Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary

The Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary is the only place in Uganda where you can come face to face with rhinoceros – one of the most majestic and endangered creatures on earth. This private wildlife ranch located in northwestern Uganda was established in 2005 purposely to reintroduce the Southern White Rhinos in the wild. And it is one of the world’s most successful conservation stories.

Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary is located in northeastern Uganda, Nakasongola District, just outside Murchison Falls National Park. The sanctuary is home to the white rhinos, one of the most endangered species in Africa. Ziwa Rhino and Wildlife Ranch is integral to globe efforts to protect these magnificent animals, offers visitors an amazing rhino trekking on foot, taking nature hikes and night walks, and tracking the elusive shoebill and other bird species.

Often a visit to Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary is incorporated in a Uganda Safari itinerary to Murchison Falls National Park, offering visitors the opportunity to see all of the Big Five. A game drive in Murchison Falls National Park offers up close sightings of the Big Four – lion, leopard, elephant and buffalo, then have a sight of the rhinoceros at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary.

History of Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary and Rhinos in Uganda

In the early 1980s, wild rhinos in Uganda become extinct due to human encroachment, poaching and conflicts. However, 20 years later in 2025, six rhinos were introduced to Uganda at Ziwa Rhino Reserve, a 30 square kilometers non-profit – sanctuary set up with the long term goal of getting the rhino back into the Murchison Falls National Park.

Now there are 22 southern white rhinos, including nine baby rhinos, the first in almost 30 years.

Rhinos have been an integral part of our planet for millions of years, evolving into two distinct species – black and white rhinos. In the African culture, they have always held these majestic creatures in high esteem and respect, symbolizing strength, spirituality, protection and a harmonious relationship with nature.

In 1983, Captain Roy and his family established a cattle farm where the current ranch sits. It introduced rare cattle and operated as a cattle farm for almost two decades. However, in 2002, the Roy family engaged in length discussions with Rhino Fund’s Excutive Director, Yvonne Verkakik, and decided to convert the farm into a safe haven for white rhinoceros. To achieve this, the 7000 herds of cattle where relocated to create a protected space for the white rhinos. At the time, rhinos had become extinct in Uganda due to poaching and preserving this magnificent species seemed logical.

In 2005, Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary was finally established with the goal of reintroducing southern white rhinos back to their natural habitat in Murchison Falls National Park environment. Initially, six southern white rhinos were introduced to the ranch, and today, the total has risen to 34 rhinos, with the sanctuary expecting the number to grow.

The mission of Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary is to reintroduce these majestic creatures back into the wild, where they can roam the plains in their nature habitat, just as they have done in the past. The project has been a collaborative effort between the Uganda Wildlife Authority, the custodians of the species and Ziwa Rhino and Wildlfie Ranch Limited. Together, they hope to see rhinos introduced into other national parks throughout Uganda, where they can roam the land with other wildlife species.

What to Expect at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary

Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary offers you a chance to experience the majesty of rhinos up – close with a rhino track. On this excursion, an experienced ranger will lead you on foot to see them at safe distance (6-7 meters away).

In addition to rhinos,  Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary is home to 40 other mammal species including crocodiles, hippos, leopards, oribis, bushbucks, and approximately 300 species of birds, which can observed on a game drive, canoe trip or night walk.

Things to Do at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary

Rhino Tracking

Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary is the only place in Uganda where you can rhinos in their natural habitat, you are free to roam across the savannah, acacia woodlands and cool muddy swamps. An experienced and knowledgeable ranger will guided you and educate you on their habits and behaviors in their natural habitat.

On this excursion, you will be in position of six to seven meters away, and there will be plenty of opportunities to take videos and photos.

Rhino tracking can be done at any time of the day, however the best time to go is between 8 am and 10 am and 4 pm and 6 pm.

Shoebill Stork and Canoe ride

Catch a glace of the pre-historic shoebill and its goof charm that comes from their Dutch Clog – esque foot-long bill. The shoebill is an unassuming predator known to feast on baby crocodiles, big fish like tilapia and Nile monitor lizards.

Head out on an early morning canoe ride in the adjacent swamp, to see this prehistoric looking bird and enjoy a magnificent sunrise over the Lugogo Swamps.

Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary is one of the few places in Uganda where you are almost guaranteed to see the endangered shoebill stork.

Bird watching

Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary is a perfect destination of birders, with four different trails to choose from. These trails take you across the savannah, woodland or swamps, each habitat to various bird species.

Ziwa has over 300 bird species and during the birding excursion, birds you will see include Abdim’s Stork, Abyssinian Ground Hornbill, African Black Crake, African Black-headed Oriole, African Blue Flycatcher, African Broad Bill, African Citril, African Crowned Eagle, African Darter, African Fish Eagle, African Golden-breasted Bunting, African Golden Oriole, African Goshawk, African Green Pigeon, African Grey, African Grey Hornbill, African Hawk Eagle, African Hoopoe, African Jacana, African Marsh Harrier, African Morning Dove and African Open-billed Stork among others.

The best time to go birding in Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary is in the early morning between 6 am and 8 am or the early evening between 4 pm and 6 pm.

Nocturnal Walks

Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary is home to a number of nocturnal animals and the best way to see them is on a guided night walk between 8 pm and 11 pm. During these nature walks you will be accompanied by a ranger, who will ensure your safety and are also knowledgeable about the sanctuary’s flora and fauna.

Nature walks in Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary often take between one and three hours and can be quiet physically demanding.

Best time to visit Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary

Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary can be visited all year round, however the best time is during the dry season which takes place from December to February, and then late June to October. This is the best time for general wildlife viewing, as animals will be drawn to watering holes, making them easier to find.

During the dry season, chance of rain are few to spoil your planned activities, and with most of the activities at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary are done outside, thus an important consideration.

The wetter months from September to November and March to May are the best time for birding and the sanctuary is beautifully green.