🦏 Uganda 🇺🇬
Located in Nakasongola District, approximately 176 kilometres north of Kampala along the Kampala–Gulu Highway, Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary is one of Uganda's most important wildlife conservation destinations. Covering approximately 70 square kilometres, the sanctuary was established in 2005 to restore southern white rhinos to Uganda after the species was driven to extinction in the country during the 1970s and early 1980s. Today, Ziwa represents one of Uganda's most inspiring conservation success stories — a protected environment where rhinos breed and grow as part of a long-term plan to return them to Uganda's historic wildlife habitats. In 2026, rhinos bred at Ziwa were transferred to Kidepo Valley National Park as part of Uganda's historic rhino reintroduction programme. The sanctuary also supports antelopes, baboons, over 300 bird species and offers the possibility of encountering the Shoebill in the surrounding wetlands.
Rhino tracking on foot — the sanctuary's signature experience: following experienced ranger guides through the bush in search of southern white rhinos. Observing these magnificent animals at close range while learning about their behaviour, conservation and the challenges facing rhinos across Africa
Understanding Uganda's rhino conservation story — how a species driven to extinction was slowly restored through a dedicated breeding programme, and the 2026 milestone of returning rhinos to Kidepo Valley National Park
Birdwatching across the sanctuary's diverse habitats — grassland, woodland, wetlands and open savannah supporting over 300 bird species including wetland specialists
Shoebill and wetland excursions in the surrounding papyrus swamps — searching for one of Africa's most prehistoric-looking and sought-after birds in its natural wetland habitat
Nature walks exploring the sanctuary at a slow pace — discovering animal tracks, insects, plants and the smaller details of the ecosystem often missed during a vehicle safari
Night nature walks to observe the sanctuary's nocturnal wildlife after dark — a completely different atmosphere where nocturnal animals become active
Wildlife beyond the rhinos — antelopes, monkeys, Uganda kob, waterbuck, reedbuck, oribi, duikers and bushbuck
Rhinos were once an important part of Uganda's wildlife heritage, but years of political instability and poaching caused the country's rhino population to disappear from the wild by the early 1980s. Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary was established in 2005 as part of a major conservation effort to reintroduce southern white rhinos. In 2026, the programme reached a historic milestone when rhinos bred at Ziwa were transferred to Kidepo Valley National Park — a significant step in restoring rhinos to their historic range across Uganda.
Unlike a traditional game drive, rhino tracking at Ziwa is an immersive walking experience. Visitors follow experienced ranger guides into the sanctuary to search for rhinos in their natural environment. The experience can take anywhere from a short walk to several hours, depending on where the rhinos are located. Although southern white rhinos are enormous, they are generally peaceful when respected and approached correctly — the experience of seeing one at close range is incredibly powerful.
The wetlands surrounding Ziwa provide opportunities for guided wetland excursions searching for the Shoebill — one of Africa's most prehistoric-looking and sought-after birds. A wetland experience is an excellent addition to rhino tracking, particularly for visitors interested in photography and birds.
Ziwa is strategically located along the route between Kampala and Murchison Falls National Park, making it an easy and rewarding addition to northern Uganda safaris. A typical itinerary begins in Kampala, stops at Ziwa for rhino tracking, then continues north to Murchison Falls for game drives and a boat safari on the Victoria Nile.
🦍 With GorillaWise Collection & Safaris
At GorillaWise Collection & Safaris, we include Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary as part of carefully designed Uganda itineraries. Its strategic location along the Kampala–Gulu Highway makes it a natural addition when travelling to Murchison Falls National Park, Budongo Forest or northern Uganda. A visit to Ziwa combined with Murchison Falls creates an excellent combination of conservation walking experience and traditional game viewing along the Nile.
🗓️ Best Time to Visit
Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary can be visited throughout the year. The dry seasons are generally popular for walking activities as conditions are easier and vegetation less dense. The rainy seasons bring lush landscapes and excellent birdwatching. Wildlife encounters are never guaranteed as the rhinos move freely within the protected environment — this unpredictability is part of what makes each visit authentic and different.
Uganda 🇺🇬