1 Day Rhino Trekking Uganda, Day Tour to Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary
In Uganda, Rhino trekking is only done at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary in Nakasongola district off Kampala – Gulu highway. This sanctuary is the only site where the endangered rhinos in Uganda are found. This one day rhino tracking tour involves visiting these rare animals in their habitats as well as doing a few activities like birding and nature walk.
Rhinos, a short for rhinoceros are among the endangered animal species in Uganda and the world at large. The same mammals are also one of the Big Five animals in the hierarchy of the jungle. Others include the lion, buffalo, leopard and an elephant. Their multiplication rate is relatively small and its the reason they are not found anywhere. The rhino population has been over the year affected by poaching among other factors. In Uganda, there is strict vigilance at this ranch where the chances of this vice are closely to none.
Besides a one-day tour to the ranch, rhino tracking can also be part of a safari menu for those tourists visiting Murchison Falls National park for holiday Uganda Holiday Tours.
What is Rhino trekking?
Rhino Trekking is a walking safari experience providing a unique and thrilling adventure in the bushes in search for rhinos.
Detailed Itinerary for 1 Day Uganda Rhino Trekking
Our driver will pick you up in the morning from your hotel or place of stay in Kampala or Entebbe. You will drive northwards to the only site in Uganda where rhinos are found. The journey may take between 1:30-2 hours to reach this wonderful attraction. Rhino tracking at Ziwa Rhino Ranch one of the several one day tours in Uganda that begin from Kampala.
Upon arrival, you will be briefed about the whole rhino tracking exercise before commencing. You will enter the zone of Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary walking. Well qualified and knowledgeable guides will guide you all through the bushes in search of the rhinos. Your day’s guide will have to ensure that you are safe from any form of harm. So taking his safety guidelines is very essential.
Rhinos at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary
As you go to visit the rhinos, you will have the chance to see them grazing in the open. Rhinos are an endangered species or are at a risk of extinction. Since the rhinos move freely around their 7,000 hectare ranch, it is better to take a bush walk before driving to the areas where rhinos are. Rhino trekking is a lifetime wild opportunity that visitors should not miss.
After this wonderful activity, you will go back to the center, take lunch plus a variety of refreshments before driving back to Kampala. You will arrive in the evening. End of the rhino safari in Uganda.
What’s Included in a 1 Day Rhino Trekking Safari?:-
- Rhino trekking fees
- Guide fees
- Services of an English-speaking driver guide
- Transportation in a comfortable safari vehicle
- Bottled drinking mineral water
- Various government taxes
- Every activity as mentioned in the trip plan except apart from the optional ones
The Tour Excludes
- Tips of any nature
- Telephone bills
- Personal insurance
- Flight fees
- Shopping bills
- All drinks of personal nature
- Any accommodation before or after rhino trekking
- All optional activities
What to Pack for a 1 day Rhino Trekking Trip
- Sun hat
- Safari clothes
- Rain jacket
- Sun screen
- Camera without flashlight
- Strong hiking safari boots/shoes
- Some of the items packed for gorilla trekking as well as those recommended things to carry on an African safari also apply on rhino adventures.
Related 1 Day Tours in Uganda
1 Day Uganda Gorilla Trekking from Kigali in Rwanda
1 Day Kagulu Rock Climbing Adventure
1 Day Ngamba Island Chimps Tour
1 Day Safari To Lake Mburo National Park
1 Day Quad Biking In Jinja Uganda
1 Day Source Of River Nile Tour
1 Day White Water Rafting On River Nile
Kampala to Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary for Rhino Trekking
Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary is the only place in Uganda where you can see rhinos in the wild, making it a must-visit destination for wildlife enthusiasts. Located along the Kampala–Gulu highway, approximately 170 kilometers north of the capital, the sanctuary lies in Nakasongola District—about a 3 to 4-hour drive from Kampala, depending on traffic and road conditions.
Getting There
Most visitors travel from Kampala by private vehicle or with a tour operator. The journey follows the Kampala–Masindi route via Bombo Road, passing through Nakasongola town before turning off at Nakitoma trading center. The final stretch is a well-graded murram road that leads directly to the sanctuary entrance. Because public transport options are limited, guided tours or private transfers are the most convenient choices. Many safari itineraries combine Ziwa with visits to Murchison Falls National Park, just two hours farther north.
What to Expect
Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary covers roughly 7,000 hectares of protected savanna and woodland. It currently shelters over 30 southern white rhinos, reintroduced to Uganda after extinction in the 1980s. Rhino trekking here is on foot, guided by trained rangers who track the animals using radio signals and footprints. Treks typically last one to two hours, offering a rare opportunity to observe rhinos at close range while learning about their behavior, conservation efforts, and anti-poaching measures.
Best Time to Visit
Rhino trekking is available year-round. However, the dry seasons—from December to February and June to August—provide the easiest walking conditions and clearer wildlife viewing. Early morning and late afternoon treks are cooler and often more rewarding for photography.
Entry Fees and Permits
Visitors pay a small sanctuary entry fee plus a separate fee for rhino tracking, both payable at the gate or through an authorized tour operator. The funds directly support rhino conservation and community initiatives around Nakasongola. It’s advisable to confirm current rates before travel.
Additional Activities
Besides rhino trekking, Ziwa offers:
- Birdwatching: Over 300 recorded species, including the elusive shoebill stork.
- Nature walks: Explore diverse habitats of woodland, savanna, and wetland.
- Night walks: Spot nocturnal species such as bushbabies and civets.
- Accommodation: On-site lodges and guesthouses provide comfortable overnight stays for those continuing to Murchison Falls the next day.
Travel Tips
- Wear sturdy walking shoes, a hat, and neutral-colored clothing.
- Carry water, insect repellent, and a camera with a zoom lens.
- Follow ranger instructions at all times for safety.
- Combine Ziwa with Murchison Falls National Park for a full safari circuit.
A trip from Kampala to Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary is one of Uganda’s most rewarding short excursions—perfect for a day trip or the start of a northern safari. It not only delivers unforgettable encounters with the iconic rhino but also supports vital conservation work ensuring their survival for generations to come.