Where to See Rhinos in Africa on Safari?
One of the rarest animals in the world, seeing a rhino in the wild is a truly special experience that few people get to enjoy. In our opinion, there is no better way to do it than on a horse safari. Our team of safari experts have all been incredibly fortunate to see rhinos from horseback, and it’s an indescribable feeling of elation and awe… And all our our guests feel the same, with many of them admitting to tearing up when seeing them for the first time.
What truly makes this experience exceptional is the almost symbiotic relationship between the horses and the rhinos you encounter. Unlike the big, noisy 4x4s of a typical safari, horses aren’t seen as a threat by rhinos. Instead of encroaching on their space, on horseback, you stop at a respectful distance, allowing them to approach you. In their naturally inquisitive way, these “chubby unicorns” usually come closer to investigate, often coming nose to nose with the lead horses! It’s so incredible to see how the horses and rhinos respect each other, and the guides always ensure that the rhinos have a positive encounter with the horses. This offers the most intimate encounters with these majestic creatures in the most natural and unobtrusive way.
So, you might wonder where rhinos can be found and where you can see them on our horse-riding safaris. In this blog, we’ll highlight the best places to see rhinos in Africa and explore our horseback safaris in top rhino safari destinations. Plus, we’ll answer a few FAQs about rhinos in Africa.
TOP 5 DESTINATION TO SEE RHINOS ON HORSEBACK
All photos by Andrew Yates
1. South Africa
South Africa is many people’s first choice when it comes to a safari of any kind. With the widest selection of horse safaris of any country in Africa, it’s one of the best rhino viewing safari destinations for first-timers, and often a place safari addicts return to. What’s more, the country’s diverse landscapes, ranging from savannas to bushveld to mountain ranges, serve as the perfect backdrop for witnessing these majestic creatures in their natural habitat.
Home to the famous Kruger National Park, which boasts a significant population of both white and black rhinos, South Africa offers a fantastic Big Five horse safari. This horse riding holiday is in a private reserve where they’ve been riding for over two decades. With such a long-established presence, the new generation of rhinos is raised trusting horses, and riders can often get nose-to-nose with these chubby unicorns. Sightings of elephants, giraffes, buffalo, and even big cats from the saddle are also a regular part of this incredible safari experience.
Kruger is just the tip of the iceberg. If you’re after the best rhino safari, our recommendation is the Waterberg area. This lesser-known destination offers a less crowded safari and more intimate encounters with rhinoceros in the wild. Horse riding in Ant’s Hill and Ant’s Nest offers a fantastic family safari experience where riders of all ages and abilities can see rhinos on horseback. Another highlight is that the rhinos will often come right to the lodge and join you for sundowner drinks.
Horse Riding Safari at Ant’s Nest & Ant’s Hill – Photographer: Andrew Yates
2. Kenya
Kenyan horse safaris are perhaps best known for giving you the opportunity to ride alongside the Great Migration of wildebeest across the Masai Mara and see big cats from horseback. However, it’s also one of the best options for where to see rhinos in Africa with a number of fantastic rhino safari destinations. Most notably, the Ol Pejeta Conservancy is now the only place to see the Northern White Rhinoceros in the wild, with the last two of the species in the world. You can visit this sanctuary when you do our new Kenya Long Stay Safari.
The best Kenyan rhino Africa safari destinations for horse-riding however are in Laikipia, a region with over 200 black and white rhinos. These conservancies not only offer thrilling horseback safaris but also contribute significantly to the protection of rhinos for future generations. Horse Safaris at Borana Lodge take you to the place that inspired the Lion King, where you can explore 32,000 acres of unspoiled wilderness. The reserves provide a safe habitat for many endangered species and are one of the country’s most successful sanctuaries for rhinos. Here, you’ll have ample opportunities to view rhinos from horseback and also venture into the bush on foot, actively partaking in anti-poaching patrols. Our horse safari at Lewa Wilderness Lodge takes place in a family-run conservancy in the western region of Laikipia. The region’s varied terrain featuring the snow-capped slopes of Mt Kenya and the sun-drenched rim of the Great Valley means the sheer variety of animals you can see is staggering. This is at the top of the list of where to see rhinos in Africa, but also big cats and more elusive animals like striped hyenas, gerenuk, and Beisa oryx.
Game Drive at Lewa Wilderness – Photographer: Teagan Cunniffe
3. Namibia
Namibia contains some truly out-of-this-world natural settings and is, without doubt, one of the most visually striking African safari destinations on offer. Namibia’s rugged and dramatic landscapes offer a unique setting for rhino viewing.
On our Damaraland horse-riding safari, you can track desert-adapted black rhinos across the Namib Desert on horseback with experienced guides giving you the best chance of seeing rhinoceros in the wild. While it can be more difficult to see rhinos in Namibia, due in part to the sheer size of the area, spotting black rhinos alongside desert-adapted elephants and giraffes is an awe-inspiring sight.
Offering a contrasting experience, our luxurious horse safari at Kambaku Wildlife Reserve offers long canters down sandy tracks often alongside small herds of zebras, giraffes, and other plains game. As an added bonus, this trip can be tailor-made, adding a day trip or even a two-night stay in Etosha National Park. The park has a variety of incredible wildlife, including over 260 black rhinos, some of which you’ll be able to see from a game drive vehicle.
Damaraland Horse Safari – Photographer: Teagan Cunniffe
4. Tanzania
Tanzania contains some of Africa’s most iconic landscapes featuring the continent’s highest mountain, Kilimanjaro, the world-famous Serengeti, the Ngorongoro Crater, and the tropical island of Zanzibar. It also hosts some of the continent’s healthiest populations of black and white rhinos. Where are rhinos found in Tanzania? The country’s best destinations are the Ngorongoro Crater and the Serengeti.
Sharing a border with Kenya, the great migration can also be seen in Tanzania and our Serengeti migration Horse Safari is one of the best safaris for it. While you might not see rhinos on horseback, the Serengeti National Park has a growing population of black rhinos. The game drives here offer some incredible sightings of rhinos in the wild as well as elephants, lions, and cheetahs.
Alternatively, we specialise in creating bespoke safaris in Africa. Our iconic Arusha and Mt Kilimanjaro horse riding safari can be tailored to add on a few nights in the Ngorongoro Crater. This UNESCO World Heritage site offers one of the best opportunities to see these magnificent creatures in their natural habitat. The Crater’s enclosed ecosystem provides a relatively safe haven for rhinos and other wildlife, making sightings more frequent compared to other areas.
5. Zimbabwe
Zimbabwe offers remarkable opportunities for rhino viewing, particularly in areas surrounding the granite hills of Matobo and the private game reserves surrounding Victoria Falls.
Motopos National Park is renowned for its black and white rhino populations and is only a short distance from our new Polocrosse working holiday. During your stay, you’ll be able to do a 3-night equestrian camping experience in the Matopos and head out with the anti-poaching team on foot to search for rhinos.
Another fantastic choice for a horse-riding rhino safari is our horse safari in the heart of Hwange, a national park roughly the size of Belgium where rhinos have recently been reintroduced. While spotting rhinos here takes a bit of luck, the search is definitely worthwhile!
For those who wish to see one of the wonders of the world, as well as rhinos in Africa, our Botswana and Victoria Falls combination safari, offers a chance to do just that. Victoria Falls is a bucket list adventure not to be missed and during your stay, you can go on a game drive in the Stanley Livingstone Private Reserve to track black rhinos.
Horse Riding around Victoria Falls – Credit: Alison Baker
Where to See Rhinos in Africa FAQs
How Rare is it to See Rhinoceros in the Wild?
Seeing a rhinoceros in the wild is increasingly rare due to their endangered status and limited distribution. Poaching and habitat loss have significantly reduced rhino populations across the globe, making sightings infrequent in both Africa and Asia.
Fortunately, there are several safari destinations across Africa where the chances of spotting rhinos are considerably higher. Thanks to dedicated conservation efforts over recent decades, the likelihood of encountering these magnificent animals in their natural habitats has improved significantly.
Are Horse Safaris to See Rhinos Ethical?
Our horse safaris operate across some of Africa’s most stunning and ecologically significant landscapes. Each safari destination offers a unique opportunity to see wildlife, especially the iconic rhinos, in their natural habitats. We are deeply committed to conservation efforts, partnering with private reserves and conservancies to protect these precious ecosystems. The safari operators have vigilant game rangers to ensure that rhinos are protected from poachers. By participating in our horse safaris, guests not only enjoy unforgettable adventures but also contribute to the preservation and protection of these amazing natural habitats for future generations.
Where Are Rhinos Found?
Where are rhinos found in the wild? Rhinos are found in both Africa and Asia, each inhabiting distinct regions and environments. Rhinos live in a variety of habitats from subtropical grasslands, savannas, and shrublands, to more arid desert areas. White rhinos are typically in South Africa, Namibia, Zimbabwe, and Kenya, where open plains provide ample grazing. Black rhinos are more solitary and territorial and found in areas of Namibia, Zimbabwe, Kenya, and Tanzania where there are dense shrubs.
How Fast Can a Rhino Run?
Crucially, not as fast as a horse! Jokes aside, in spite of their size, rhinos are surprisingly fast. In fact, they are the fastest land mammals heavier than 1000kg. How fast can a rhino run? At top speed, rhinos can reach 50 to 55 kilometers per hour with exact speeds varying between species. Of the two species of rhino in Africa, the black rhinoceros is faster, known to reach 55 kilometers per hour.
This means they can run a full 10 kilometers per hour faster than the top speed ever reached by a human – Usain Bolt clocks in at 44 kilometers per hour.
See Rhinos in Africa on Horseback!
Exploring Africa’s stunning landscapes on horseback while spotting rhinos offers a unique and intimate wildlife experience. Whether you’re galloping through the savannas of South Africa, traversing the rugged terrains of Namibia, or riding alongside the majestic migration in Kenya and Tanzania, each destination provides unparalleled opportunities to witness these incredible creatures in their natural habitats.
This blog was written by Tom Rusbridge
Now you know where to see rhinos in Africa, you’re ready to start planning your own trip. If you’d like to know more, get in touch and discuss your dream horse safari with one of our dedicated team. Whether you’re planning a family holiday, a romantic getaway for two, or solo travel, we have a broad range of African safaris on horseback that can be tailored to fit your wants and needs.
