Rhino Tracking in Uganda – Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary Experience

In the heart of Uganda’s savannah lies a story of hope, conservation, and rebirth — the Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary. This protected haven is the only place in Uganda where visitors can track and observe wild rhinos on foot, making it one of the country’s most unique and inspiring wildlife experiences.

Located along the route to Murchison Falls National Park, the sanctuary has become a symbol of Uganda’s wildlife restoration efforts and a must-visit destination for travelers seeking to witness the return of a species once lost to extinction within the country.

Overview of Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary

Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary is located in Nakasongola District, about 176 kilometers (3 hours) north of Kampala, along the Kampala–Gulu highway. Covering over 7,000 hectares, the sanctuary is a collaborative project between the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) and the Rhino Fund Uganda (RFU), established in 2005 to reintroduce rhinos into the wild after they were wiped out in the 1980s due to poaching and civil unrest.

Today, the sanctuary is home to over 30 southern white rhinos, living freely in a secure environment protected by armed rangers and a strong conservation team.

The Rhino Tracking Experience

Rhino tracking at Ziwa is a truly unforgettable adventure — one that combines wildlife excitement, conservation learning, and the thrill of walking in the wild.

How the Experience Works

Upon arrival, visitors are welcomed by sanctuary guides who provide a short briefing on rhino behavior, safety, and the sanctuary’s conservation history. You then set off on foot, accompanied by an armed ranger, to locate the rhinos using radio tracking equipment.

The experience usually takes between 1.5 to 2 hours, depending on where the rhinos are grazing. Once found, you’ll observe them from a safe distance (about 6–10 meters), taking in their calm majesty as they graze, wallow, or rest with their calves.

What Makes It Special

• You track rhinos on foot — a rare opportunity in Africa.

• Get close enough for excellent photography and observation.

• Learn about rhino behavior, reproduction, and conservation challenges from expert guides.

• Witness the success of one of Africa’s most effective anti-poaching and breeding programs.

Rhino tracking is available year-round, and departures are scheduled throughout the day. Morning and late afternoon sessions are most popular, as temperatures are cooler and rhinos are more active.

Other Activities at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary

Beyond rhino tracking, Ziwa offers several other exciting nature-based activities that make it a great stopover or day trip destination:

1. Bird Watching

Ziwa is a renowned birding site with over 300 bird species, including the rare Shoebill Stork. The sanctuary’s swamps and woodlands are ideal for birding walks led by local guides.

2. Shoebill Canoe Ride

A guided canoe excursion through the Lugogo Swamp offers the best chance to spot the prehistoric-looking Shoebill, along with other wetland species like herons, egrets, and African jacanas.

3. Nature Walks and Night Walks

Guided nature walks allow visitors to explore the sanctuary’s ecosystem, spotting animals like bushbucks, Ugandan kobs, oribis, warthogs, and duikers.
Night walks reveal nocturnal creatures such as porcupines, genets, and bush babies under the starry skies of rural Uganda.

4. Community and Conservation Tours

Visitors can engage in community experiences and educational tours to learn how local people coexist with wildlife and benefit from conservation tourism.

Wildlife and Birdlife at the Sanctuary

While rhinos are the stars of Ziwa, the sanctuary also supports a variety of other wildlife species, including:

• Warthogs

• Waterbucks

• Reedbucks

• Bushbucks

• Vervet monkeys

• Monitor lizards

For birders, highlights include:

• Shoebill Stork

• African fish eagle

• Goliath heron

• Abyssinian ground hornbill

• Grey crowned crane

• Malachite kingfisher

Best Time to Visit

Rhino tracking at Ziwa can be done any time of the year, but the dry seasons — December to February and June to September — are the most comfortable for walking, with minimal mud and clearer paths.

In the wet seasons (March–May and October–November), the sanctuary turns lush and green, ideal for birdwatching and photography, though some trails can be slippery.

What to Bring

• Lightweight, breathable clothing in neutral colors

• Sturdy walking shoes or boots

• Hat and sunscreen for sun protection

• Insect repellent

• Camera and binoculars

• Drinking water and a small backpack

Getting There

Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary is conveniently located along the main route to Murchison Falls National Park — making it a perfect stopover for travelers heading north.

• By Road: From Kampala, take the Kampala–Gulu highway through Luweero and Nakasongola. The sanctuary is clearly signposted and accessible via a short dirt road off the main highway.

• By Tour: Most Uganda safari operators include Ziwa as part of Murchison Falls itineraries or as a day trip from Kampala or Entebbe.

Accommodation Options

For visitors who wish to stay overnight, Ziwa offers a peaceful selection of accommodations within or near the sanctuary:

• Amuka Safari Lodge – a mid-range lodge with comfortable chalets, a swimming pool, and great food.

• Ziwa Guesthouse and Campsite – budget-friendly with self-contained rooms and camping areas.

Staying overnight allows you to enjoy early morning birding or night walks for a full sanctuary experience.

Conservation and Impact

The success of Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary is a testament to Uganda’s conservation commitment. The sanctuary’s rhino population has grown steadily through breeding programs, with plans underway to eventually reintroduce rhinos into Uganda’s national parks — particularly Murchison Falls National Park.

Your visit directly supports this mission, as tourism revenue funds ranger salaries, veterinary care, and anti-poaching patrols. Each tracked rhino represents not just a conservation success, but a symbol of Uganda’s resilience and future hope for its wildlife.

Why You Should Visit Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary

• The only place in Uganda where you can see rhinos in the wild.

• A rare chance to track rhinos on foot — up close and personal.

• Easily accessible from Kampala and on the route to Murchison Falls.

• Combines wildlife adventure, conservation, and education in one experience.

• A perfect day tour or stopover safari with birding and nature walks included.

Conclusion

Rhino Tracking at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary is more than a safari — it’s an encounter with one of conservation’s greatest success stories. Standing just meters away from a grazing rhino, you feel not only the thrill of the wild but also the triumph of human effort to protect and restore nature.

Whether you’re passing through on your way to Murchison Falls or planning a dedicated visit, Ziwa offers one of Uganda’s most meaningful and memorable wildlife experiences — a journey of connection, purpose, and pride.