Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary

Ziwa is where rhinos have been returned to Uganda, and it is a long but rewarding day trip from Kampala. Rhinos had been wiped out in Uganda by 1982. In 2005 a project began to bring southern white rhinos back, run as a partnership between Ziwa Rhino and Wildlife Ranch Limited, which owns the land, and the Uganda Wildlife Authority. It started with six animals, and by July 2025 the population had grown to 48.

The ranch covers 70 square kilometres in the Kafu River basin in Nakasongola District, enclosed by a 2-metre electric fence that keeps the rhinos protected while they breed. White rhinos are grazers, and the mix of grassland, woodland and swamp in the basin gives them food and cover. The main activity is rhino tracking on foot. Rangers locate the animals and lead small groups through the bush to watch them from a safe distance, which is a far closer and quieter experience than viewing from a vehicle. Follow the rangers' instructions at all times, stay together and keep your voice low.

Other activities include shoebill trekking in the swamps, birding, nature walks and nature drives. Accommodation on the ranch ranges from campsites to a lodge, with a restaurant, bar and swimming pool, so you can also stay overnight and track rhinos early in the morning before driving on.

Ziwa lies about 164 km north of Kampala by road, off the Kampala-Gulu Highway, so allow around three to four hours each way depending on traffic leaving the city. As a day trip from Kampala, set off early; tour operators in the city run organised day trips and include Ziwa in longer itineraries.

Wear closed shoes and neutral clothing, bring a hat, sun cream and water, and expect the walk to take one to two hours depending on where the rhinos are that day. Tracking fees are set by the sanctuary, so check them before you go. The trip suits older children who can walk quietly, as well as adults, and is a good choice if you have only a short time in Uganda and want to see big wildlife.