tourism rhino poaching

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Where can I see rhinos in South Africa?

Catch ’em whilst you still can.

tourism rhino poaching

Pixabay

There’s no beast more magnificent, nor a country more beautiful: Spotting rhinos in South Africa remains one of the greatest sights a nature lover can catch.

Despite being such majestic creatures, they are a species truly under threat. Rhino poaching is a devastating problem across sub-Saharan Africa. These animals cannot protect themselves from the cruelty of humans all of the time.

The truth is, we don’t really know how long the rhinoceros will be on this planet for. They are being hunted at an alarming rate, and unless stricter punishments and harsher deterrents are put in place for poachers, their future remains uncertain.

Yes, they’re at risk. But that doesn’t mean you can no longer find them. Rhinos roam the plains of South Africa – from the Western Cape to the deep heart of Limpopo’s forests – and draw the tourists day in, day out. If you want to catch a glimpse of these natural wonders, here’s where you can find them…

Rhinos in South Africa – Where can I see them?

Karoo National Park

Susan Scott

Where?
A good five-hour drive north-east from Cape Town, off the N1 in Beaufort West.

Features?
Breathtaking views for as far as the eye can see.

Contact details?
Tel: 023 415 2828

Kruger National Park

Last male northern white rhino dies in Kenya, dooming species to extinction
(Photo by Gallo Images / Nation Media / Joseph Kanyi)

Where?
Straddles the borders of Limpopo and Mpumalanga, in the North-East.

Features?
The various sites of bush lodges, huts and luxury accommodation have first aid facilities, braais / BBQs, laundromats and electricity.

Contact details?
Tel: +27 13 735 4000

Hluhluwe-Imfolozi Game Reserve

(Beautiful News)

Where?
Nomcondo, KwaZulu-Natal.

Features?
Picnic sites, boat tours, and rooms are provided with parking and braais

Contact details?
Tel: +27 35 5901555
Email: info@stlucia.co.za

Pilanesberg GR / Madikwe Game reserve

(Helping Rhinos)

Where?
On the North West’s border with Botswana, near Groot-Marico, is Madikwe. Pilanesberg is on the other side, situated inside the crater of an old volcano in the province.

Features?
A special feature of Madikwe lies in its unique location, a transition zone on the edges of the Kalahari, where a number of rare species occur naturally.

At Pilanesberg, tourists can see early archaeological evidence of man, as well as the unique geological features of the location

Contact Details?
Madikwe: via their website.
Pilanesberg: stephanie@pilanesbergnationalpark.org

Sabi Sands Reserve Accommodation

(Gallo Images / Rapport / Conrad Bornman)

Where?
In Mpumalanga, situated in the Greater Kruger National Park area near Kruger Gate.

Features?
You stay right at the heart of the Kruger Park. It doesn’t get any more authentic than this.

Contact Details?
Email: info@sabi-sands.com

Timbavati Nature Reserve

(Pixabay)

Where?
Home to 12 luxury safari lodges in Limpopo’s Kruger region

Features?
If you’re the type of person who works up an appetite whilst mid-safari, we aren’t here to judge. We’re here to advise. If you’re interested in staying over at Timbavati, you’ll be guaranteed a sumptuous meal by their in-house chefs.

Contact details?
Tel: +27 15 793 2436
Email: info@timbavati.co.za

Marakele National Park

Three rhino poachers caught in the act at Kruger National Park
(Sydney Seshibedi/Gallo Images)

Where?
Waterberg Mountains, north Limpopo.

Features?
Fancy a little off-roading? They provide a 4×4 Eco Trail where you can hit the rough terrain and drive deep into the heart of the wild, staying over at a gloriously stripped-back campsite.

Contact details?
Tel: 014 777 6929

Phinda Game Reserve

rhino cc graeme oliver
(Graeme Oliver)

Where?
Next to Isimangaliso Wetland Park, Ekuseni (north-east KwaZulu-Natal).

Features?
Very quiet, very secluded and not a usually well-known tourist hot spot. This is a great place to come to completely escape the rest of humanity.

Contact details?
Tel: 011 809 4300

Think there’s somewhere missing here? Check out our comprehensive list of 12 places you can see “the big five”, which all feature sites you can see rhinos in South Africa.

Additional credit: AFK Travel