Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary
Uganda’s Conservation Success Story
Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary
Overview
Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary is a rare gem in Uganda’s diverse landscape—a place where conservation, wildlife protection, and community engagement intersect. Located in Nakasongola District, along the route to Murchison Falls National Park, Ziwa is the only location in Uganda where visitors can observe wild rhinos in their natural habitat. Spanning over 70 square kilometers of savannah and bushland, this sanctuary was established in 2005 through a partnership between the Uganda Wildlife Authority and the Rhino Fund Uganda. Its main goal is to reintroduce white rhinos into the wild after they were declared extinct in Uganda in the 1980s due to poaching and civil unrest.
Travel Essentials
Distance from the Capital City: 170 km north of Kampala.
Elevation Above Sea Level: 1,100 to 1,300 meters .
Geographic Coordinates: Latitude 1.464°N, Longitude 32.139°E.
Climate and Temperature Range: Tropical savannah climate; temperatures range from 21°C to 32°C (70°F–90°F); two wet seasons (March–May and October–November).
Terrain and Biodiversity: Rolling savannah, bushland, acacia woodland; home to white rhinos, antelopes, reptiles, primates, and over 300 bird species.
Health and Safety Guidelines: Yellow fever vaccination recommended; carry insect repellent, sunscreen, and stay hydrated. Rhino tracking is safe when done with rangers.
Top Experiences and Activities: On-foot rhino tracking, bird watching, guided nature walks, canoe rides (seasonal), night walks for nocturnal species.
Best Times to Visit: December to February and June to September (dry seasons); less muddy, better for walking and wildlife viewing.
Responsible Travel Tips: Follow ranger instructions during tracking, avoid loud noises, support local guides and conservation projects, and minimize plastic use.
Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary, located in the Nakasongola District of central Uganda, is a remarkable conservation area that has played a pivotal role in restoring the southern white rhinoceros population in the country. After decades of extinction in Uganda due to poaching and civil unrest, rhinos were reintroduced in 2005 through the combined efforts of the Uganda Wildlife Authority and Rhino Fund Uganda. Today, Ziwa is the only place in Uganda where visitors can see rhinos in the wild, making it a vital stop on the country’s northern safari circuit and a symbol of hope for species conservation.
Covering approximately 70 square kilometers of savannah and woodland, the sanctuary is home to over 30 southern white rhinos, living in a protected and secure environment. Armed rangers accompany the rhinos around the clock, ensuring their safety and monitoring their health and behavior. Visitors to Ziwa have the rare opportunity to track rhinos on foot, an exhilarating experience that brings you within a few meters of these powerful creatures, all under the careful supervision of expert guides.
Beyond rhinos, Ziwa is a biodiversity hotspot with more than 300 bird species, including the elusive shoebill stork, which attracts birdwatchers from across the globe. The sanctuary also supports populations of other wildlife such as bushbucks, Uganda kobs, oribis, and waterbucks, along with a variety of reptiles and primates. Its varied terrain, which includes wetlands, acacia woodland, and savannah grassland, offers excellent habitat diversity for both wildlife and plant species.
Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary is not only a destination for tourists but also an educational and research hub. Conservationists, students, and volunteers frequently engage in awareness campaigns, community outreach, and anti-poaching initiatives. The sanctuary stands as a model for community-involved conservation efforts in Africa, providing employment and income opportunities to the surrounding communities, while promoting sustainable tourism.
Whether as a stand-alone visit or as part of a journey to Murchison Falls National Park, Ziwa offers a unique and meaningful wildlife experience. For travelers interested in contributing to conservation and witnessing Uganda’s Big Five efforts in action, a visit to Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary is both inspiring and unforgettable.