Ziwa Rhino and Wildlife Ranch located in Nakasongola district is the proud home of the only wild rhinos in Uganda. The Rhino re-introduction project is a project of the Rhino Fund Uganda and Uganda Wildlife Authority.

We are conveniently located 176km (100 miles) north of Kampala on the Gulu highway towards Murchison Falls (branch off at Nakitoma Trading center). Ziwa is the only place where you will be able to see rhinos in the wild.

Actual day of Rhino trekking on Foot in Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary

Ziwa Rhino sanctuary is easily accessible from Kampala by road and the road transfer can take up to 3 hours, Murchison falls national park which is a two-hour drive, and from Kidepo valley national park which is 7 hours, as enter the territory of the southern white Rhinos on foot, The well-trained rangers that will well you and guide you through the bush on foot to where our rhinos are on the day of your visit. This is one of the greatest spectacles on an African walking safari where you will come face to face at a close distance with the Rhinos something that is especially based on the criticality of the rhino species in the wild due to increased poaching.

You will get the opportunity to watch these endangered, magnificent creatures in their natural habitat. As these rhinos are free to move around on 7000 hectares of land, it is often necessary to drive to the areas where the Rhinos are, before taking the bush trek. This activity is a once in a lifetime opportunity and should not be missed!

Your guide is there to keep you safe from harm so listening to the safety briefing he gives you is very important.

When to visit the Ziwa Rhino sanctuary

There are time limits on when you will access the Rhino sanctuary, this is due to the state of protection of the critically endangered Rhinos and the recommended hours from 08H00 to 10H00 or 16H00 to 18H00 (but it is available all day) this is due to the active hours of the rhinos as after 10 am they will take shade under the trees, though anytime from 8 am to 4 pm clients can be allocated guides to trek the rhinos.

How long does the Ziwa Rhino sanctuary trek take?

Depending on where the Rhinos are the trek can take between 1 -3 hours that’s including the drive time and the actual trek and the viewing time of the Rhinos.

What you need pack for Ziwa Rhino trekking

Since the walking safari involves trekking in the Lush vegetation of the Sanctuary travelers will ensure they have closed shoes, long pants, water, and insect repellent, and if possible a cap or hut is handy with sun lotion.

Other activities to do in Ziwa Rhino sanctuary

Presently the sanctuary is home to twenty-two (22) southern white rhinos. The sanctuary has become increasingly popular with tourists; for Rhino Trekking, Shoebill Trek and Canoe Ride, Bird Watching, Night Walk, Nature Walk, and Relaxation.

Night Walk

Our guided night walk will introduce to you night sounds and sensations you did not know existed! You cannot exclude this experience from your activities on the sanctuary. We have many nocturnal animals and who knows what you might bump into.

Recommended times: 20H30 to 23H00

How much time you need: Approximately 1-3 hours. What you need: Closed shoes, water, long pants, insect repellent and a flashlight. Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary also has other animals that you will enjoy watching during your trek through same area.

The Sanctuary has about 40 mammals such as Hippos, antelopes, crocodiles, monkeys and many others,

It is well known as a hub of different bird species thus birders paradise.

It’s also true that one can trek the whole place on foot with no worries as the sanctuary has more than 65 security personnel  on duty daily thus making it easy & secured.

Search for the rear shoebill

Shoebill stork is one of the bird species found in the Lugogo swamp which is part of the sanctuary and a canoe boat trips can be arranged.

Where to stay in Ziwa Rhino sanctuary

There are two options in the sanctuary where you can spend a night in the heart of the rhino territory and that includes the Ziwa guest house which is the budget option and the Amuka safari lodge which is the upmarket option

Best time to visit Ziwa Rhino sanctuary

Ziwa rhino sanctuary is open all year round and can also be visited any time of the year but travelers can take caution of the rainy seasons from September to November and from March to May as these may affect the trekking experience on the days of the heavy downpour and the sanctuary also become muddy.

Feel free to contact us for more inquiries and reservations in safari services.