Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary

Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary

Ziwa Rhino and Wildlife sanctuary is located in Nakasongola district is the proud home of the wide mouthed rhinos in Uganda. It is conveniently located 176 km (100 miles) north of Kampala on the Gulu highway towards Murchison Falls national park (branch off at Nakitoma Trading center).  It was set up to repopulate Uganda with rhinos in the future. Both rhinoceros breeds, black and white, are globally endangered. In 1983, both black rhinos and northern white rhinos declared extinct throughout Uganda. Therefore, the purpose is to return rhinos, a vital aspect of both environmental and cultural heritage, back into Uganda, through our breeding and release program. This sanctuary is 7 000 hectares of Savannah and woodlands has provided us with land for the rhinos and has over 78 park rangers and security guards who keep 24 hours watch on the Rhinos to ensure their security. The 70km² is surrounded by 2m electric fence to keep the Rhinos in and intruders out. This sanctuary is a home to at least 40 mammals and reptilian’s species including monkeys, antelopes, hippos, crocodiles and numerous bird species like the famous shoe-bill stalk .

The story is so captivating to miss. The start off was  six southern white rhinos that were translocated in 2005/6, with four from Kenya, and two from Disney Animal Kingdom (USA). As it was northern white rhinos that once populated Uganda’s national parks, these rhinos are technically considered an exotic breed. It was four years before the first rhino was born in March 2008. Unfortunately, Bella’s baby was a still born.

The next year – 24th June 2009 – we had a healthy male calf, making history by being the first rhino born in Uganda in approximately 30 years! He was named Obama, making history, with his mother from the United States and his father from Kenya. The story has never stopped since then with 25 rhinos and we are still counting. As K Safaris, we have walked this journey of support through our visitors and trust me you would love to be part of this great success story. It is one place that should be on your bucket list to complete the famous big 5 African safari animals  as you plan your African safari

Things To Do

• On foot Rhino trekking
• Shoe bill trek and canoe ride
• Night walk
• Birding experience

Price for Activity

$50 pp Rhino trekking, and entrance fee only  

Close Attractions

• Kampala city (175 km. 3-4 hours’ drive)
• Murchison falls National park (174 km. 3- 4 hours’ drive)

Recommended duration of stay

This Ziwa rhino trekking for those on string tight time can visit for hours and do the basic rhino trekking which between 2 hours to 3 hours deepening on location and interest. However, they have accommodation facilities (Amuka Lodge) and good to spend an overnight.

You can  then go for the shoebill trek and canoe experience the next day. 2 days 1 night would be ideal for this destination.