Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary: Tracking Rhinos on Foot

Rhinos once roamed across Uganda but were wiped out by poaching, and the species disappeared from the wild in the early 1980s. Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary is part of the effort to bring them back: it protects reintroduced southern white rhinos in a fenced reserve, and it is the only place in Uganda where you can see them in the wild.

The sanctuary sits on the road from Kampala to Murchison Falls, which makes it an easy and rewarding stop. See Murchison Falls and day tours and short tours.

How Rhino Tracking Works

Rangers guide small groups on foot to find the rhinos, which are usually resting or grazing in open areas. You can usually approach within a respectful distance for photographs, following instructions on how to move and where to stand. It is one of the few places in East Africa where visitors can see rhinos on foot with a guide.

Other Activities

The sanctuary also offers bird walks and a chance to see other wildlife in the reserve. Lodges nearby offer overnight stays.

Getting There

Ziwa is roughly halfway between Kampala and Murchison Falls, so most visitors break the journey here. See driving distances.

Rhinos and the Big Five

Seeing rhino at Ziwa completes the Big Five for visitors who also see lion, leopard, elephant and buffalo elsewhere in Uganda. See Big Five safaris in Uganda.

What Happens on a Rhino Tracking Visit

Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary is a private sanctuary in the Nakasongola area, on the road between Kampala and Murchison Falls. Rhinos disappeared from Uganda's wild during past decades, and the sanctuary exists to breed and protect southern white rhinos. Visits are guided on foot: a ranger leads you through the bush to a group of rhinos, and you stand at a respectful distance for photographs and to learn about their behaviour.

The walk is usually flat and easy, with rangers briefing you beforehand on safety and distance. Wear closed shoes, neutral colours, a hat, sunscreen and carry water. Binoculars are helpful for birds, and the sanctuary is also a good site for bird sightings.

Fitting Ziwa Into a Murchison Falls Trip

Ziwa is almost perfectly placed as a stop on the way north. Leaving Kampala in the morning, you can do the rhino tracking in the late morning and continue to Murchison Falls National Park later in the day. This is the easiest way to add a rare wildlife experience without extra driving. Check the distances and driving times when planning your day, and see the day and short tours for shorter options.

Because it is a rare chance to see rhinos in Uganda, we usually recommend including it in any Murchison itinerary of three days or more. See our wildlife safari packages.

Rhino Tracking Fees

Ziwa is run as a sanctuary with its own rates; see Ajai rhino tracking for the UWA tariff entry for rhino tracking.