Located halfway between Kampala and the majestic Murchison Falls National Park, Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary is more than just a stop on the road. It’s a place where pristine nature and wildlife conservation efforts blend together. This unique sanctuary in Uganda offers travelers an immersive experience through two exceptional activities: an intimate encounter with the white rhinos, found only here, and a walking safari that allows you to get up close to these majestic giants. A story of an unforgettable encounter…
A Sanctuary Born from Conservation Urgency
Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary is a true success story in wildlife conservation in Uganda. Located in the heart of the wooded savanna in Nakasongola District, this sanctuary tells a poignant story: that of a species that disappeared and then came back, thanks to ongoing efforts to preserve and protect the white rhinos.
In the 1960s, Uganda had nearly 400 rhinos, both black and white. However, rampant poaching and habitat destruction in the 1970s led to their extinction in the country by 1983.
In 1997, the Rhino Fund Uganda was created with the ambitious goal of reintroducing these majestic animals to Uganda. The Ziwa Sanctuary was established in Nakasongola District, offering a protected 70 km² area of wooded savanna.
In 2005-2006, six white rhinos were brought in from Kenya and Disney’s Animal Kingdom in the U.S. After a difficult start, including a stillborn in 2008, the first successful birth took place in 2009: a baby rhino named Obama, in tribute to his mixed origins (Kenyan father and American mother). Since then, the breeding program has been a success, and by 2024, the sanctuary had nearly 40 individuals.
Thanks to tight surveillance and enhanced infrastructure, Ziwa has become one of the most important centers for rhino protection in East Africa.
How to Reach Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary?
Located about 170 km north of Kampala, Ziwa can be reached by car in 2.5 to 3 hours. If you do not rent a car, agencies offer private chauffeur-driven trips, or you can take a minibus to Nakitoma and then a local taxi for the last few kilometers.
For those exploring Uganda’s major parks, the sanctuary is the perfect stop on the way to nearby Murchison Falls National Park.
Upon arrival, you will go through security checks before heading to the main reception area, where you will find the restaurant and ranger station, or to the accommodation areas if you’ve opted to spend the night in the sanctuary.
When to Visit Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary?
During the dry season (December to February and July to October), conditions are ideal for exploring Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary. Animals, including rhinos, often gather around waterholes, making observation easier.
On the other hand, the wet season (March to May and September to November) can limit certain activities, such as rhino tracking, due to frequent rains. However, this is also the perfect time for birdwatching enthusiasts, as rare migratory bird species can be observed.
What to See and Do in Ziwa
Known for its white rhinos, Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary is much more than just a sanctuary for these giants. It’s a true haven for biodiversity, home to a variety of animal species.
The white rhinos, successfully reintroduced through an ambitious conservation program, are undoubtedly the stars of the sanctuary. These majestic animals, at the heart of the Ziwa experience, represent a true symbol of wildlife preservation in Uganda.
But there’s more to the sanctuary than meeting these giants. It is also home to many other animals, such as hippos, giant pangolins, crocodiles, warthogs and even leopards, which roam freely in this protected ecosystem. The sanctuary has also announced the arrival of new animal species, such as Rothschild’s giraffe, Jackson’s hartbeest and plains zebra, which will further expand the diversity of the local fauna.
With over 300 bird species recorded, Ziwa is also a true paradise for birdwatchers. Among the most remarkable birds is the shoebill stork, known as the “descendant of dinosaurs.” Though imposing and sometimes intimidating, this rare bird is a must-see for photographers and birdwatching enthusiasts.
Meeting the White Rhinos
We arrive at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary just before noon and decide to start with a quick lunch at the restaurant. As soon as we’re seated, we get a surprise: from the terrace, we spot a rhino calmly grazing just a few dozen meters away. A first encounter that sets the tone…
Eager to get started, we board our 4×4 to drive the first few kilometers. But the journey is soon interrupted as a mother rhino and her calf are standing just a few meters from the track.
Accompanied by our guide, we get out of the vehicle to approach them on foot.
We carefully make our way through the tall grass, cautiously navigating around these imposing animals. A few more steps and we’re up close. The mother moves forward with quiet confidence while her calf stops frequently to graze.
We continue walking in silence, maintaining a respectful distance to avoid disturbing the pair. When we cross another group of walkers, we realize we’re only a few meters away from the mother. She continues to move calmly, seemingly unaware of our presence. Her serenity, despite her impressive size, creates a striking contrast, and the moment feels almost surreal.
A few minutes later, we reach another group of rhinos, all lying in the shade of a tree to escape the intense heat. Suddenly, the youngest male in the group springs to his feet in an instant. Although it’s known that their vision is limited, their hearing is sharp. His ears swivel in all directions, picking up every suspicious sound. Though wary, he remains calm, observing our presence from a distance.
The mother and calf keep their distance for a while before continuing their journey through the tall grass. Reassured, the young male lies back down.
We spend several minutes observing them before the group finally stands up and begins to move. According to our guide, it’s time for their mud bath, which is essential for protecting them from the sun, insect bites, and parasites for the rest of the day. One last look, and it’s time to let them go…
Practical Information
Rhino tracking at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary is an experience accessible to everyone, with no specific physical requirements. Whether you’re with family or friends, you can enjoy this unique adventure on foot or by vehicle.
The tracking typically lasts around 2 hours and is available from 7am to 5pm. You can either spend the day at the sanctuary or extend your stay by opting for one of the available accommodations (camping or lodge with varying levels of comfort).
Entrance fees:
The entrance fee ($50 per adult – $30 per child) includes tracking of the rhinos, whether on foot from the ranch or by car to observe them in the bush. If you choose to track by car, the use of your own vehicle is required, unless you have made prior arrangements with the sanctuary.
What to bring :
- Appropriate clothing: Long pants and long sleeves to protect you from insects and ticks in the tall grass.
- Closed shoes for comfortable, safe walking.
- Insect repellent to prevent bites.
- Drinking water to stay hydrated.
- Camera to immortalize these unique moments.
For more information, visit the Ziwa Sanctuary website.
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