Rhino Renaissance Campaign: South Africa’s Plan to Save Rhinos in Kruger

Once home to over 20,000 rhinos, South Africa now finds itself in the midst of a conservation crisis. Decades of relentless poaching and habitat loss have driven rhino populations into steep decline – not just nationally, but across the African continent. Today, the white rhino is listed as Near Threatened, while its cousin, the black rhino, remains Critically Endangered, according to the IUCN Red List.

What’s the Rhino Renaissance Campaign?

The newly launched Rhino Renaissance Campaign is a project that aims to increase the Kruger National Park’s rhino population from 2,000 to over 12,000 within the next decade. It comes as a coordinated national response to the ongoing threat of rhino poaching.

South Africa’s Minister of Forestry, Fisheries, and Environment (DFFE), Dion George, remarked at the official launch that it’s not just about protecting rhinos but also about protecting livelihoods, family legacies, and the possibilities of green jobs for the next generation.

“This work does not stand alone. We are fighting wildlife crime on every front. Our National Integrated Strategy to Combat Wildlife Trafficking is anchored in the Medium-Term Development Plan, the country’s roadmap for the next five years,” explains George.

The campaign itself is grounded in 24/7 rhino tracking, biological management (such as targeted dehorning, DNA tagging, and genetic research), and enforcement cooperation across provincial, national, and regional levels. It’s part of one of South Africa’s G20 Legacy Projects, aiming to rally global support – both diplomatic and financial – to expand this work.

“This strategy brings together key government departments – including my department, Police, Justice, Border Management, Intelligence, South African National Parks (SANParks), and the provincial conservation entities – in a united, multidisciplinary response. It also builds strong partnerships with the private sector, civil society, and communities on the ground,” says the Minister.

Decline in Rhino Poaching

Partly due to the increase in conservation work – such as dehorning – annual statistics have revealed a remarkable reduction in poaching in 2025 compared to 2024. At least 195 rhinos have been poached as of June 2025, a reduction of 35 compared to the same period in 2024.

“Once nearly extinct, the white rhino population stood at fewer than 100 individuals in the early 20th century. But South Africa acted. Through protected areas, community partnerships, and the hard work of rangers and conservationists, the species was brought back from the brink,” says George.

Other Plans to Save Rhinos in South Africa

The campaign has already produced outstanding results and has many more plans in the name of rhino conservation. This includes:

• The relocation of 2,000 rhinos from African Parks to safe havens across the country.
• Growing rhino populations in Munywana Conservancy and others through rewilding.
• Cross-border work across the Greater Limpopo Transfrontier Conservation Area, which spans over Mozambique, South Africa, and Zimbabwe.
• Creation of safe havens in Rwanda, Uganda, Kenya, Tanzania, and Botswana, such as the relocation of 70 rhinos to Rwanda’s Akagera National Park from South Africa in May 2025.
• Enhanced collaboration between the government and private wildlife owners in Integrated Wildlife Zones.

The Rhino Renaissance Campaign represents a pivotal moment in South Africa’s conservation efforts. By combining innovative strategies like 24/7 tracking and biological management with strong partnerships across government, the private sector, and communities, the campaign is reversing the tide of poaching and fostering a renewed hope for the future of rhinos.

Best Places to See Rhinos on Safari

Rhinos once roamed most of the African continent. Unfortunately, they’re now extinct in most of their historic ranges. Thankfully, there are still pockets of wild spaces that are home to these magnificent creatures – destinations you can visit on safari.

South Africa has the largest population of both black and white rhinos in Africa. And although they can be challenging to spot, a South African Big Five safari gives you a good chance to see them. Below is a list of parks and reserves where you might see rhinos while on a South African safari:

• Balule Game Reserve, part of the Great Kruger region
• Phinda Private Game Reserve
• Kwandwe Private Game Reserve

With ambitious plans for population growth and cross-border collaboration, South Africa is leading the way in demonstrating that through collective action and dedication, even the most threatened species can be brought back from the brink.