National park
Wildlife sanctuary
Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary
Track white rhinos on foot, the only wild rhinos in Uganda.
- Central Uganda
- Best: Jun–Sep, Dec–Feb
Overview
- Founded
- 2005
- Rhinos
- More than 40 southern white rhinos
- Area
- About 70 km²
- From Kampala
- About 3 hours
Rhinos had disappeared from Uganda by the early 1980s. Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary was set up in 2005 by Rhino Fund Uganda, with the landowner and UWA, to breed rhinos for reintroduction into the national parks.
The sanctuary started with six southern white rhinos and now holds more than 40, many born at Ziwa. It covers about 70 km² of bush and swamp, fenced and patrolled by armed rangers.
Visitors walk with rangers to within safe distance of the rhinos, and also see antelopes, monkeys and birds including the shoebill in the swamps.
- Rhino tracking on foot
Walk with rangers to a rhino family.
- Shoebill canoe trips
Look for shoebills in the Lugogo swamp.
- Conservation story
Learn how Uganda is bringing rhinos back.
Things to do
- Rhino tracking on foot
With sanctuary rangers; 1–3 hours.
- Shoebill trek
Early morning canoe and walk.
- Night walk and birding
Ask at reception.
Wildlife and nature to look for
When to go
Tracking runs all year. The dry months are easiest on foot.
- Jan: Best
- Feb: Best
- Mar: Good
- Apr: Good
- May: Good
- Jun: Best
- Jul: Best
- Aug: Best
- Sep: Best
- Oct: Good
- Nov: Good
- Dec: Best
Costs
Ziwa is privately managed, so UWA's tariff does not apply. Entry and tracking fees are set by the sanctuary; confirm current rates when booking.
Getting there
- By roadFrom KampalaAbout 3 hours
About 176 km north on the Gulu road via Nakasongola.
- By roadFrom Murchison Falls NPAbout 2–3 hours
Most visitors stop here on the way to or from Murchison.
Open larger map Directions Marker shows an approximate location.
Photos
Know before you go
- Follow your ranger's instructions at all times; rhinos can charge.
- Wear neutral colours and closed shoes.
Frequently asked questions
Is Ziwa the only place to see rhinos in Uganda?
Yes. Uganda's wild rhinos were lost by the early 1980s, and Ziwa is the only place they live in the wild today.
How long does rhino tracking take?
Usually one to three hours on foot, depending on where the rhinos are.
Sources
Checked on 23 October 2026. Fees and rules change; confirm with the authority or your operator before you pay.
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