About Uganda
Authentic Encounters, Natural Heritage & Bespoke Travel Design
Located in Nakasongola District roughly 176 kilometres north of Kampala along the highway to Murchison Falls, Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary covers 70 square kilometres of protected acacia woodland, savanna grasslands, and lugogo wetlands. Established in 2005 through a visionary partnership between the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) and Rhino Fund Uganda, Ziwa is the proud, exclusive sanctuary dedicated to breeding and restoring wild rhinoceroses to Uganda.
Historically, both black and northern white rhinos roamed Uganda's savannas in large numbers, but poaching and civil unrest during the 1970s and 1980s led to their complete extinction in the wild by 1983. In 2005, the sanctuary reintroduced six southern white rhinos (*Ceratotherium simum simum*). Through dedicated 24-hour armed ranger protection and successful breeding, the sanctuary's white rhino population has now grown to over 40 healthy individuals. Ziwa is celebrated worldwide as the ONLY location in Uganda where travelers can track wild rhinoceroses on foot in their natural bush habitat.
Historically, both black and northern white rhinos roamed Uganda's savannas in large numbers, but poaching and civil unrest during the 1970s and 1980s led to their complete extinction in the wild by 1983. In 2005, the sanctuary reintroduced six southern white rhinos (*Ceratotherium simum simum*). Through dedicated 24-hour armed ranger protection and successful breeding, the sanctuary's white rhino population has now grown to over 40 healthy individuals. Ziwa is celebrated worldwide as the ONLY location in Uganda where travelers can track wild rhinoceroses on foot in their natural bush habitat.
Landscape & Environment
Acacia savanna woodlands, Borassus palm groves, open grasslands, and Lugogo papyrus wetlands.
Culture & Heritage
Surrounded by Nakasongola's agricultural and pastoralist communities, with strong community conservation employment.
Why Visit Uganda?
Experience the adrenaline and reverence of walking on foot within 10 metres of wild white rhinos alongside dedicated armed wildlife rangers, completing the quintessential Ugandan Big Five safari.
Signature Highlights & Experiences
Track southern white rhinos on foot in their natural acacia bush habitat under 24/7 armed protection
Complete the quintessential Ugandan Big Five experience en route to Murchison Falls National Park
Observe healthy rhino calves playing under the watchful eye of protective mother rhinos
Canoe the Lugogo papyrus wetland at dawn in search of the prehistoric Shoebill stork
Spot bushbucks, Uganda kobs, oribis, vervet monkeys, and over 300 bird species within the sanctuary
Support vital frontline conservation aimed at eventually re-wilding rhinos into Uganda's national parks
Visa & Entry Guidelines
Uganda eVisa or East Africa Tourist Visa obtained online prior to departure.
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Languages:
English, Luganda
Time Zone:
East Africa Time (EAT, UTC+3)
Calling Code:
+256
