Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary – A Rhino Trekking Spot in Uganda

Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary also know as Ziwa Rhino and Wildlife Ranch is found in Nakasongola district and a home to wild rhinos in Uganda. The Rhino reintroduction project is a joint scheme by the Rhino Fund Uganda and Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA).

The ranch is located 176 km (100 miles) north of Kampala City along Kampala- Gulu highway. This rhino attraction, one of the tourist attractions in central uganda is also on the road to Murchison Falls National, a major destination for wildlife safaris in Uganda. Ziwa Ranch is the only place where you will manage to view rhinos in the wild in Uganda. Currently, the sanctuary that has become progressively familiar with tourists who flock it for rhino trekking, bird watching, nature walks plus relaxation is a home for 22 southern white rhinos. Rhinos, a short for Rhinoceros are among the the Big Five animals. There are two species of Rhino in Africa, the Black Rhino and White Rhino even though they do not differ much in colour. The term White Rhino originates from the Dutch word ‘wyd’, that means wide and refers to the wide mouth which allow it to graze.

Activities at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary

Make a tour of Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary and find out more Things to Do and See including:-

• Rhino Trekking. Enter the territory of the southern white rhinos on foot.
• Shoebill Trek and Canoe Ride. Shoebill is among the most loved birds to be seen in Uganda and it’s available at the rhino ranch.
• Bird Watching excursions. Ziwa has over 300 bird species!
• Guided Nature Walks.
• Night Walks.
• Wildlife viewing

Rhino Trekking and spotting other Wild Animals

Rhino Trekking is the major tourist activity at the Ziwa Rhino ranch. The sanctuary has trained rangers who will capably guide you through this wild excursion. You will have the chance to spot the rhinos at safer close distances. Besides rhinos, you will also have an encounter with a variety of other wildlife animals including the Uganda kobs, rich bucks, oribis, reed bucks, hippos and crocodiles among others.

Bird Watching

The place is as well home to about 250 bird species and is a great hub for avid birders who want to find those rare African species of birds. Skilled and knowledgeable bird guides will support you to have a wonderful experience. Some of the bird species include:-

• Abdim’s Stork,
• Blue spotted dove
• Abyssinian Ground Horn bill
• Booted eagle
• African Black Crake
• Broad billed Roller
• African Black-headed Oriole
• Bronze Manikini
• African Blue Flycatcher
• Brown-backed Srub Robin
• African Broadbill
• Brown-crowned Tchagra

Guided Nature Walks.

With such guided nature walks, you will be able enjoy the geography, animals, and plants of this attractive part of Uganda.

Camping and Picnicking

The Ranch’s campgrounds are perfect solar power and a standby generator as a backup. The facility rooms have light and warm water for shower. To visit Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary, one can take it as a day trip from Kampala and back or tour the place en route to Murchison Falls National Park while going or return. Many of the Murchison Falls safaris and tours usually include rhino tracking at Ziwa. It is also visit-able while on a chimpanzee Tracking Safari to Budongo Forest.

Getting to Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary – Detailed Explanation

Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary is conveniently located approximately 7 kilometers off the Kampala-Gulu Highway, making it easily accessible for travelers exploring northern Uganda. Visitors heading to the sanctuary turn off at Nakitoma Trading Centre, where a well-marked access road leads directly to the entrance. The sanctuary has become an increasingly popular destination for tourists interested in rhino trekking, offering a rare opportunity to observe southern white rhinos in their natural habitat. Its growing popularity is due in part to its proximity to Kampala, the ease of access by road, and the unique chance to see these majestic creatures up close in a protected environment.

Many travelers include Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary as part of their Northern Uganda safari itinerary, particularly when visiting Murchison Falls National Park or other nearby attractions. The sanctuary is ideal for a day trip or a stopover during longer tours, providing both educational and recreational experiences. Visitors can enjoy guided treks through the sanctuary’s lush savanna and woodland, learning about rhino behavior, conservation efforts, and anti-poaching strategies. The location also allows tourists to seamlessly combine their visit with other wildlife experiences in Uganda, making Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary a convenient and enriching addition to any safari adventure in the region.

Book and Enjoy a One Day Rhino Trekking at Ziwa Rhino Ranch. This trip to the sanctuary is one of the several 1 day tours in Uganda from Kampala and is a once in a lifetime opportunity to see the giant rhinos.

Rhino Conservation in Uganda

Rhino conservation in Uganda is a powerful success story of wildlife restoration and national commitment. Once widespread across the country, both black and white rhinos were wiped out in the 1970s and 1980s due to rampant poaching and political instability. For nearly two decades, Uganda had no rhinos in the wild. Conservation efforts began anew in the early 2000s with the goal of reintroducing and protecting this iconic species.

The centrepiece of rhino conservation in Uganda is the Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary, located in Nakasongola District. Established in 2005 through a partnership between the Uganda Wildlife Authority and Rhino Fund Uganda, Ziwa is the only place in the country where rhinos currently live. The sanctuary started with just six southern white rhinos translocated from Kenya and the United States. Through careful management, breeding programs, and strong protection, the rhino population has steadily grown.

A key factor in this success is intensive security. Rhinos at Ziwa are protected around the clock by trained rangers who track them on foot, helping to prevent poaching and monitor their health. Community involvement has also played an important role. Local people benefit from employment opportunities, tourism revenue, and conservation education, which fosters positive attitudes toward wildlife protection.

Rhino conservation in Uganda is not only about protecting animals but also about restoring ecosystems and national heritage. Rhinos are keystone species, meaning their grazing habits help shape and maintain healthy landscapes. Their presence also boosts tourism, contributing to the local and national economy.

The long-term goal is to reintroduce rhinos into Uganda’s national parks, such as Murchison Falls National Park, once conditions are fully secure. Uganda’s rhino conservation journey demonstrates that with dedication, collaboration, and strong protection, even species lost to extinction can be brought back.