🦏 White Rhino Tracking at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary Uganda

Rhino tracking at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary costs $40 per adult and takes 1 to 2 hours on foot with an armed UWA ranger and rhino tracker. Ziwa is the only location in Uganda where wild white rhinos can be tracked. The sanctuary was established in 2005 with animals from Kenya and the United States and now holds a growing herd of over 30 individuals. The southern white rhino (Ceratotherium simum simum) at Ziwa is semi-wild — they range freely within the 7,000-hectare sanctuary and are not fenced into small enclosures.

The sanctuary is located 3.5 hours north of Kampala on the Kampala–Gulu highway, directly on the main route to Murchison Falls. Most visitors stop for 2 to 3 hours before continuing north. The tracking follows the rhinos on foot to within 10 to 15 metres, making it one of the few places in Africa where visitors can walk legally alongside wild rhinos.

The Rhinos and the Sanctuary

The Ziwa herd consists of animals born at the sanctuary and individuals introduced from Kenya. The rhinos are fully habituated to human presence after decades of interaction with sanctuary staff. Rangers track the animals daily and know the location of each individual and sub-group within the sanctuary at any given time. The tracking session typically locates the rhinos within 30 to 45 minutes. Once found, visitors can remain at close range for up to 30 minutes, photographing and observing. The sanctuary also hosts Uganda kob, oribi, hippo in its wetland sections, and over 300 bird species including the shoebill stork in the papyrus swamps near the boundary.

The Conservation Story

White rhinos were extirpated from Uganda in the 1980s through poaching during the civil conflict period. The Ziwa reintroduction project, managed by the Rhino Fund Uganda and UWA, aims to breed a self-sustaining population that can eventually be reintroduced to protected areas including Murchison Falls. As of 2026, the herd has grown from 6 founding animals to over 30, and the first reintroduction to Murchison has been discussed but not yet carried out. Ziwa represents a genuine conservation recovery story in progress.

Combining Ziwa with Murchison Falls

The Ziwa stop fits naturally into the drive from Kampala to Murchison Falls. The sanctuary gates are on the highway; the turn is well-signed. Two to three hours is sufficient for a tracking session plus viewing of the sanctuary’s bird life. Visitors who arrive in the mid-morning can complete the tracking and continue to Murchison Falls in time for a late afternoon game drive or boat cruise. Accommodation at Amuka Lodge adjacent to the sanctuary is an option for those who prefer to break the journey with a night at Ziwa.

Frequently Asked Questions

How close can I get to the rhinos?

The ranger sets the approach distance based on the individual rhino's behaviour. Typically 10 to 20 metres is achievable. Some individuals are more tolerant than others and may allow very close approach.

Do I need to book in advance?

Walk-in tracking is generally available. Advance booking is useful during school holidays and weekends when visit numbers increase. Phone ahead if you are visiting as part of a larger group.

Is Ziwa worth stopping at independently of Murchison?

Yes. Ziwa is the only place in Uganda with wild rhinos, and the tracking experience is unique in East Africa. Even visitors not continuing to Murchison find the sanctuary worthwhile as a standalone day trip from Kampala.