Rhino Experiences with African Travel
Seeing rhinos up close in the wild is a powerful experience. While on safari there are many ways to spot rhinos, but the ones with the greatest impact are where you learn about the struggle, strength and connection of the rhinos to their place on the planet and community.
We have curated a list of five experiences for those looking to elevate the way they see rhinos. These experiences have the opportunity to meet people passionate about protecting rhinos and gain a deeper appreciation of these amazing creatures.
PROTECTING KENYA'S RHINOS
The work to protect the rhinos was the catalyst for Lewa Wildlife Conservancy, the first private rhino sanctuary in East Africa. Now the conservancy has 93,000 acres and is home to 14% of Kenya’s entire rhino population. The conservancy is also s a safe refuge for the endangered Grevy’s zebra as well as elephant, lion, giraffe and wild dog.
Elewana Lewa Safari Camp featured in our World’s Greatest Show & Safari is the only place to stay overnight in the southwest corner of this conservancy. Staying here gives you plenty of time to spot rhino without the crowds and learn about the work the conservancy headquarters does using state-of-the-art technology to monitor the 213 black and white rhino that roam the park. The camp is also perfect for those who love to be active spotting rhinos and wildlife on game drives, walks, camel or horse rides, and more.
RHINOS NEAR NAIROBI
Whether at the start or end of a trip, traveling to Kenya’s Nairobi National Park provides a unique view of rhinos with Nairobi’s city scape not far behind. Base yourself at The Emakoko boutique lodge featured in our Captivating Kenya trip to view endangered black rhino that are prolific in this park as well as elephant, giraffe and lions. The Emakoko is the perfect place to experience the beauty and sounds of the bush while being conveniently close for excursions to the David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust or The Giraffe Centre.
RHINOS AMONG THE DESERTS AND DUNES OF NAMIBIA
Namibia has almost a third of Africa’s black rhino population and a unique safari experience is to see the desert adapted black rhino on our Deserts and Dunes of Namibia itinerary. In these harshest of environments, it is fascinating to see how the wildlife and people have adapted.
In the Ongava Game Reserve, a walk through the Ongava Research Centre offers an opportunity to learn about the cutting-edge research into the genetics of the black and white rhinos creating a new insight when you see them later in the wild.
THE LAST TWO NORTHERN WHITE RHINOS
Our TreadRight ambassador Ami Vitale has done amazing work documenting the conservation efforts at Ol Pejeta Conservancy. Her famous photograph of Sudan, who was the world’s last living male northern rhino, was voted best of the decade by National Geographic viewers.
Luckily Ol Pejeta has the last two female northern white rhinos. In our Kenya in Style safari, you can visit Ol Pejeta to see the conservation work in action and join an ‘after dark’ game drive keeping your eyes peeled for nocturnal animals, like the aardvark, white-tailed mongoose and the elusive leopard.
HELPING WITH RHINO CONSERVATION EFFORTS
Dedicated to nature conservation, Shamwari Private Game Reserve strives to educate and promote wildlife awareness. Every guest participates in that conservation story whether it is a through the donation that African Travel makes for each guest’s visit or their own experience with the animals.
On our Majestic South Africa journey, in between safari drives guests can visit the Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre which specializes in raising orphaned rhinos. You'll to see and learn about the animals in their care. You never know when you might spot one of the rhinos or other animals they’ve released into the wild.
Plan Your Dream Safari
For more information or to tailor-make a trip, contact your favorite travel advisor or a safari specialist at 800-421-8907. You can also complete our safari planner which will be sent to a safari specialist to help you plan a safari.
