Rhinos in Akagera: white rhino and black rhino
Two rhino species live in Akagera National Park: the southern white rhino and the eastern black rhino. Both were absent for years and returned through translocations from South Africa and from European zoos. The numbers below carry the year of each arrival.
You look for rhinos on a normal game drive, either self-drive or with a guide. For choices and prices, start with the Akagera safari page. No drive can promise a rhino.
White rhino or black rhino: the differences
What sets the two species apart.
| White rhino | Black rhino | |
|---|---|---|
| Name in the park | Southern white rhino | Eastern black rhino |
| Food | Grass, with a broad, straight upper lip | Leaves and twigs, with a movable upper lip |
| Status on the global list | Near Threatened | Critically Endangered |
| Arrived in Akagera | 30 in 2021, 70 more in June 2025 | 18 in 2017, 5 more in 2019 |
The IUCN counted 6,788 black rhinos and 15,752 white rhinos in Africa at the end of 2024, 22,540 together. That is a continental figure, not an Akagera count. The northern white rhino is a different subspecies and does not live in Akagera. For most visitors, the white rhino is the one to plan around, because it is the larger group in the park.
Our pick: a day safari to look for rhinos
Rhinos live in the park, but no tour can promise a sighting; a guided day in the car is how you look for them.
Hand-picked tours, booked through Viator. Prices are indicative starting prices in US dollars (as of October 2026). Tap a tour for live availability and the current price in your currency.
Akagera safaris to look for rhinos
Day trips from Kigali and multi-day safaris in Akagera, with live prices and availability.
White rhino in Akagera: 2021 to 2026
The first 30 southern white rhinos came from Phinda in South Africa on 27 November 2021. In June 2025, a further 70 followed in two groups of 35. At that time the park already had a little over 40 white rhinos.
By September 2026 the park had a little over 100 white rhinos, including three calves from the new group. Some of the translocated animals died after the move, and veterinary care continues. Treat "over 100" as an estimate of the 2026 population, not a count for the day you visit.
Black rhino in Akagera: back since 2017
Black rhinos had gone from the park for years before they returned.
In May 2017, 18 eastern black rhinos arrived from South Africa. The last earlier sighting before that was in 2007. In June 2019, five more black rhinos came from European zoos. Ask the park for a current figure. The IUCN lists the species as Critically Endangered, which is why every animal in the park counts.
How Akagera protects its rhinos
What the park does to keep them safe.
Ranger patrols
Rangers patrol the park, nearly 100 of them.
A dog unit
The park has a dog unit as part of its rhino protection. Do not count on meeting the dogs on a visit.
Monitoring and trackers
Trackers and monitoring teams follow the animals. In 2025 the park also began guided rhino walks with specialist trackers.
A 120 km fence
An electric, solar-powered fence runs for 120 km along the southern and western boundary of the park.
How to look for rhinos in Akagera
Prices and times for 2026 to 2027.
Game drive
The regular day runs from 06:00 to 18:00. A park vehicle with driver and guide costs $200 for half a day or $350 for a full day, for up to 7 guests. The self-drive guide costs $25 for half a day or $40 for a full day.
Guided rhino walks
The park has introduced guided rhino walks with specialist trackers. Ask the reception about the route, price and minimum age before you plan around one.
Stay safe
Stay in your vehicle during a game drive and keep a safe distance. No fixed distance in metres applies to every animal, so follow your guide.
Entry and booking
An international adult pays $100 for one day of entry. Book activities through the park reception. See Akagera park fees for the full table.
Plan the rest of your Akagera visit
More on the park and its animals.
Rhinos in Akagera: frequently asked questions
Are there rhinos in Rwanda?
Yes, in Akagera National Park. Southern white rhinos and eastern black rhinos both live there.
How many white rhinos are in Akagera?
A little over 100 as of September 2026. That follows 30 animals in 2021 and 70 more in June 2025, with some deaths after the second move. It is not a count for the day you visit.
When did black rhinos come back to Akagera?
In May 2017, when 18 eastern black rhinos arrived from South Africa. Five more followed from European zoos in June 2019.
Can I walk with rhinos in Akagera?
The park has introduced guided rhino walks with specialist trackers. Ask the reception about the current route, price and minimum age. Do not approach rhinos on your own.
Will I see a rhino on a game drive?
You have a chance, but no drive can promise one. A guide and more time in the park improve it.
What do rhinos eat?
White rhinos graze on grass with a broad, straight upper lip. Black rhinos browse leaves and twigs with a movable upper lip.