Ziwa Rhino and Wildlife Ranch
Ziwa Rhino and Wildlife Ranch is a 70 km² (27 mi²) stretch of open grassland in central Uganda, and it holds a unique place in the country’s conservation story. It is currently the only location in Uganda where rhinos can be seen roaming freely in their natural habitat. Even more exciting, Ziwa is one of the rare places in the world where visitors can track these prehistoric-looking giants on foot—an experience that almost always guarantees a sighting.
Just a few decades ago, rhinos were still found in Uganda’s Murchison Falls National Park. Sadly, by the early 1980s, rampant poaching, illegal wildlife trade, and political instability had wiped out the country’s native rhino population, which once numbered around 700 individuals.
The white rhinos at Ziwa are part of a remarkable reintroduction effort. The breeding program began in the early 2000s with just six rhinos—four brought overland from Kenya and two flown in from Disney’s Animal Kingdom in Florida. As of July 2025, the population has grown to 48 rhinos. There are plans underway to reintroduce some of these rhinos to wildlife reserves and national parks like Murchison Falls National Park, Kidepo Valley National Park and Ajai Wildlife Reserve, restoring them to their former homes. Until this happens, however, Ziwa will remain one of the best places to visit in Uganda for people who want to see all the Big Five.
Reasons To Visit Ziwa Rhino and Wildlife Ranch
1. Guided white rhino tracking
One of the main highlights of visiting Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary is the chance to track southern white rhinos (Ceratotherium simum simum) on foot—a rare and thrilling experience. Accompanied by well-trained and knowledgeable rangers, you will venture into the bush and follow the rhinos wherever they are within their territory.
This guided trek offers an incredible opportunity to observe these endangered giants up close in their natural habitat. The experience typically lasts 1½ to 2½ hours, depending on how far the rhinos have moved, and is available daily from 07:00 AM to 05:00 PM. The cost is USD 50 per person for foreign non-residents—an excellent value for such a rare and intimate wildlife encounter.
2. Exceptional birdlife including shoebill
Ziwa Rhino and Wildlife Ranch is not just about rhinos—it’s also a birdwatcher’s paradise. With over 300 bird species recorded, the sanctuary’s diverse landscapes—ranging from woodlands and savannah to extensive swamps—provide rich habitats for a wide variety of birdlife.
Among the most iconic and sought-after species is the shoebill stork, a prehistoric-looking bird that tops many birdwatchers’ lists. Ziwa is one of the few places in Uganda where you are almost guaranteed to spot a shoebill, with a record of up to 11 individuals sighted in a single trip. These majestic birds nest deep within the Lugogo Swamp, and the sanctuary’s experienced rangers know exactly where to take you for the best chance of seeing them up close.
The shoebill birdwatching tours begins bright and early at 6:00 AM, and includes a tranquil canoe ride through the swamp—not only ideal for spotting shoebills and other water birds, but also a magical way to witness the sunrise over the wetlands. This peaceful, early-morning experience is a favorite for birding enthusiasts and nature lovers alike. Because the sanctuary’s gates open at 07:30 AM, guests must stay overnight at Ziwa to join the shoebill tour. It’s well worth it for a chance to see one of Africa’s most extraordinary birds in its natural home.
3. Affordable meals and accommodations
Ziwa Rhino and Wildlife Ranch is a great place to stay for all kinds of travelers. You can choose a luxury chalet, a comfortable guest room, or enjoy camping under the stars. All the rooms have hot showers and solar lights, and there’s a friendly bar and lounge where you can relax after your wildlife adventure.
If you stay in a chalet, you can also use the swimming pool for free—a nice way to cool off after tracking rhinos or looking for birds. The ranch also has a restaurant that serves tasty affordable meals. You’ll enjoy breakfast, lunch, and dinner with drinks like fresh juice or coffee while listening to birds and the sounds of nature. If you stay overnight, you can join early morning activities like the shoebill canoe trek, which is not possible if you just come for the day. Ziwa is a fun, peaceful, and exciting place to enjoy nature and feel at home.
4. A potential stand-alone overnight or day trip from the capital, Kampala
Ziwa Rhino Ranch is located just a few hours away from Uganda’s capital, Kampala. This makes it a perfect place for a quick and exciting trip, whether you only have one day or want to spend the night. If you visit for the day, you can enjoy activities like rhino tracking and exploring the beautiful wildlife ranch. But if you stay overnight, you get even more time to relax and join special early morning trips, like the canoe ride to see the rare shoebill bird.
5. An easy add-on to a safari to Murchison Falls, which is home to the rest of the Big Five
If you are planning a safari to Murchison Falls National Park, adding a visit to Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary is easy and a wonderful choice. Murchison Falls is famous for many amazing animals like lions, elephants, buffalo, and leopards—most of the Big Five. But to see the white rhino, which is the last of the Big Five, you need to visit Ziwa. Luckily, Ziwa is not far from Murchison Falls, so you can visit both places without much extra travel time. By adding Ziwa to your safari, you will get to see even more wildlife and enjoy a richer, more complete safari experience in Uganda. It’s a simple way to make your trip extra special and memorable.
Best Time To Visit Ziwa Rhino & Wildlife Ranch
Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary is open all year round, and the chance of successfully tracking rhinos is almost 100%, no matter the season. However, the best time to visit Uganda as a whole is during the dry months—from June to August and December to February. During these periods, the weather is usually sunny and dry, making it easier to explore the wildlife and enjoy outdoor activities. But whenever you choose to visit, Ziwa offers a wonderful experience throughout the year.
How To Get to Ziwa Rhino Ranch
Ziwa Rhino Ranch is located about 170 km (105 miles) from Kampala, Uganda’s capital. The journey follows a well-maintained paved road that continues northwest to Murchison Falls National Park and northeast to Kidepo Valley National Park. From Kampala or nearby Entebbe International Airport, expect the drive to take up to 3 hours, depending on traffic and road conditions. The final stretch to the ranch is a short feeder road that can become very muddy after heavy rains, so it’s best to travel in a 4×4 vehicle for safety and comfort. If you plan to continue your trip north from Ziwa, most lodges in Murchison Falls are about 3 hours away by car, while reaching Kidepo Valley takes at least 7 to 8 hours. Planning your route carefully will help you make the most of your Uganda safari adventure.
Visitor Information and Tips
- The ranch opens daily from 7:30 AM, with rhino tracking available from 7:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
- Advance booking for rhino tracking and shoebill tours is recommended, especially during peak seasons.
- Wear comfortable, sturdy shoes, sun protection, and bring water and insect repellent.
- The ranch is family-friendly, but young children should be supervised during tracking.
- Guides speak English and are knowledgeable about wildlife and local culture.
- Wi-Fi is available at the main lodge, and there is parking for private vehicles.
