Kenya is one of the top countries in Africa to see Rhinos. It shelters both black rhinos and white rhinos. The only 2 remaining Northern white rhinos are also living in Kenya. Kenya Safari offers a unique opportunity to witness the stunning wildlife of Africa in their natural habitat.
Kenya recorded more than 20,000 rhinoceros before 1970. But a few decades ago, the number drastically decreased to less than 300, all due to illegal poaching. Now, this species is recovering its number, thanks to the conservation program. You can find more than 600 black Rhinos during your Kenya Safaris. Rhinos are protected to prevent poaching. Rhinos have poor eyesight but their sense of smell and hearing is great. Both the male and the female have 2 horns on their skull. One is longer than the other at 50 - 130cm long made of Keratin.
How Many Rhinos You Can Find During Kenya Safari?
Kenya is home to the black, southern and the last two northern white Rhinos. It is the country with the second-highest rhino population.
The latest KWS report, states that there was a rhino population of 1,258 animals. Among these, 745 are black rhinos, 510 are southern white rhinos, and three are northern white rhinos in Kenya at the end of 2017. The last male northern rhino died in 2018. They have a life span of 35 – 40 years. The Rhino reproduces every two and a half years to five years with a gestation period of 15 – 16 months. It is a solitary animal with the only bond between a calf and its mother.
Tracking Rhinos in Kenya?
The popular way to track Rhinos is through game drives. You can go for the game drive at different spots. Nairobi National Park offers one of the best viewing. The nearest spot to start from the capital city is Nairobi National Park.
Sera Rhino Conservancy is one of the best places to track Rhinos in Kenya Safari. An experienced and trained ranger walks you through the wilderness as they share the importance of protecting this animal. The Rhinos here are closely monitored, with their daily behavior and condition recorded monthly and are shared with the Northern Rangelands Trust and the Kenya Wildlife Service.
A private camp can help you with uninterrupted tracking in the grassland of Masai Mara Game Reserve. You can also track them while bird watching in the Lake Nakuru National Park. When tracking a Rhino some rules are followed, they are:
- Always have a guide or Ranger at all times
- Do not get close to the Rhino as they are aggressive.
- In case you see any poaching activities report to your ranger.
- While tracking the rhino do not disturb or make noise as they will charge at you
- If you are leaving the vehicle in search of the rhino, one can walk for two hours before you spot one.
- Follow the park/ reserve/ conservancy rules
Places to Track Rhinos During Kenya Safari
Ol Pejeta Conservancy
Want to watch rhinos from the closest possible distance? Well, here is your chance. Ol Pejeta Conservancy will grant your wish to see rhinos from a safe distance.
It is situated on the foothill of Aberdare National Park and Kenya’s highest peak, Mount Kenya. This is the largest Black rhino Sanctuary in East Africa with nearly 100 rhinos. You can go on a game drive to witness them from a closer distance during Kenya Safari.
Except that, this is home to the only 2 remaining Northern white rhinos, mother and daughter. This is the most endangered species. Now, they are secured with armed guards. This makes the National park one of the top Kenya Safari Destinations.
Lewa Wildlife Conservancy
After Ol Pejeta Conservancy, Lewa Wildlife Conservancy is the second preferred spot to see rhinos. The climate here is very much suitable for the growing population of this endangered species.
This shelters about 10% of Kenya’s black rhino population and 15% of the country’s southern white rhino population. You can also get a chance to watch them closely.
Tsavo East National Park
Also popularly known as Theatre of the Wild. This is the largest preserved area in Kenya. About 70 rhinos are found in the Ngulia Rhino Sanctuary of Tsavo East National Park.
Approximately 20,000 rhinos were there in 1940. By 1989, the population decreased to less than 20. Ngulia Rhino Sanctuary has a tall electric fence around it to prevent poaching. It is also monitored by a dedicated anti-poaching team.
Solio Game Reserve
Solio Game Reserve lies on the slope of Aberdare Ranges and Mount Kenya. The population here is 22% of all rhinos in Kenya.
This can be considered the easiest and best spot for rhino sightings. It is the most successful private rhino breeding center. This park has the highest density per square kilometer.
Lake Nakuru National Park, Kenya
With an alkaline lake, Lake Nakuru National Park is the first Rhino sanctuary in Kenya. The great scenery of green bushy meadows surrounding the lake full of pink Flamingos will definitely mesmerize you.
You will find both black and white rhinos here grazing in the meadows. This small National Park has a total number of 60 rhinos recorded.
If you are a bird lover and want to see rhinos, this is the best option for you.
Masai Mara Game Reserve
Besides great Migration, Masai Mara Game Reserve is also a great spot to see rhinos. There are 35 to 50 rhinos present in this reserved zone. Out of the two species, the black Rhino is found in Maasai Mara compared to the white Rhino it is shorter and more aggressive.
You can spot rhinos at Sala’s Camp along the Sand River. It is on the outskirt of a dedicated black rhino sanctuary in the remote southern Masai Mara. There is a 30% chance that you will encounter rhinos.
Borana Wildlife Conservancy
Borana Conservancy received 21 rhinos from Lake Nakuru and Lewa Wildlife Conservancy in 2013. Now there are 106 black and 98 white rhinos and still growing.
Meru National Park
There are 25 black and 55 white rhinos that can be seen. You can get a drive-in here to explore the wildlife through the thick forest.
Il Ngwesi Group Ranch
This has a small but sufficient population to visit. This place is managed by the Masai Community. It receives very few visitors. If you prefer a less crowded visit, this is the best option.
Nairobi National Park
It lies on the outskirt of Nairobi, the capital city of Kenya. As it is near the city, you can have easy access to rhino sightings. You can find more than 50 rhinos in Nairobi National Park.
We have Kenya Safari Packages that allow you to appreciate these beautiful creatures and also get closest to the rhinos.
Differences Between White and Black Rhinos
Do you know the difference between the black rhino and the white rhino?
Black rhinos are mainly browsers and they are known to have their heads high. The mouth has a triangular, hooked upper lip evolved for stripping leaves and thorns off bushes and low-growing trees.
The white rhino with its characteristic square upper lip, is a grass grazer, and the neck is longer, and the head bigger, pitched downward toe square upper lip towards the ground.
| Black | White | |
| Body Shape | Comparatively smaller than White Rhinos | Larger than black rhinos |
| Mouth Shape | Pointed triangular lips to eat leaves and branches (browsers) | Flat and broad lips to eat grass (Grazers) |
| Horn Size | Shorter than white rhinos | Have longer horns than black rhinos |
| Habitat | Lives in dense forests | Lives on grasslands and fields |
| Behavior | Very shy, nervous, and aggressive | Calm and placid than black rhinos |
| Sense | Has better eyesight | Has poor eyesight |
| Ears | Have smaller rounded ears | Have larger ears and hold their head down as they have poor eyesight |
Conclusion
Witness the growing population of Rhinos. Go on a game drive or have a natural walk. Kenya Safaris will let you discover the best sights of rhinos in Kenya. You can have a great moment while tracking this second-largest land animal in the world.
So, what are you waiting for? Get your backpack ready and get in touch with our local guides for exciting Kenya Safaris Tours in the wild. We at Diwaka Safaris will customize your Kenya Safari Itinerary with affordable prices and an excellent safari experience.
