Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary
Track Rhinos on Foot in Uganda
Did you know Uganda was once home to black and white rhinos? Welcome to Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary, the dedicated conservation project bringing Uganda's rhinos back from the brink of extinction — and the only place in the country where you can track them on foot.
Quick Facts
- Location: Nakasongola District, central Uganda
- Distance from Kampala: ~176 km (2.5–3 hours by road)
- Species: Southern white rhino (Ceratotherium simum simum)
- Current Population: Over 30 rhinos and growing
- Best time to visit: Year-round (morning tracking recommended)
Why Visit Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary?
- On-Foot Tracking: Get incredibly close to rhinos on a walking safari guided by armed rangers
- Conservation Story: Learn about Uganda's ambitious rhino reintroduction programme
- Birding: Over 300 bird species recorded in the sanctuary
- Perfect Stopover: Ideal halfway stop en route to Murchison Falls National Park
Top Things to Do
- 🦏 Rhino Tracking: Walk with rangers to find and observe rhinos up close
- 🦜 Bird Watching: Spot shoebill stork and papyrus specialities in the wetland areas
- 🌿 Nature Walks: Explore the sanctuary's varied habitats on guided walks
- 📸 Photography: Get once-in-a-lifetime close-up wildlife shots
Where to Stay
- On-site: Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary Guesthouse (basic but authentic)
- Nearby: Most visitors stay as part of a Murchison Falls itinerary and overnight in Kampala or at lodges near Karuma
How to Get There
- By Road: Take the Kampala–Gulu Highway. Ziwa is signposted off the main road at Nakitoma junction, approximately 3 hours north of Kampala
✨ Walk with Giants — Uganda's Rhino Renaissance
Ziwa is more than a sanctuary — it's a symbol of hope. Standing just metres from a grazing white rhino, hearing its heavy breath and watching it move unhurried through the savannah, is a rare privilege. This is conservation you can witness with your own eyes.
Come to see a rhino. Leave inspired by Uganda's commitment to wildlife recovery.
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Book Your Rhino Tracking Experience
Walk with Uganda's white rhinos at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary.