Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary

Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary

Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary

Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary

Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary is Uganda’s only place where you can see wild rhinos on foot, and that alone sets it apart from almost anywhere else in East Africa. Located in the Nakasongola District, roughly halfway between Kampala and Murchison Falls National Park, the sanctuary plays a critical role in Uganda’s conservation story. After rhinos were completely wiped out in the country due to poaching and conflict, Ziwa became the foundation for their reintroduction. Today, the sanctuary protects a growing population of southern white rhinos in a natural, unfenced landscape, monitored closely by trained rangers and conservationists.

For visitors, Ziwa offers an experience that feels raw, purposeful, and deeply immersive. Rhino tracking here is done on foot, guided by expert trackers who read footprints, vegetation, and behavior patterns with remarkable precision. Beyond rhinos, the sanctuary is home to antelope species, bushbucks, monkeys, reptiles, and over 300 bird species, making it appealing to both wildlife enthusiasts and birders. Ziwa is not about speed or spectacle; it’s about connection — walking quietly through open savannah and woodland, understanding conservation firsthand, and witnessing one of Africa’s most meaningful wildlife recovery efforts.

Best Time to Visit: January–October; avoid peak December holiday crowds
Entry Fees: From $120 for non-resident adults (rhino tracking experience)
Country: —

Five Powerful Reasons to Visit Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary

Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary offers something increasingly rare in modern travel: an authentic conservation experience where your visit directly supports wildlife protection. Unlike traditional game drives, Ziwa invites you to slow down, walk, observe, and truly understand the environment you are exploring. It is ideal for travelers who want depth, not just photos.

For visitors from Europe, the United States, or Australia, Ziwa also provides a meaningful contrast to classic safari destinations. It combines responsible tourism, education, and close wildlife encounters in a safe, well-managed setting — all within easy reach of Uganda’s main travel routes.

#1. Walk with Rhinos in the Wild

Ziwa is one of the few places in Africa where you can track rhinos on foot. Accompanied by armed rangers and experienced guides, you follow fresh tracks through the bush until you stand just meters away from these massive, prehistoric animals. The experience is intimate, thrilling, and deeply respectful, offering an unforgettable sense of scale and presence that vehicle-based safaris simply cannot match.
#2. Support a Real Conservation Success Story

Every visit to Ziwa directly contributes to the protection and expansion of Uganda’s rhino population. The sanctuary exists solely to ensure that rhinos can one day be reintroduced into Uganda’s national parks. Travelers are not just observers here — they are participants in a long-term conservation mission with tangible impact.
#3. Experience Uganda Beyond the Crowds

Ziwa remains refreshingly uncrowded compared to major safari parks. Visits are carefully managed, creating a calm, unhurried atmosphere where wildlife encounters feel personal and unforced. This makes it especially appealing to travelers seeking quieter, more exclusive experiences.
#4. Learn from Expert Trackers and Rangers

Guides at Ziwa are highly trained and deeply knowledgeable, offering insights into rhino behavior, ecology, and protection strategies. The walk becomes both an adventure and an educational experience, enriching your understanding of wildlife conservation in Africa.
#5. A Perfect Stop Between Kampala and Murchison Falls

Ziwa’s location makes it an ideal break on the journey north to Murchison Falls National Park. It adds diversity to your itinerary, balancing classic game drives with a rare walking safari experience.

Things to Do at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary

While rhino tracking is the main highlight, Ziwa offers a variety of activities that allow visitors to explore its diverse landscapes and wildlife. These experiences are designed to deepen your connection with the sanctuary while keeping conservation at the center.

Rhino Tracking on Foot

The signature activity at Ziwa, rhino tracking takes you deep into the sanctuary on guided walks that last between one and three hours. Each walk is carefully planned to ensure safety while maximizing the chance of close, meaningful encounters.

Bird Watching Experiences

With wetlands, woodlands, and open savannah, Ziwa is a rewarding destination for bird lovers. Shoebills, African fish eagles, kingfishers, and numerous migratory species can be spotted throughout the year.

Nature Walks and Night Walks

Guided nature walks introduce you to smaller wildlife, plant life, and the ecosystem that supports the rhinos. Night walks offer a chance to encounter nocturnal species and experience the sanctuary after dark.

Canoe Walks in the Wetlands

Exploring Ziwa’s wetlands by canoe provides a peaceful way to observe birds, reptiles, and aquatic life while enjoying the sanctuary’s quieter side.

When to Visit Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary

Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary can be visited year-round, but conditions vary by season. The dry seasons, typically from January to February and June to September, offer the best walking conditions and easier rhino tracking due to shorter grass and firmer ground. Wildlife is generally more visible during these months.

The wetter months, from March to May and October to November, bring lush landscapes and excellent birdwatching opportunities, especially for migratory species. While walking conditions can be muddier, sightings remain strong, and the sanctuary is even quieter during these periods. December can be busy due to holiday travel, so early bookings are recommended.