Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary, in Nakasongola district on the main road between Kampala and Murchison Falls, is the only place in Uganda to see rhino in the wild. Southern white rhinos were reintroduced here from Kenya and South Africa starting in 2005, following the species' local extinction through poaching in the 1980s, and the sanctuary — run by Rhino Fund Uganda — now protects a growing population across roughly 70 square kilometres of savannah and wetland-edge habitat. Sitting directly on the route north, it converts what would otherwise be a driving day into a genuine wildlife stop.
On-Foot Rhino Tracking
The sanctuary's signature activity is walking with an armed ranger to track white rhinos on foot, approaching to a safe working distance of around 20 metres. Southern white rhinos are considerably more tolerant of a calm approach than black rhino, and the tracking itself typically takes one to two hours depending on how far the animals have moved that morning. It is one of the few genuinely reliable on-foot large-mammal encounters anywhere in Uganda outside a walking safari at Lake Mburo.
Birding the Savannah and Wetland Edge
Beyond rhinos, Ziwa's mix of open savannah, seasonal wetland, and papyrus-fringed channels supports a worthwhile bird list for a stopover site. Shoebill has been recorded on the sanctuary's wetlands, alongside Papyrus Gonolek, Blue-naped Mousebird, and the scarce, little-known Bat-like Spinetail. Abyssinian Ground Hornbill stalks the open grassland, African Fish Eagle and Bateleur work the skies over the Kafu River, and a range of cisticolas and other grassland warblers keep the walking safari interesting between rhino sightings. Boat trips on the Kafu River add a further wetland birding option.
Where to Stay and How Long to Spend
Ziwa has its own on-site accommodation as well as nearby options, and most itineraries treat it as a half-day or full-day stop rather than a multi-night base, since it sits conveniently between Kampala and Murchison Falls. A half-day covers rhino tracking comfortably; a full day allows time to add a Kafu River boat trip or an evening nature walk around the grounds.
Best Time to Visit
Ziwa is workable year-round. The dry seasons, December to February and June to August, keep the tracking walk easier underfoot and give better overall visibility across the open savannah, though rhino tracking runs regardless of season.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Ziwa the only place to see rhino in Uganda?
Yes — following their local extinction in the 1980s, Ziwa is currently the only site in the country with wild-ranging rhino, all reintroduced since 2005.
How close do you get to the rhinos?
Rangers guide you on foot to within roughly 20 metres, a safe working distance for the sanctuary's southern white rhinos, which are more tolerant of a calm approach than black rhino.
Is a separate fee required for tracking?
Yes, rhino tracking is a separate activity fee on top of general sanctuary entry, paid on arrival or booked in advance through your operator.
How far is Ziwa from Murchison Falls?
About two to three hours, making it a natural stop on the drive between Kampala and the park rather than a dedicated detour.
Ziwa sits naturally on the route to Murchison Falls National Park. Contact us to add rhino tracking at Ziwa to your Murchison Falls itinerary.