Black Rhino in Kenya
Kenya – home to black, southern white and the last two northern white rhinos – is one of the best countries in East Africa to see these iconic animals. Search for them by vehicle or head out on foot or on horseback.
Quick facts about Black Rhino
| Scientific name: | Diceros bicornis | Habitat: | Scrub & open woodland |
|---|---|---|---|
| IUCN status: | Critically Endangered | Adult weight: | 800–1,400kg |
Kenya’s black rhino is the eastern subspecies, Diceros bicornis michaeli. Now classed as critically endangered, eastern black rhinos were once found all over the country: the aptly named J.A. Hunter shot more than 1,000 in Akamba-land, east of Nairobi, to clear the land for farming in the 1940s, and the Maasai killed most of the magnificent rhinos of Amboseli National Park (some with horns more than a metre long) when their cattle were driven from the park’s water points in the 1970s.
Today, Kenya’s 900-odd black rhinos receive high levels of armed protection in the well guarded parks, conservancies and sanctuaries where they roam free.
1.6m
HEIGHT
3,500m
MAX ALTITUDE
30–35 years
LONGEVITY
7.7km2
TERRITORY SIZE
Kenya's top camps for seeing black rhinos
Based on 177 reports since May 2018, the camps below have the best chance of seeing black rhinos. Simply follow the key below.
Best chances to see
Good chances to see
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Where to see black rhinos in Kenya
Kenya is home to some 900 eastern black rhinos. Reliably good sightings can be had in Nairobi and Meru national parks, and several conservancies in Laikipia and northern Kenya.
Top tips for viewing black rhino in Kenya
The Laikipia region is a stronghold for black rhinos and home to more than half of Kenya’s total number. The Borana, Lewa, Ol Pejeta and Solio conservancies all have stable, breeding populations. Further east, Meru National Park has a thriving black rhino sanctuary.
For the most exhilarating black rhino experience, visit Saruni Rhino Camp in the Sera Conservancy in northern Kenya. This is one of a handful of lodges in Kenya where you can track black rhinos on foot.
Black rhinos have small territories, so their general location is well known, but they like deep bush, where it’s sometimes impossible to spot them. If you don’t get another chance, Nairobi National Park has a good population of breeding black rhinos, and they’re relatively easy to see here.
Holiday ideas to see black rhinos in Kenya
These trip ideas include places that will give you a chance of seeing black rhinos in Kenya
Lanner Falcon Fly-In Safari
8 days • 3 locations
NAIROBI AIRPORT TO NAIROBI AIRPORT
Three sister camps offer access to wonderfully remote regions across northern Kenya and the Maasai Mara ecosystem. Enjoy an exclusive safari experience focused on great wildlife, superb guiding and considerable comfort, with a range of activities.
US$6,620 - US$8,400 per person
Golden Jackal Fly-in Safari
8 days • 2 locations
NAIROBI AIRPORT TO NAIROBI AIRPORT
A contrasting safari of a lodge and a tented camp, with action-packed activities in Laikipia and wildlife-filled game drives in the Maasai Mara, offers a consistently high-quality experience.
US$9,730 - US$13,080 per person
Rothschild Giraffe Safari
8 days • 3 locations
NAIROBI AIRPORT TO NAIROBI AIRPORT
A example of a luxury Kenyan safari, starting at the iconic Giraffe Manor before fabulous stays on the spectacular Solio Reserve and Sala’s Camp in a remote corner of the Maasai Mara.
US$11,720 - US$16,510 per person
Big Cat Fly-in Safari
8 days • 2 locations
NAIROBI AIRPORT TO NAIROBI AIRPORT
Combining two of Kenya’s best wildlife-viewing areas, this slow-paced safari to the Lewa Conservancy and Maasai Mara guarantees iconic wildlife. The long-established, well-rated camps are great value, too.
US$5,010 - US$8,190 per person
Tawny Eagle Fly-in Safari
7 days • 2 locations
NAIROBI AIRPORT TO NAIROBI AIRPORT
Explore Laikipia and the Maasai Mara ecosystem with stays in the Ol Pejeta and Naboisho conservancies. Two smart yet authentically rustic bush camps provide a traditional safari experience, offering a high standard of guiding and excellent level of care.
US$5,820 - US$8,780 per person
African Hawk-Eagle Fly-in Safari
7 days • 2 locations
NAIROBI AIRPORT TO NAIROBI AIRPORT
Two luxurious camps provide relatively quiet game-viewing within Laikipia and the Mara ecosystem. Situated on private conservancies, both Lewa Wilderness and Naboisho offer the chance to sight all of the "Big 5" and to enjoy a range of safari activities.
US$7,780 - US$12,800 per person
African Finfoot Fly-in Safari
7 days • 3 locations
NAIROBI AIRPORT TO NAIROBI AIRPORT
After a unique start in Nairobi National Park, classic, luxurious camps combine for a high-end and exclusive safari in fantastic wildlife destinations.
US$9,900 - US$16,050 per person
Purple Grenadier Fly-In Safari
6 days • 2 locations
NAIROBI AIRPORT TO NAIROBI AIRPORT
Fantastic guiding from intimate, well-run mid-range tented camps, in superb conservancy locations: this safari is all about making the most of the incredible wildlife in Laikipia and the Maasai Mara.
US$5,010 - US$6,600 per person
Black Kite Fly-in Safari
10 days • 4 locations
NAIROBI AIRPORT TO NAIROBI AIRPORT
Explore Kenya in-depth with visits to Nairobi and Meru national parks, the Mara Conservancies and Amboseli. Nestled in remoter regions, four camps provide fantastic access to rich game, a range of activities and beautifully diverse landscapes.
US$10,140 - US$12,240 per person
Gabar Goshawk Fly-in Safari
10 days • 4 locations
NAIROBI AIRPORT TO NAIROBI AIRPORT
Experience Amboseli, the Maasai Mara ecosystem and Laikipia during this economically priced safari. Two simple camps offer adventure before a stopover in Nairobi and a final stay in the charming, wildlife-rich Il Ngwesi Eco-Lodge.
US$5,800 - US$6,090 per person
Our top destinations for black rhinos
Read tips for spotting black rhinos in these countries and the best camps and lodges for sightings
