Where to see White Rhino in Rwanda

Quick facts about White Rhino

The white rhino is not native to Rwanda. However, on 27 November 2021 the country received 30 southern white rhinos in what was then the largest single rhino translocation ever attempted. The rhinos were translocated to Akagera National Park from KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. Akagera lies on Rwanda’s western border and protects the country’s only extensive savannah habitat suitable for white rhinos. The park was in steady decline until 2010, when African Parks took over management and began an ambitious restocking programme, which included rhinos of both species. Today, with tight security and regular monitoring, they are doing well.

Rwanda: white rhino hot spots

To see white rhinos in Rwanda you must visit Akagera National Park, on the border with Tanzania. This highly scenic park protects central Africa’s largest wetland, and is the one area of this otherwise hilly country that still offers the extensive savannah the species requires. Today, some 30 white rhinos roam the park, relocated alongside a similar number of black rhinos; indeed, this is one of the few places in Africa where you might see the two species together. White rhinos are often seen on game drives and on Kilala Plain, towards the north of the park, you can now track them on foot with armed guides. You might even see them on a hot air balloon ride - one of many new activities now available in this rehabilitated park.