Ziwa Rhino and Wildlife Ranch, often referred to as Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary, is the only place in Uganda where visitors can see the endangered Southern White Rhino in the wild. This private, non-profit sanctuary is a crucial conservation project, established to reintroduce rhinos—which had been wiped out in Uganda by 1982—and serves as the starting point for their eventual reintroduction into the country’s national parks.
The main attraction here is the unique Rhino Trekking experience, offering an up-close and personal encounter with these magnificent creatures on foot.
The Rhino Trekking Experience
The trekking is an intimate, guided walk that allows you to approach the rhinos in their natural habitat.
- On Foot Tracking: Unlike typical game drives, you get to walk through the bush with an experienced, armed ranger from the sanctuary team. The rhinos are free to roam across the 70 square kilometres of the ranch.
- Locating the Rhinos: The rangers track the animals using their knowledge of rhino movements and radio communication. Depending on the rhinos’ location, you may first drive your own vehicle (or a hired sanctuary vehicle) closer to the area before continuing the final approach on foot.
- The Encounter: Once located, you typically observe the rhinos from a safe distance, generally around 6 to 10 meters, allowing for incredible photographic opportunities and a chance to witness them grazing, resting, or interacting with their calves.
- Duration: The entire experience, including a safety briefing, the drive (if necessary), and the walk, typically lasts 1.5 to 2.5 hours, depending on how far the rhinos have moved.
- Best Time to Go: Trekking is available throughout the day, but the rhinos are often more active and easier to spot grazing in the cooler hours: early morning (e.g., 8:00 AM – 10:00 AM) or late afternoon (e.g., 4:00 PM – 6:00 PM).
Practical Information
| Detail | Information |
| Location | Nakasongola District, approximately 176 km north of Kampala on the Kampala–Gulu Highway. |
| Activity | Guided walk (trekking) on foot to see Southern White Rhinos. |
| Cost (Foreign Non-Residents) | The Park Entry fee, which includes Rhino Trekking, is typically $60 USD per adult. (Check the sanctuary’s official website for the most current rates). |
| What to Bring | Closed walking or hiking shoes, long pants, drinking water, insect repellent, and a camera. |
| Other Wildlife | While focused on rhinos, the sanctuary is also home to over 40 mammal species, including Uganda Kobs, Waterbucks, Bushbucks, Oribis, and over 300 bird species. |
| Other Activities | Visitors can also engage in Shoebill treks (often involving a canoe ride), Birding tours, and Nighttime Nature Walks. |
Importance to Conservation
The sanctuary plays a vital role in wildlife conservation. Its success in breeding and protecting the rhinos has steadily increased the population, which is crucial for the long-term goal of reintroducing a viable rhino population back into Uganda’s national parks. A visit to Ziwa directly contributes to these ongoing conservation efforts.
Ziwa Rhino and Wildlife Ranch is a popular stopover for visitors traveling between Kampala and Murchison Falls National Park, allowing travelers to complete the “Big Five” checklist on a Uganda safari.
Planning to visit Zziwa sanctuary to experienve Rhino tracking- we at Uganda Car Rental Services will be more than delighted to offer you a 4×4 car plus driver-guide to take you there safely and comfortably. Simply contact us to day by sending an email to info@ugandacarrentalservices.com or call us now on +256-700135510 to speak with the reservations
