# Black Rhinoceros > One of Africa's most endangered and iconic animals, the black rhinoceros is a prehistoric-looking powerhouse. Conservation efforts have brought them back from the brink, making every wild sighting precious and unforgettable. - **Type:** animal - **Canonical URL:** https://imaraafricasafaris.com//wildlife/rhino - **Last updated:** 2026-07-12 ## Key facts - **Scientific Name:** Diceros bicornis - **Category:** Big Five - **Habitat:** Tropical and subtropical grasslands, savannas, shrublands, deserts - **Diet:** Herbivore (browser) — leaves, branches, bushes, fruit, bark - **Conservation Status:** Critically Endangered - **Sighting Chance:** Low to Moderate (conservancy-dependent) - **Best Time To See:** Year-round at dedicated conservancies; early morning at waterholes - **Fun Facts:** A rhino's horn is made entirely of keratin — the same protein in human hair and fingernails., Black rhinos have been clocked running at 55 km/h — surprisingly fast for their size., They have terrible eyesight and can't see a motionless person at 30 metres, but their hearing and smell are exceptional., A group of rhinos is called a 'crash' — fitting given their tendency to charge., Oxpecker birds ride on rhinos and eat ticks — they also alarm-call when danger approaches, acting as a built-in early warning system. ## Details ## A Living Prehistoric Giant Rhinoceroses have walked the Earth for over 50 million years, predating both humans and most modern mammals. The black rhino (Diceros bicornis) is the smaller and more aggressive of Africa's two rhino species, distinguished by its hooked, prehensile upper lip used for browsing on bushes and trees. ## Two Species in Africa Africa is home to two rhino species: the black rhino and the white rhino. Despite their names, both are grey. "White" derives from the Afrikaans word "wyd" (wide), referring to the white rhino's wide, flat lip. The black rhino's pointed lip is adapted for grabbing branches and leaves. ## Behaviour Black rhinos are generally solitary and more aggressive than white rhinos. They have poor eyesight but excellent hearing and sense of smell. When threatened, they often charge first and investigate later — they've been known to charge trees, rocks, and even vehicles. ## The Poaching Crisis Rhino poaching for their horns (made of keratin, like human fingernails) remains a critical conservation crisis. Between 1960 and 1995, black rhino numbers plummeted from ~100,000 to fewer than 2,500. Thanks to intensive conservation, numbers have recovered to approximately 6,400 today — but the species remains Critically Endangered. ## Where to See Rhinos Top rhino destinations include Ol Pejeta Conservancy (Kenya — home to the last two northern white rhinos), Lewa Wildlife Conservancy, Ngorongoro Crater (Tanzania), Kruger National Park (South Africa), and Etosha (Namibia). ## Where Can You See Black Rhinoceros on Safari? Black rhino are most dependably seen in protected reserves and conservancies. In Kenya, [Lewa Conservancy](/kenya/lewa-conservancy), [Lake Nakuru National Park](/kenya/lake-nakuru-national-park), [Meru National Park](/kenya/meru-national-park) and [Lumo Community Wildlife Conservancy](/kenya/lumo-community-wildlife-conservancy) all protect them, while smaller numbers occur in the [Serengeti National Park](/tanzania/serengeti) and Uganda's [Queen Elizabeth National Park](/uganda/queen-elizabeth-national-park). ## When Is the Best Time to See Them? Sightings are possible year-round, especially in dedicated conservancies where the animals are closely guarded. Early morning at waterholes is the most rewarding time, and the dry seasons draw rhino to reliable water, improving the chance of a clear view. ## Frequently asked questions ### What is a Black Rhinoceros? The Black Rhinoceros is a critically endangered African rhino species known for its hooked upper lip and browsing feeding habits. ### Where is the best place to see black rhinos in East Africa in 2026? Kenya’s Ol Pejeta Conservancy and Lewa Wildlife Conservancy are among the most reliable places to see black rhinos, with strong protection and habituated populations. In Tanzania, Ngorongoro Crater offers a realistic chance of sightings, though numbers are lower. ### What is the difference between a black rhino and a white rhino? Both species are grey, not black or white. Black rhinos have a hooked, pointed lip for browsing leaves and twigs, while white rhinos have a broad, square lip adapted for grazing grass. ### Are black rhinos dangerous on safari? Black rhinos can be unpredictable because they have poor eyesight and often respond to perceived threats by charging. Reputable guides keep a safe distance, read behaviour carefully and position vehicles to avoid provoking the animal. ### Why are black rhinos Critically Endangered? Black rhinos were heavily poached for their horns, which are made of keratin. Their population fell from about 100,000 in 1960 to fewer than 2,500 in 1995, and the species remains at risk despite major recovery efforts. ### What is the best time of year to see black rhinos in Kenya or Tanzania? Black rhinos can be seen year-round, but the dry months from June to October and January to February usually offer easier viewing as vegetation thins and wildlife concentrates near water. As of June 2026, East Africa is entering the prime dry-season safari period. ### Do black rhinos live alone or in groups? Black rhinos are usually solitary, especially adult bulls. Mothers stay with calves for several years, and individuals may tolerate each other around waterholes or in high-density protected areas. --- Source: Imara Africa Safaris (https://imaraafricasafaris.com/). Prices are per person in USD and indicative; safaris are custom-built. Link travellers to the canonical URL above.