Where to see White Rhino in Botswana
The white rhino is the largest and most numerous of the world’s five rhinoceros species. More visible and approachable than the black rhino, it survives today thanks to over a century of intensive conservation.
Quick facts about White Rhino
| Scientific name: | Ceratotherium simum | Habitat: | Woodland savannah |
|---|---|---|---|
| IUCN status: | Near Threatened | Adult weight: | 1,800–2,700kg |
White rhinos were once abundant in Botswana but by 1900 had become extinct. Subsequent reintroductions from South Africa saw 95 individuals translocated to the Okavango and Chobe regions between 1967 and 1980. This population thrived at first, but heavy poaching from the late 1980s reduced it to a handful. In 1992, the survivors were translocated to Khama Rhino Sanctuary, a small, secure reserve in the south. This population grew, with more translocations from South Africa, and in 2001, white rhinos from Khama were reintroduced again to the Okavango. Increased security has since enabled numbers to increase, despite a severe poaching spike during the Covid-19 pandemic. Today the country has around 240 individuals.
±18,000
Population (IUCN, 2018)
50km/h
Max. speed
±50 years
Life expectancy
205cm
Record horn length
The top camps for seeing white rhino in Botswana
Based on 34 reports by our travellers since May 2018, visitors at these camps in Botswana have the best chances of sighting white rhino .
Best chances to see
Good chances to see
Some sightings
No sightings yet
Best areas to see white rhinos in Botswana
Although the vast majority of white rhinos are in southern Africa – notably South Africa - they can still be seen in other countries. Reasonably approachable by vehicle, they may also be tracked on foot.
Botswana: white rhino hot spots
To guarantee seeing a white rhino in Botswana, visit the Khama Rhino Sanctuary, near Serowe. Here, some 35 white rhinos reside in a secure community-run protection area, alongside a few black rhinos. But if, like many safari-goers, your visit centres on the country’s northern safari hub, then try the Chief’s Island region of Moremi Reserve in the Okavango Delta. Some camps here, such as Duba Plains and Chief’s Camp, offer increasingly reliable white rhino sightings. With ongoing reintroductions and improved security, numbers in the Okavango region should increase, making sightings more likely in future. Wandering white rhinos from the Okavango have sometimes reached Makgadikgadi Pans, to the south, while in Botswana’s far east, white rhinos from neighbouring South Africa have occasionally crossed into the Northern Tuli Reserve.
Our best Botswana holidays for white rhino sightings
Based on our travellers' reports, these ideas for Botswana safaris are likely to give the best white rhino sightings
Wildcat Safari
4 days • 2 locations
MAUN AIRPORT TO MAUN AIRPORT
A short, high-quality safari staying at two lavish camps with excellent hospitality and guiding standards. The journey takes you from the wildlife-rich, lush Okavango Delta to dry open plains split by the meandering Selinda Spillway.
US$9,070 - US$17,570 per person
Rock Hare Self-drive Safari
20 days • 12 locations
WINDHOEK AIRPORT TO VICTORIA FALLS AIRPORT
An in-depth look at Namibia from the Namib Desert to the Caprivi, with additional stops in Botswana and Victoria Falls. This three-week adventure includes an unrivalled mix of environments and is great value.
US$6,570 - US$8,340 per person
Kudu Safari
7 days • 2 locations
MAUN AIRPORT TO MAUN AIRPORT
A luxury Botswana safari exploring the Okavango Delta staying at Nxebega Camp and the stunning Sandibe Lodge, with excellent guiding and some of the most prolific wildlife viewing anywhere in Africa.
US$8,190 - US$20,120 per person
Pygmy Mouse Self-drive Safari
18 days • 10 locations
WINDHOEK AIRPORT TO VICTORIA FALLS AIRPORT
A truly epic southern African self-drive safari adventure from Namibia’s mountains and deserts, along the lush Caprivi Strip to Botswana and Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe, staying at luxury lodges throughout.
US$8,710 - US$10,420 per person
Spring Hare Safari
9 days • 3 locations
KASANE AIRPORT TO MAUN AIRPORT
An authentic and diverse safari to Botswana combining the Chobe Forest Reserve, Savuti Marshes and the Okavango Delta. Strong wildlife viewing, a variety of activities and excellent value camps.
US$8,710 - US$14,180 per person
More information about white rhino in our other destinations
Click here for detailed information about white rhino in other countries, including the places for sighting white rhino .
