What are you looking for?

Last Updated: 10 January 2024

Ambitious Plan to Rewild 2000 Rhinos in the Next Decade

Matthys Van Aswegen Headshot

Written by  Gavin Denner

 • Travel Writer

Verified by  Matthys Van Aswegen

 •  Africa Safari Expert

Part of the South Africa Safari & Rwanda Safari Collections

As a species, the white rhino is under extreme pressure, mostly as a result of poaching for their horns and the illegal wildlife trade. Southern white rhino reached a record low of 30-40 individuals in the 1930s, but thanks to conservation efforts their numbers bounced back to 20,000 animals by 2012. 

This number, however, has declined to below 13,000 today. Now an ambitious project is underway to rewild 2000 captive rhinos over the next decade.

A curios white rhino.
A curios white rhino.

African Parks, a conservation NGO that manages 22 protected areas in partnership with 12 governments across Africa, has recently acquired what was once the world’s largest private captive rhino breeding operation.

The 7,800-hectare property in the North West province of South Africa holds 2000 white rhino at present – that’s up to 15% of the world’s remaining wild population.

Southern white rhino grazing.
Southern white rhino grazing.

The organization’s extensive experience in effectively managing protected areas and carrying out wildlife translocations at scale puts them in a unique position to help avert a conservation crisis, with rhinos being a species in rapid decline.

In previous projects, African Parks has successfully brought rhino back to Rwanda, Malawi, and the Democratic Republic of Congo. 

A large white rhino.
A large white rhino.

“We fully recognize the moral imperative of finding a solution for these animals.” Peter Fearnhead, CEO of African Parks

In one of the largest continent-wide rewilding endeavors ever to occur for any species, the previous operation’s breeding program will be phased out and the remaining 2000 rhinos will be rewilded to well-managed and secure areas across Africa.

Southern White Rhino grazing on the open savannah.
Southern White Rhino grazing on the open savannah of South Africa.

Plans for the animals include establishing or supplementing strategic populations. The project will conclude once all the rhinos are released into the wild, thereby de-risking the future of the species.

“The conservation sector is delighted that African Parks can provide a credible solution for this important population, and a significant lifeline for this Near Threatened species,” said Dr. Mike Knight, Chairman of the IUCN Africa Rhino Specialist Group.

 

Written by  Gavin Denner

 • Travel Writer

Team Member Headshot

Verified by  Matthys Van Aswegen

 •  Africa Safari Expert

Matthys is a Senior Travel Consultant, with over 18 years experience in the travel industry and a keen eye for photography.

Discover the African Journey that’s Right for You

Discover Africa Through Travellers' Stories

These stories capture the real magic of Africa – where every journey becomes a chapter worth sharing.

The true magic, though, is with the people. They’re not just staff; they’re my friends, my family.

JJ Towler

United States

Matthys Van Aswegen

JJ Towler's journey was crafted with the expertise of Matthys Van Aswegen

I went to Africa to help my parents check a box, but I returned with a new perspective on my own life. Africa is no longer a "someday" destination for me; it’s a "must-return".

Steven

United States

Vihann Van Wyk

Steven's journey was crafted with the expertise of Vihann Van Wyk

We trusted our guide implicitly as we sat mere metres from elephants, lions, and hippos.

Cathy & Debb

Canada

Vihann Van Wyk

Cathy & Debb's journey was crafted with the expertise of Vihann Van Wyk

The Serengeti offered us sights we had never witnessed before, such as the surreal image of lions lounging high in the trees

Cathy & Nat

Canada

What Our Guests Have to Say?

Read recent reviews from travellers who have planned and booked their trips with us

star-iconstar-iconstar-iconstar-iconstar-icon
Safari Bookings review

"I contacted Chrizaan after my tour operator in the UK went into liquidation 3 weeks before we were suppose to travel. Asking if you could help me to rebook the Camps, Hotels and As Dunas. This Lady went above and beyond what you would consider helping noth..."

John Walker, United Kingdom•13 Oct 2026•

Read More
star-iconstar-iconstar-iconstar-iconstar-icon
Trustpilot review

"We initially felt quite overwhelmed by the number of different tours, lodges and options available when planning an African adventure, so we decided to speak with Discover Africa to help us create a memorable trip. We are so glad we did! Chrizaan took th..."

Leanne & Cassie, Australia•18 Aug 2026•

Read More
star-iconstar-iconstar-iconstar-iconstar-icon
Google review

"I worked with Justin Van Wyk at Discover Africa Safaris to arrange safaris in Zimbabwe and Botswana, including a stop at Victoria Falls, for two of my children and me. The safaris were exquisite, and Justin was phenomenal—professional, responsive, and detai..."

Bill Reid, United States•24 Jul 2026•

Read More
star-iconstar-iconstar-iconstar-iconstar-icon
Trustpilot review

"I have just returned from my third African safari organised by Discover Africa, and once again Susan did an outstanding job of planning every detail. The journey began at my favourite destination, Kruger National Park, where the wildlife experiences were..."

Gary Lowen, Australia•18 Jul 2026•

Read More
star-iconstar-iconstar-iconstar-iconstar-icon

"I contacted a few agency, Discover Africa was fast to respond. Every steps of the way in planning to the very end of departure, all things were planned with precise accuracy. Adelle was always in communication and ready to help and answer everything. Fra..."

Boaz Leung, United States•21 Feb 2026•

Read More
star-iconstar-iconstar-iconstar-iconstar-icon

"Magic tour, the most beautiful sunset I have ever seen in all my life, I really love this ancestral land: nature, wise animals, and humans with very big heart."

Griselda Woo Gonzalez, Mexico•12 Nov 2025•

Read More
View All Testimonials

Our safari traveller reviews are independently verified and sourced from trusted third-party review platforms.