Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary
The only place in Uganda to see wild rhinos. From extinction to 19 animals — a conservation story you can walk into.
Rhinos were declared extinct in Uganda in 1983, wiped out during the conflicts of the 1970s. In 2005, the Rhino Fund Uganda established Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary in Nakasongola District to bring them back. Starting with just 6 southern white rhinos, the sanctuary has grown the population to approximately 19 animals, guarded by over 78 trained rangers around the clock. Ziwa is the only place in Uganda where you can see rhinos — and one of the few places in Africa where you can track them on foot, approaching as close as 6 to 7 meters. Located about 3 hours northwest of Kampala on the road to Murchison Falls, it is the natural first stop on a northern Uganda safari.
Why Visit Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary
- Track white rhinos on foot to within 6 to 7 meters — one of the most intimate wildlife encounters in Africa.
- Witness a real conservation comeback: from zero rhinos in 1983 to a growing population protected by 78 rangers.
- Join a night walk (8 to 11 PM) for a completely different perspective — few sanctuaries offer this.
- Conveniently located on the Kampala–Murchison Falls road — a perfect half-day stopover.
What to See
- •Southern white rhinos — currently around 19 individuals, tracked on foot with armed rangers in open bushland.
- •Over 350 bird species including shoebill storks in the nearby wetlands.
- •Around 40 other animal species: antelopes, crocodiles, hippos, monkeys and more within the sanctuary.
- •The ranger station and breeding program — learn how Uganda is bringing an extinct species back from zero.
Best Time to Visit
The dry seasons from December to February and June to October offer the best tracking conditions and wildlife visibility. The wet season (March to May, September to November) brings lush scenery and excellent birding. Early morning and late afternoon sessions offer cooler conditions and softer light. Night walks are available year-round from 8 to 11 PM.
How Misty Gorilla Expeditions Can Help
We include Ziwa as a stopover on every Murchison Falls safari route. We arrange rhino tracking sessions, night walks, birding tours and accommodation at the sanctuary lodge. For our 10-Day Best of Uganda itinerary, Ziwa is the first wildlife encounter of the trip — setting the tone for everything that follows.
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