Ziwa Rhino & Wildlife Ranch
Ziwa Rhino & Wildlife Ranch
(also known as the Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary) is a premier wildlife conservation project and the only place in Uganda where you can observe wild southern white rhinos.
Key Information & Highlights
Conservation Success Story: Rhinos were completely extinct in the wild in Uganda by 1983 due to poaching and civil conflict. The sanctuary was established in 2005 by Rhino Fund Uganda and the Uganda Wildlife Authority to reintroduce the species, and the population has steadily grown.
Location: Situated in the Nakasongola District along the Kampala–Gulu Highway, roughly 176 km north of the capital. It sits right along the main route to Murchison Falls National Park, making it a popular stopover or an easy standalone day trip from Kampala.
On-Foot Rhino Trekking: Unlike traditional game drives where you remain inside a vehicle, tracking at Ziwa is done on foot. Accompanied by trained armed rangers, visitors can safely approach within 6 to 7 meters of the rhinos while they graze.
Other Wildlife & Activities: Spanning 7,000 hectares of savanna, woodlands, and swamps, the ranch is home to bushbucks, waterbucks, monkeys, and over 300 bird species. It is one of the premier spots in Uganda to track the prehistoric Shoebill stork via early-morning canoe rides. Other activities include guided nature walks and nighttime wildlife walks.