Black Rhino vs White Rhino – Key Differences Explored

Despite their names, black and white rhinos are not distinguished by colour, but by subtle differences in physical traits, diet, and behaviour. The most noticeable distinction lies in their mouths: White Rhinos have wide, square lips adapted for grazing on grass, while Black Rhinos feature pointed, hooked lips suited for browsing shrubs and trees. White Rhinos are generally larger and more social, often seen in small groups on open savannahs. In contrast, the more solitary Black Rhino prefers dense bush environments. Understanding these differences not only enriches your safari experience but also deepens appreciation for Africa’s diverse and endangered wildlife.

Black Rhino vs White Rhino: An Overview

Discover the difference between Black and White Rhino in terms of size, lip shape, diet, temperament, and habitat. The term “white” actually stems from Afrikaans ‘wyd’ (wide), referring to its square lip, not its colour. Both species are grey in appearance, but their feeding adaptations and behaviour differ significantly.

Size Comparison – Black vs White Rhino Size

White Rhinos are noticeably larger, standing around 1.6 to 1.8 m at the shoulder and weighing between 1,700–2,300 kg (some reports up to 4,000 kg). In contrast, Black Rhinos typically stand 1.4–1.6 m tall and weigh 800–1,400 kg.

Difference Between Black and White Rhino: Lip Shape & Diet

The most visible difference between a Black Rhino and a White Rhino is their lips. Black Rhinos have a pointed, prehensile “hook-lip” designed for selectively browsing twigs and leafy shrubs. In contrast, White Rhinos possess a broad, square-shaped lip ideal for grazing on ground-level grasses.

Head and face shape

• Black rhino: shorter from top to bottom with a more protruding – albeit smaller – ‘forehead’ than that of a white rhino. 
• White rhino: longer with a less defined forehead than the black rhino. White rhinos have much longer skulls from mouth to ears. 

Tip: Black rhino also tend to carry their heads high while white rhino hold their heads a little lower – closer to the ground for grazing!

Behaviour and Social Structure: Black Rhino vs White Rhino

White Rhinos are generally more social, often seen in groups (“crashes”) and have a calmer disposition. Black Rhinos are more solitary and known for being more aggressive and territorial, especially if threatened.

Habitat Preferences – Where to Find White vs Black Rhino

White Rhinos thrive in open grasslands and savannahs where grazing is plentiful. Black Rhinos favour dense bush and woodland habitats that support their browsing diet on shrubs and woody plants.

Conservation Status – Which is More Endangered?

The Black Rhino (Diceros bicornis) is listed by the IUCN as being Critically Endangered, with fewer than 6,000 mature individuals surviving in fragmented populations. The White Rhino (Ceratotherium simum), while recovered to roughly 20,000 individuals, remains listed as Near Threatened, mainly due to poaching and habitat loss.

Why are they referred to as ‘black’ and ‘white’?

• Black rhino: one theory is they got their name simply by way of distinguishing them from the white rhino. Another is in relation to their muzzle-shape, with black coming from the word ‘beak’. 
• White rhino: people say that their name came from the Afrikaans word ‘weit’ meaning wide, in reference to the shape of their muzzles. 

In addition, there are also some behavioural observations which help to identify which species you’re looking at. 

Which is more sociable?

• Black rhinos usually live alone with gatherings of up to five individuals, a rare and usually brief occurrence. 
• White rhinos are more sociable and can be found in large groups of seven individuals or more. 

Which is more rare – black or white rhino?

As a whole species, black rhino are more rare than the white rhino:

• Black rhino are ‘critically endangered’ with more than 6,000 mature individuals left. 
• White rhino are ‘near threatened’ with an estimated 10,082 mature individuals left. 

The answer to this is straightforward with regards to the two species as a whole but confusion can arise with regards to the statuses of the subspecies. 

Where can I see white rhino in the wild?

Southern white rhino can be found in four African countries: Kenya, South Africa, Namibia and Zimbabwe. Lake Nakuru National Park, Kenya has around 70 southern white rhino.

If you’d like to visit the last remaining northern white rhino, Najin and Fatu, you may like to find out more about Governors’ luxury accommodation in Laikipia.

Where can I see black rhino in the wild?

All three of the extant subspecies of black rhino can be found in Kenya, Namibia, South Africa and Rwanda. You can see them on safari in Kenya. Lake Nakuru National Park has around 25 eastern black rhino (one of the largest populations in the country). The Masai Mara National Reserve has one of the few natural populations of Eastern Black Rhino in Africa, with around 50-60 individuals. An exciting and fairly recent conservation story is the release of five captive black rhinoceros into Akagera National Park, Rwanda last Summer (2019). 

Recommended safaris and accommodation:

• Black and white rhino – Lake Nakuru, Kenya: Kenya safari packages, Day Trip to Lake Nakuru staying at Loldia House
• Northern white rhino – Laikipia, Kenya: Day trip to Ol Pejeta Conservancy staying at Mugie House

Kenya and Rwanda are both fantastic destination options for travellers hoping to see rhino in the wild. Visit our location pages or get in touch for help planning your safari.