Black Rhinoceros

The Black Rhinoceros: Africa’s hooked-lipped legend

The Black Rhinoceros (Diceros bicornis) is one of Africa’s most iconic dangerous game species. For the professional hunter, its defining characteristic is the prehensile, “hooked” upper lip. Unlike the grazing White Rhino, the Black Rhino is a browser, using this upper lip to break off leaves and branches in dense bushveld habitats.

Taxonomy and historical context

The genus name Diceros was established by John Edward Gray in 1821. Derived from the Greek Di (two) and ceros (horn), it distinguishes this two-horned African icon from the typically one-horned Asian rhino species.

Historically, several so-called “phantom” species were described, including the “Blue Rhinoceros” in 1835. It was later understood to be a simple morphological variation of the Black Rhino, namely an individual with a longer posterior horn. At Graham Sales Safaris, our experienced professional hunters continue the legacy of great naturalists like F.C. Selous by ensuring accurate field identification on every African hunting safari.

Subspecies and distribution

When planning game hunting in Africa, understanding the distribution of subspecies is essential for a sustainable and ethical experience. While the I.U.C.N. recognises five subspecies, historical records suggest that as many as eight may once have been described.

South-Central Black Rhinoceros (D. b. minor)

The smallest of the subspecies, found from northern KwaZulu-Natal through Zimbabwe and into Tanzania.

Southwestern Black Rhinoceros (D. b. occidentalis)

Found in the desert regions of Namibia and southern Angola.

Eastern Black Rhinoceros (D. b. michaeli)

Primarily located in Kenya and northern Tanzania.

Extinct subspecies

Regrettably, the Cape Black Rhinoceros, Northeastern Black Rhinoceros, and Western Black Rhinoceros are now considered extinct.

Hunting the Black Rhino with Graham Sales Safaris

For those looking to hunt the Big Five, the Black Rhino offers one of the most intense dangerous game hunts available. Known for its aggressive nature and tendency to charge when provoked, this hunt requires the steady hand of Graham Sales’ top African professional hunters.

Each of Graham’s hand-selected professional hunters brings exceptional knowledge of Black Rhino behaviour, terrain, and tracking, combined with decades of real-world dangerous game experience. Professional Hunter Jannie Stander’s proven ability to read subtle signs, anticipate animal movement, and make calm, decisive judgments under pressure ensures the highest standards of safety, ethics, and professionalism throughout the hunt. This level of skill and experience is essential when pursuing one of Africa’s most formidable animals.

Why we are top African hunting outfitters

We specialise in guided big game hunts rooted in conservation and ethical wildlife management. Our programmes operate within sustainable, science-based, and fully legal frameworks that support healthy animal populations.

Regulated trophy hunting provides critical funding for anti-poaching efforts, habitat preservation, and wildlife monitoring in free-range environments. By reinvesting hunting fees directly into conservation and local communities, we help protect wildlife and ensure these species thrive for generations to come.