Every year on 22 September, the world observes World Rhino Day — a time to celebrate the incredible mammals and reflect on the urgent need to protect them.
Rhinos are among the most endangered species on Earth. Hundreds are killed annually for their horns, which are falsely believed in some cultures to have medicinal value.
Rhinos in Johannesburg
Johannesburg is one of the cities placing rhino conservation at the forefront — and it’s also a place where you can see the animals up close.
This World Rhino Day, take the opportunity to visit some of Gauteng’s top game reserves and the zoo that are home to rhinos:
Bothongo Rhino & Lion Nature Reserve
Located just a few kilometres from Johannesburg’s Central Business District, this reserve opened in 1990 with only two white rhinos. Today, it has grown into a thriving sanctuary with more than 600 animals across 30 species, including rhinos, Kruger lions, buffalo, and many more. Visitors can enjoy guided safaris for a close encounter with the reserve’s wildlife.
The reserve is currently running a special where kids under 12 enter free when accompanied by a paying adult.
Dinokeng Game Reserve
Just a 75-minute drive from O. R. Tambo International Airport, Dinokeng is another haven for rhinos in Gauteng. It’s one of the few reserves in the province where you can experience the Big Five — lion, elephant, leopard, rhino, and buffalo.
Visitors can choose between guided game drives, self-drives, a three-hour guided walking safari, or even horseback adventures.
Johannesburg Zoo
A long-standing favourite in the city, the Johannesburg Zoo is home to both black and white rhinos, along with more than 320 animal species — from primates to exotic birds. In total, the zoo houses around 2,000 animals, making it one of Johannesburg’s most popular attractions for families and wildlife lovers alike.
Read more about the zoo here.
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