The Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary – Home to the White Rhinos in Uganda

The Ziwa Rhino and Wildlife Ranch, commonly known as Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary, is the only place in Uganda where visitors can see the endangered rhinoceros in the wild, especially those on Uganda Wildlife safaris/ Big Five viewing safaris. Rhino tracking in Uganda offers a truly immersive experience, as travelers set out on foot alongside an experienced and armed ranger guides into the wilderness to search for the endangered rhinos. Coming face to face with a rhino is an unforgettable moment and a highlight for many safari wildlife lovers visiting Uganda and Africa, especially because the rhinos are one of the iconic members of the African Big Five Animals.

In the past, rhinos had become extinct in Uganda, but through dedicated conservation initiatives, they were successfully reintroduced. Today, a healthy and growing population thrives within Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary. This success is the result of the Rhino Re-introduction Project led by Rhino Fund Uganda in partnership with the Uganda Wildlife Authority.

The sanctuary is conveniently located about 176 kilometers (100 miles) north of Kampala, Uganda’s capital, along the Gulu Highway. It lies just past Nakitoma Trading Centre on the same route leading to Murchison Falls National Park, making it an easy and rewarding stop for travelers heading north, especially to the legendary Murchison Falls National Park. A wildlife Safari or Big Five Safari in Uganda is incomplete without a visit to the Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary.

 

All you need to know About the Ziwa Rhino & Wildlife Ranch

  • Rhinos at Ziwa

Rhinos are among the world’s most endangered species, with only a small population remaining globally. Thanks to strengthened conservation efforts by the Uganda Wildlife Authority and Rhino Fund Uganda, Uganda has become one of the few countries where these magnificent animals can still be seen during African Wildlife Safaris/ Uganda Wildlife Safaris. Rhinos had previously disappeared from Uganda’s national parks due to rampant poaching, but their return has been made possible through the Rhino Re-introduction Project, a collaborative initiative between Rhino Fund Uganda and the Roy family, which has successfully restored the species at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary.

Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary was founded in 2005 with the primary goal of reintroducing rhinos to Uganda. In 2016, six southern white rhinos were brought into the sanctuary, marking a major milestone in the project. Since then, the rhino population has continued to grow steadily, reaching 32 individuals today, with expectations that the number will continue to rise in the coming years.

  • Rhino Tracking Experience at Ziwa Rhino & Wildlife Ranch

Rhino tracking in Uganda is one of the most popular experience on Uganda Wildlife Safari itineraries, especially those crafted to allow visitors to witness the African Big Five. The experience is enjoyable, and family-friendly making it suitable for all kinds of visitors to Uganda. Thr tracking experience involves travelers moving in small groups, guided by a trained and armed ranger, as they walk into the rhino habitat at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary.

Along the way, you’ll take in a variety of plant life, wildlife, and bird species before finally coming across the impressive rhinos in their natural surroundings. The activity is conducted entirely on foot and is suitable for families with children aged six years and above. Before setting out, all participants attend a briefing session where guides share important information about what to expect in the bush and how to ensure a safe and rewarding trekking experience.

The rhinos at Ziwa roam freely across the sanctuary’s 7,000 hectares of protected land. With the knowledge and experience of the ranger guides, visitors are able to track and observe these magnificent animals in the wild. From the reception area, guests are first driven by safari vehicle to locations where the rhinos are likely to be found.

From there, the guided walking trek begins as you explore the sanctuary in search of the rhinos. During the walk, it’s common to spot other wildlife such as Uganda kobs, oribis, waterbucks, and bushbucks, along with a wide range of bird species that inhabit the area.

The trek typically lasts between one and a half to two and a half hours, depending on the rhinos’ location on that particular day. Once the experience concludes, visitors return to the parked safari vehicle and are driven back to the sanctuary headquarters.

Book your Uganda Safari tour today with us ane enjoy unbeatable wildlife viewing experience. We offer well tailor-made Uganda safari packages that take you to all other top safari places in the country including Murchison Falls National Park, Queen Elizabeth National Park, Kibale National Park, Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, and the far Kidepo Valley National Park. Experience all the top safari activities on offer in Uganda with us, from the iconic mountain gorilla trekking to wildlife safari game drives in the savanna safari parks.