Uganda
Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary
Uganda's only wild rhinos — a conservation success in the making
Overview
Why Visit
Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary is Uganda's only place to see wild white rhinos — and one of Africa's most remarkable conservation success stories. After rhinos were hunted to extinction in Uganda in the 1980s, the Ziwa sanctuary was established to reintroduce and breed a self-sustaining population, with the long-term goal of releasing rhinos back into Uganda's national parks. The sanctuary currently protects over 30 white rhinos on 7,000 hectares of private land, allowing foot-based tracking encounters at close range. The surrounding wetlands also support shoebill, papyrus gonolek, and over 300 bird species.
Nitin's Tips
Experiencing Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary
Rhino tracking at Ziwa is done entirely on foot with armed rangers — a fundamentally different experience from vehicle-based game drives. Nitin approaches from downwind with the group moving slowly in single file, closing the distance until the rhino is within 20–30 metres. At this distance, the sheer size and ancient quality of the animal fills the frame in a way that no vehicle encounter can replicate. Morning light on the rhino's textured skin creates extraordinary photographic opportunities. The adjacent Lugogo Swamp offers reliable shoebill sightings and can be combined in a single day.
Book This Destination
Pricing (per day)
Jul–Sep
+ Permits
Highlights
- ✦Uganda's only wild white rhinos
- ✦On-foot tracking — 20 to 30 metre encounters
- ✦Conservation success story in progress
- ✦Adjacent shoebill habitat at Lugogo Swamp
- ✦Easily combined with Murchison Falls route
Wildlife
6 speciesBest Time to Visit
Year-round (June–September dry season for shorter grass and clearer sightlines)
Travel Essentials
Visa
Visa on arrival / e-Visa
Currency
UGX (Ugandan Shilling)
Language
English, Swahili
Timezone
EAT (UTC+3)
At a Glance
White rhinos
30+
Sanctuary area
7,000 ha
Bird species
300+
Tracking method
On foot
Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary, Uganda — white rhino. © Nitin Vyas
What to Expect
On-Foot Rhino Tracking
Track white rhinos on foot with armed rangers — closing to 20–30 metres for a close, personal encounter impossible from a vehicle.
Conservation Photography
Document Uganda's rhino recovery story — animals with known histories and distinct personalities, photographed in genuine wild habitat.
Max 12 Guests
Small groups ensure quiet approaches and Nitin's full attention on your goals.
Plan Your Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary Safari
Tell us your vision and we'll build the experience around you. No fixed dates, no set groups.
Get in Touch