Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary
Rhino Fund Uganda / Ziwa Sanctuary & Wildlife Range / Ziwa Wetland
Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary
Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary is the only place in Uganda where you can see rhino in the wild. The sanctuary is part of the effort by Rhino Fund Uganda and Uganda Wildlife Authority to rebuild the Rhinoceros population in Uganda. Uganda was once home to thousands of rhino but prolonged civil war and poaching in the 1970s and 80 take its toll and in 1982, the last rhino living in the wild was killed.
Rhinos are classified as threatened animals, with only 5 remaining species, two of which reside in Africa, and the other three in Asia. In 2005, 4 southern white rhinos were introduced from the Solio ranch in Kenya and an additional 2 from the Disney Animal Kingdom in Florida, USA.
Rhino Trekking
Rhino Trekking at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary is an incredible way to get up close to the 48 Southern White Rhinos ( Oct 2025 ) that are currently live here. Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary is around 27 square miles and the Rhinos have 24hr armed protected from poachers. Rhino Trekking can be done at any time of the day but it is recommended during the morning or late afternoon as the Rhinos are more active when there is less heat. ( 08.00 - 10.00 or 16.00 - 18.00 ). The trek itself will last anywhere between 1.5 to 2.5 hours depending on where the Rhinos are and it is advisable to have some drinking water, a hat and insect repellent.
Bird Watching
Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary is also a great place for Birdwatching in Uganda. The swamp and savannah landscape are home to a great variety or birds. The draw card to the are is still the Shoebill Stork although sightings here are not as good are in other parts of Uganda. To get the best out of this activity you really need to be ready to head out at 06.00. Your first stop will be Lugogo Swamp where you can walk on the edge of the swamp looking for birds such as:
Saddle Bill Stork
Kingfisher
Pin Tailed Whydah
Shoebill Stork
Marsh Harrier.
After this there a short drive to a canoe point where you hop into the canoe in search of more birds. The Sanctuary is also home to the White Headed Turaco which you can hear calling at various times in the day.
Nature Walks
If you thrive in the great outdoors, our guided nature walks are just what you need. Explore 27 square miles of untouched woodland, swamp, and savannah—an immersive escape into the wild. The Ziwa Rhino and Wildlife Ranch is teeming with diverse mammals, birds, and primates.
Led by expert rangers who know every trail and species by heart, you’ll venture into the best spots for wildlife sightings. Breathe in the crisp, clean air and take in breathtaking views as you embark on a thrilling journey through nature’s playground
