Sanctuary & Forest · Nakasongola District
Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary
The only place in Uganda where you can track white rhinos on foot, and the breeding ground that has brought rhinos back to the country.
How to get there
By road from Kampala, about 2.5 to 3 hours north on the Gulu highway; a natural stop on the way to Murchison Falls.
What to find
Rhino trekking on foot with rangers, shoebill walks, birding and nature trails.
Overview
Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary covers about 70 km² of savanna and wetland in Nakasongola District, run by the Ziwa Rhino and Wildlife Ranch together with the Uganda Wildlife Authority. It was founded in 2005 to bring rhinos back to Uganda, where they had been wiped out by poaching.
It started with six southern white rhinos, four from Kenya and two from Disney's Animal Kingdom in the USA. By 2025, the population had grown to 48. In 2026, rhinos from Ziwa were moved to Ajai Wildlife Reserve and Kidepo Valley National Park, the first steps in returning rhinos to the wild across Uganda.
Highlights
- Tracking white rhinos on foot, at a safe distance, with experienced rangers
- A remarkable conservation success story
- Shoebill walks in the Lugogo swamp
- Antelopes, monkeys, hippos and around 300 bird species
Things to do
Rhino trekking
Walk with rangers to find a rhino group, usually 1 to 3 hours.
Shoebill trek
An early morning walk and canoe trip in the swamp.
Birding and nature walks
Guided trails through savanna and wetland.
Best time to visit
All year. Early morning and late afternoon are cooler for walking.
Getting there
About 2.5 to 3 hours by road north of Kampala, off the Kampala–Gulu highway.
Where to stay
The sanctuary has its own lodge and guesthouse, or you can visit on the way to Murchison Falls.
Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary
A selection of well-known options, not a complete list. See all accommodation in Uganda →
Good to know
- Wear neutral colours and closed shoes, and follow your ranger's instructions.
- Stop here on the way to Murchison to complete Uganda's Big Five.
Permit prices, park rules and access can change. We always confirm the latest details when we plan your trip.