Africa has several subspecies of black rhino, but it’s the eastern black rhino, Diceros bicornis michaeli,
that is found in Tanzania. Distinguished from its southern counterparts
by its grooved skin and distinctive long, curved horn, this impressive
animal was once widespread across the region, however poaching has
drastically reduced its numbers.
Black rhinos are listed as
critically endangered and are closely protected wherever they live, with
new calves (born roughly every three years, when conditions are right)
always a triumph.
Seeing black rhinos in Tanzania is a game of chance and the best location is in the Ngorongoro Crater, while in parts
of the Serengeti you may also be lucky.
Black rhino numbers in Tanzania are very low and sightings are far from
certain. Even in known rhino territory it is amazing how easily they can
camouflage their great bulk as they hide deep in the bush: on a game
drive keep an eye out for their curved backs and long horns sticking out
of the grass.
Some of the best sightings are typically in the
Ngorongoro Crater where the short grass plains make black rhinos easily
visible. There are several rhino protection zones in the Serengeti
National Park, around the Moru Kopjes in the north of the park. A
small population of rhinos is also found in the western Selous, in
southern Tanzania, however this district is off the beaten track and far
from any camps or lodges.