Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary
Reviving Giants in the Wild Heart of Uganda

Hidden within the rolling savannahs of central Uganda lies a conservation success story that resonates far beyond the borders of East Africa. Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary, a 70-square-kilometer haven located in Nakasongola District, is the only place in Uganda where wild rhinos roam freely. More than just a wildlife destination, Ziwa symbolizes hope, resilience, and a national commitment to reversing extinction. It offers travelers a rare, immersive glimpse into the rewilding of one of Africa’s most iconic species — the rhinoceros — and serves as a living classroom for conservation enthusiasts from around the globe.

Location: Where Uganda’s Wild Meets Purpose

Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary is strategically situated in central Uganda, approximately 176 kilometers (about 110 miles) north of the capital, Kampala. It lies just off the Kampala–Gulu Highway, making it an accessible stopover for travelers en route to the legendary Murchison Falls National Park. Surrounded by acacia woodlands, open savannah, and lush wetlands, the sanctuary offers a serene contrast to Uganda’s bustling urban centers.

This protected area was chosen for its suitable habitat — a mix of grasslands, shrubs, and water points — which mirrors the conditions rhinos once thrived in before they were declared extinct in the wild in Uganda in 1983. Its location in the heart of the country also positions it perfectly for conservation education and eco-tourism initiatives.

How to Get There: From City Streets to Savannah Paths

Accessing Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary is straightforward for both domestic and international visitors. Most tourists begin their journey from Kampala or Entebbe International Airport. From there, the journey to the sanctuary can be comfortably made by road, taking roughly three to four hours depending on traffic and weather conditions. The route is mostly paved and well-maintained, winding through Uganda’s countryside and giving travelers a scenic preview of what awaits.

For those on a northern circuit safari, including Murchison Falls, Kidepo Valley, and Karuma Falls, Ziwa offers an ideal midway point to stretch legs and absorb a unique wildlife experience. Private tour companies, including WildHorn Africa, can arrange transport, guided experiences, and overnight stays, ensuring a seamless transition from Uganda’s urban pulse to its natural rhythm.

Attractions: More Than Just Rhinos

While the name suggests a singular focus, Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary is teeming with biodiversity and ecological richness. The sanctuary’s primary attraction, however, remains its southern white rhinoceroses, which roam freely within the protected boundaries. As of now, the population stands at over 30 individuals, born from a founding group that was reintroduced in 2005 through a collaborative conservation project spearheaded by the Rhino Fund Uganda and the Uganda Wildlife Authority.

Unlike in national parks where rhinos may be elusive, at Ziwa they are habitually tracked on foot, offering a rare chance to observe these prehistoric giants at close range. Guided walks bring visitors within meters of the animals, always under the close supervision of trained rangers who ensure both visitor safety and minimal disturbance to the rhinos. These treks are more than just sightseeing; they are educational encounters laced with stories of survival, genetics, and reintroduction science.

Beyond the rhinos, Ziwa is home to over 300 species of birds, including the rare shoebill stork, often sighted during swamp walks or boat trips within the sanctuary’s wetlands. Duikers, oribis, bushbucks, and monitor lizards are also commonly seen, adding depth to the wildlife experience. The mosaic of grasslands and swamps supports a surprising array of ecosystems, each pulsing with life.

Things to Do: A Conservationist’s Playground

Activities at Ziwa are immersive, educational, and thoroughly engaging. The rhino tracking experience, typically lasting two to three hours, is undoubtedly the centerpiece. Conducted early in the morning or late afternoon to avoid the midday heat, this activity not only provides close-up views of the rhinos but also insights into their behavior, diet, reproduction, and the threats they continue to face across Africa.

For birdwatchers, Ziwa is an under-the-radar paradise. Guided bird walks allow for exploration of the sanctuary’s varied habitats, where both migratory and endemic species flourish. The elusive shoebill, often described as one of Africa’s most bizarre and charismatic birds, draws ornithologists and curious visitors alike.

Swamp walks and canoe excursions dive deeper into Ziwa’s wetland zones, revealing a tranquil but thriving world of amphibians, reptiles, and aquatic birds. These lesser-known experiences are often described by guests as unexpectedly meditative — a peaceful contrast to the high-adrenaline big game safaris elsewhere in Uganda.

For those interested in conservation, educational tours are also available, focusing on the sanctuary’s history, rhino genetics, anti-poaching strategies, and community outreach efforts. Engaging with the rangers and conservation staff paints a comprehensive picture of what it takes to protect a species from the brink.

Overnight stays are possible in the sanctuary’s eco-lodges and tented camps, offering a rustic but comfortable base from which to explore. Falling asleep to the sounds of the African bush, knowing that rhinos are nearby, creates an emotional connection that transcends the typical safari.

Best Time to Visit: Weathering for Wildlife

Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary can be visited year-round, thanks to Uganda’s generally mild and tropical climate. However, the dry seasons, which run from December to February and June to August, are considered optimal. During these months, the trails remain dry and accessible, visibility improves, and wildlife activity tends to increase near water sources, making for easier tracking and richer sightings.

The rainy seasons — typically from March to May and September to November — can make tracking more challenging due to slippery conditions and overgrown vegetation. However, these months bring their own rewards: the sanctuary turns lush green, birdlife becomes even more abundant, and fewer tourists create a more private, serene experience. Photographers often favor the rainy season for its dramatic skies and vibrant landscapes.

Beyond the Rhinos: A Deeper Meaning

Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary is not just a stopover; it is a living monument to what conservation can achieve when vision, science, and community align. Its success has reignited hopes that one day, rhinos might once again thrive in Uganda’s major national parks. Plans are already underway for eventual reintroduction into protected areas such as Murchison Falls, where rhinos once roamed freely decades ago.

But Ziwa is also a reminder of how fragile such gains can be. Rhino horn trafficking, habitat loss, and climate instability remain ever-present threats across Africa. By visiting, learning, and supporting the sanctuary, travelers become part of a wider conservation mission — one that bridges tourism and impact.

This deep purpose, paired with the sanctuary’s natural beauty and the emotional gravity of seeing a once-extinct species thriving again, leaves a lasting impression on all who come.

Book Your Journey with WildHorn Africa

If the dream of walking among rhinos, hearing the heartbeat of conservation, and exploring Uganda’s untamed heartlands stirs something within you, then Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary belongs on your African itinerary. But to experience it fully — with authenticity, depth, and seamless logistics — your journey should be entrusted to those who know this land intimately.

WildHorn Africa specializes in crafting bespoke African safaris and conservation-focused tours that go far beyond surface-level sightseeing. With expert guides, deep local connections, and a passion for the wild, WildHorn ensures that each journey into places like Ziwa is not only unforgettable but also meaningful.

Whether it’s a dedicated rhino tracking trip or a grand Ugandan adventure encompassing gorilla trekking, wildlife safaris, and cultural exploration, let WildHorn Africa be your compass. Travel with purpose. Walk with rhinos. Witness the wild rise again.

Your African story starts here — with WildHorn Africa.