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According to Save the Rhino, it’s estimated that there were between 19,682 and 21,077 white rhinos and between 5,042 and 5,455 black rhino species in Africa in the year 2017. Currently in 2025, the white rhino population stands at 17,464 and the black rhino population stands at 6,421 which is all thanks to the persistent efforts of conservation programmes across Africa. Here are the eight best places to see rhinos in southern Africa:
South Africa
Conservation and rhino protection is a cornerstone of South African safari tourism, which has helped rhino populations thrive in national parks.
Kruger National Park
The Kruger National Park is home to over 145 mammal species, including the Big Five. According to Kruger Park, it also boasts the world’s largest population of rhinos. According to a recent report by South Africa National Parks (SANParks), there are around 3,529 white rhinos and 268 black rhinos left in the Park. Why not see whether you can spot on yourself?
Rhino safari itinerary example for Kruger National Park: 11-day Bespoke Safari in South Africa.
Sabi Sand Game Reserve
The Sabi Sand Game Reserve is located right next to Kruger National Park. There are no fences in between, meaning that the wildlife walks criss-cross in between both parks. Sabi Sands Game Reserve also offers outstanding views of rhinos. However, the black rhino is harder to spot than the white rhino.
Rhino safari itinerary example for Sabi Sands Game Reserve: 5-day Sabi Sand Game Reserve Safari.
Hluhluwe Game Reserve
The Hluhluwe Game Reserve is home to a large rhino population. Besides the fact that the number of rhinos has actually decreased, with intense conservation efforts, they have managed to get the number up again.
Namibia
The arid desert environment of Namibia holds almost a third of the continent’s black rhino population.
Etosha National Park
The Etosha National Park is home to a large salt pan and offers outstanding wildlife viewing as the animals gather around the many waterholes. This also includes the endangered rhino, you can spot them in the thicker vegetation areas of the park.
Rhino safari itinerary example for Etosha National Park: 13-day Best of Namibia Private Guided Tour.
Damaraland
Damaraland is an area with mountains and a desert. This area sometimes even doesn’t get any rain for years. Therefore, it is really remarkable that animals can survive here. Next to also being home to elephants, Damaraland is also home to the desert-adapted black rhino.
Rhino safari itinerary example for Damaraland: 10-Day Namibia Highlights Group Tour.
Botswana
Moremi Game Reserve
The Moremi Game Reserve is the protected part of the Okavango Delta. In the Mopane woodlands and open savannahs, you might have the highest chance to spot a rhino.
Zimbabwe
Thanks to dedicated conservation efforts, Zimbabwe has again become a home to thriving rhino populations.
Matusadona National Park
The Matusadona National Park is located along Lake Kariba. According to ZimParks, this lake was built to cause some ecological changes to feed the park and make it more accessible. This has also brought the park a wide range of wildlife, including rhinos.
Find out more on how you can help preserve the rhino population here.
Written by Paula Rabeling
• Travel Writer
Verified by Devryn Panaino
• Africa Safari Expert
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Written by Paula Rabeling
• Travel Writer
Verified by Devryn Panaino
• Africa Safari Expert
Part of the South Africa Safari & Rhino Safaris Collections