Black rhinoceros browse utilization was assessed at the woody plant species and community levels in western Itala Game Reserve, South Africa, using a semi‐quantitative, plant‐based method. Theis knowledge was used to hypothesize the possible effects of vegetation change on the black rhinoceros (Diceros bicornis). Acacia nilotica, Acacia karroo, andDichrostachys cinereacontributed most to the diet, andCassine transvaalensis, Rhus guenzii, andAcacia gerrardiiwere the most preferred species. Eighty‐six percent of the recorded browse was from plants <2.5 m, suggesting that a change from open woodland, with many trees, to a closed woodland, with a few small trees, would disadvantage black rhino. Plant communities ranged from highly utilized (bottomland scrub forest) to unutilized(Combretum apiculatumsparse woodland). The extremely patchy distribution of browse utilization within communities suggests that there are other important factors affecting browse utilization besides plant species composition. It appears that tall grass detracts from browse value, while factors that improve access, such as gentle slopes and paths, enhance habitat suitability. It is hypothesized that forest verges provide important black rhino feeding areas.