Where can you see rhinos in the wild?

The 22nd of September marks World Rhino Day, a celebration of one of the planet’s most iconic yet endangered animals. 

Rhinos have roamed the Earth for millions of years, but today, all five species face threats from poaching and habitat loss. While conservation efforts are helping to protect them, seeing a rhino in the wild remains a rare and unforgettable experience.

Here’s where you can go to witness these magnificent animals for yourself, and the best times to plan your visit. 

In Asia, the star is the greater one-horned rhino, and the best place to see them is Kaziranga National Park in Assam, India. 

Home to more than two-thirds of the world’s population, sightings here are almost guaranteed. Visitors can explore the park by jeep or even on elephant-back safaris for a different perspective.

Best time to visit: November to April, after the monsoon rains, when the park is open and conditions are ideal for spotting rhinos grazing in the grasslands. 

Indonesia is the last refuge of the critically endangered Javan and Sumatran rhinos. The Javan rhino survives only in Ujong Kulon National Park on the island of Java, while the Sumatran rhino clings on in a handful of protected areas in Sumatra and Borneo. 

Sightings are extremely rare, but visiting these areas helps support conservation projects working to protect them.  

Best time to visit: Year-round, although access to some areas may be limited during the wettest months (December to March).

Kenya’s Ol Pejeta Conservancy is unique: it’s home to the last two northern white rhinos on Earth, as well as thriving populations of southern white and black rhinos. The conservancy is also a leader in rhino conservation, offering visitors the chance to learn about breeding and protection efforts.

Other hotspots include Lake Nakuru National Park, known for its black rhinos, and Lewa Wildlife Conservancy, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Best time to visit: January to March and June to October, when the weather is dry and wildlife viewing is at its best. 

Namibia is one of the best places to see the black rhino, particularly in the wild and rugged landscapes of Etosha National Park. 

The country’s remote Damaraland region is home to desert-adapted rhinos, which have evolved to survive in arid conditions. Trackers from the Save the Rhino Trust often lead visitors in finding these elusive animals. 

Best time to visit: June to October, when dry conditions bring rhinos to Etosha’s waterholes in large numbers. 

Nepal is another excellent destination for seeing greater one-horned rhinos.

Chitwan National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is home to a healthy population, often seen grazing in open meadows or cooling off in rivers. Jeep safaris, walking safaris, and canoe trips all offer opportunities to spot rhinos.

Best time to visit: October to March, when the weather is cooler and wildlife viewing is at its best. 

South Africa is home to the largest population of rhinos in the world, particularly the white rhino.

Kruger National Park offers some of the most reliable sightings, with both black and white rhinos found across its vast landscapes. 

For a more exclusive safari, nearby reserves such as Hluhluwe-iMfolozi (the oldest proclaimed game reserve in Africa) and Sabi Sand Game Reserve are also renowned for rhino encounters. 

Best time to visit: May to September (dry season), when animals gather around waterholes and visibility through the bush is clearer. 

Across Africa and Asia, conservation efforts are vital to ensuring rhinos survive for future generations. 

Anti-poaching patrols, community-led tourism projects, and translocation programmes are helping populations stabilise and even recover in some regions. 

When you visit reserves, national parks or conservancies, you are directly supporting these efforts - your presence contributes to the protection of rhinos and the livelihoods of local communities.