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 |
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 Namibia
Based on 319 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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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 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$4,410 - US$4,830 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$8,770 - US$9,870 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$8,560 - US$14,290 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$13,100 - US$19,340 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$8,230 - US$9,890 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$7,080 - US$10,240 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$5,330 - US$6,740 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 .
