While black rhinos in Africa once numbered over 100,000, their population is now around 5,000, making them critically endangered. Black rhinos are generally most active during the night-time when they forage and drink, making them harder to spot than other animals. They are also solitary, and are known for being shyer and more aggressive than white rhinos. Their habitat is mainly throughout southern and eastern Africa, but to spot them, you have to know where to go. Here are some of the places where you can still see black rhinos in Africa.
Ol Pejeta Conservancy, Kenya
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Covering over 90,000 acres, this not-for-profit wildlife conservancy in Nanyuki, Kenya has the largest and fastest growing population of rhinos in Africa. It boasts 80 black rhinos, along with the last male northern white rhino in the world. Early morning game drives are the best time to see the rhinos, and they aren’t difficult to find at all. But if you do happen to miss them on your safari, you can still go and help feed Baraka, a blind rhino that is kept in an enclosure as an ambassador to the park. If you’re in East Africa, it’s your best bet for seeing the majestic beasts.
Damaraland, Namibia
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Damaraland is home to the largest free-roaming population of black rhinos in Africa, although the vast area makes them somewhat hard to spot. Rhinos are best located in the 450,000 Palmwag Concession, where they have adapted to the desert environment. The rhinos in the park are protected by Save the Rhino Trust, an organization that was started two decades ago by Namibian citizens to guard what was left of the vulnerable rhino population in southern Africa.
Selous Game Reserve, Tanzania
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Like Ol Pejeta, Selous is home to one of the largest populations of black rhino in east Africa. It isn’t visited as much as the Serengeti, but it is four times the size. Rhino populations are currently increasing in the park, despite decades of poaching that drastically reduced their numbers. Only 10% of the park is open for tourism, while the rest is reserved for hunting and research. Not many travelers make it down to Selous due to its remote location, but those that do are in for a treat.
