' reports, these ideas for Namibia safaris are likely to give the best white rhino sightings
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$4,440 - US$4,840 per person
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$8,860 - US$9,900 per person
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$8,900 - US$14,320 per person
Goshawk Fly-in Safari
12 days • 6 locations
WINDHOEK AIRPORT TO WINDHOEK AIRPORT
Discover Namibia’s remarkable landscapes, fascinating wildlife and unique cultures on this luxury adventure flying between a selection of the very best camps and lodges in the country.
US$12,030 - US$19,740 per person
Chongololo Self-drive Safari
21 days • 11 locations
WINDHOEK AIRPORT TO WINDHOEK AIRPORT
This self-drive safari focuses on the best walking experiences in Namibia. Get your boots ready for the apricot dunes of the Namib Desert and the ancient hills of Damaraland.
US$8,860 - US$9,920 per person
Hoopoe Fly-in Safari
11 days • 4 locations
WINDHOEK AIRPORT TO WINDHOEK AIRPORT
This relaxed fly-in safari reveals Namibia at its best. Generous timings and a wide choice of activities help travellers to enjoy the best of the country’s most spectacular areas.
US$7,100 - US$10,260 per person
Flamingo Fly-in Safari
6 days • 3 locations
WINDHOEK AIRPORT TO WINDHOEK AIRPORT
Short on time but big on experience, this luxury fly-in safari takes in Sossusvlei’s famous dunes and Etosha National Park’s captivating wildlife with stays at two excellent luxury lodges.
US$5,660 - US$6,760 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 .
