Most black rhino occur in South Africa, Namibia, Kenya and Zimbabwe. Occurs from southern Tanzania down through Zimbabwe to northern and eastern south Africa where most of its numbers are. Only a few remain in Botswana, Mozambique and Zambia. Small numbers also re-introduced to Swaziland and Malawi. Only a few remain scattered through parts of Cameroon.
Numbers continue to decrease.
In the historical past was even recorded on the slopes of Table Mountain. Has a much wider historical distribution than the white rhino. Small thorn trees and tamboti thickets especially favoured. Riverine and drainage line habitats and nutrient-rich termite mound bush clumps provide important dry season habitat. In southern Africa the higher densities are found in sweetveld and valley bushveld.