Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary

About this place

Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary is a private ranch in central Uganda and the only place in the country where you can see white rhinos in the wild. The visit is on foot with a ranger, so you stand a short distance from huge animals grazing calmly. That is a rare experience, as few places let you do it outside a vehicle. It was set up in 2005 to bring southern white rhinos back to the wild in Uganda, in a partnership between the ranch owners and the Uganda Wildlife Authority. It began with a small number of animals that have since bred, reaching 41 by June 2024. The idea is to protect them here until they can return to the national parks. A ranger leads you through grass and scattered trees to wherever the group is resting that day, then you approach quietly. You may see a mother and calf lying in the shade, or two animals eating grass side by side. Their grey skin almost melts into the earth. Rangers follow them all day, so finding them is rarely a problem. It lies about 164 km by road north of Kampala and about 93 km in a straight line from Murchison Falls, so many people stop here on the way. Follow the ranger exactly, stay quiet and go no closer than you are told. Wear closed shoes and muted colours, as you walk on rough ground.