Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary

overview
Located about 176 kilometers north of Kampala on the way to Murchison Falls National Park, the Sanctuary is the only place in Uganda where you can see wild rhinos roaming freely in their natural habitat. This 70-square-kilometer sanctuary was established as part of Uganda’s rhino reintroduction project after rhinos were wiped out due to poaching and civil unrest. Managed by Uganda Wildlife Authority, Ziwa provides a safe space for the southern white rhino to thrive again. It’s peaceful, green, and full of quiet excitement—perfect for a stopover safari.

How to get there
Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary is located approximately 176 kilometers (109 miles) north of Kampala, Uganda’s capital, in the Nakasongola District near Nakitoma Village. The sanctuary is conveniently situated just off the Kampala-Gulu Highway (also known as the Gulu Highway), making it easily accessible for visitors traveling from Kampala or en route to Murchison Falls National Park.

By Car: Driving from Kampala to Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary typically takes about 2.5 to 3 hours, depending on traffic and road conditions. The route follows the Kampala-Gulu Highway northwards. After approximately 176 kilometers, you’ll reach Nakitoma Trading Centre, where clear signposts will direct you to the sanctuary entrance, located a short distance off the main road.

By Public Transportation: For those opting for public transport, you can take a bus from Kampala to Luweero, a town along the Kampala-Gulu Highway. From Luweero, you can hire a taxi or boda-boda (motorcycle taxi) to cover the remaining distance to Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary. While this method is feasible, it’s less direct and may take longer than driving directly.

From Murchison Falls National Park: If you’re visiting Murchison Falls National Park, Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary makes for an excellent stopover. The sanctuary is about 125 kilometers (78 miles) south of the park, approximately a 2.5-hour drive, making it a convenient addition to your itinerary.

Why Visit Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary
Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary offers a rare and unforgettable opportunity to encounter rhinos up close—on foot! This is not your average drive-by experience. Instead, it’s a guided walking safari where you follow rhinos at a respectful distance, hear their stories, and feel the thrill of being in the wild with one of Africa’s Big Five. Beyond the rhinos, the sanctuary is a conservation success story worth supporting. It’s an ideal stop on your way to Murchison Falls, giving you a well-rounded wildlife experience and the chance to be part of something meaningful—restoring rhinos to Uganda’s national parks.

What to Do at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary
Rhino tracking is the main highlight—an exhilarating experience where you trek through the bush with expert guides and rangers to find and observe rhinos on foot. But that’s just the beginning! The sanctuary also offers nature walks, bird watching (with over 300 bird species recorded!), and canoe rides through the lush Lugogo swamp in search of the rare shoebill stork. You can even take a night walk to discover the sanctuary’s nocturnal residents like bush babies, porcupines, and leopards. Whether you’re a wildlife enthusiast, a birder, or just love being in nature, Ziwa has something special for you.

Rhino Tracking at the Sanctuary
Rhino tracking at Ziwa is the star experience—and it’s nothing short of magical. Imagine walking quietly through the bush, guided by a ranger, and suddenly spotting a massive white rhino grazing just meters away. With over 30 rhinos now at the sanctuary, your chances of seeing them are high. You’ll learn about their behavior, history, and conservation efforts as you observe them up close in their natural environment. It’s a unique chance to be on foot with one of Africa’s Big Five—no fences, no cars, just you, the wild, and an unforgettable moment.

Night Nature Walks at the Sanctuary
When the sun sets at Ziwa, a whole new world wakes up—and the night nature walk is your invitation to discover it. Led by an experienced guide, you’ll explore the sanctuary under the stars, listening to rustling bushes, hooting owls, and maybe spotting nocturnal creatures like bush babies, porcupines, or even a shy leopard. It’s quiet, thrilling, and surprisingly peaceful. With flashlights in hand and your senses heightened, this walk gives you a different feel of the African wild—raw, mysterious, and full of surprise. It’s the perfect add-on for adventurers who want a deeper connection with nature.

Shoebill Tracking at the Sanctuary
If you’re a bird lover—or just curious—shoebill tracking at Ziwa is an experience you don’t want to miss. This early morning canoe ride through the misty Lugogo Swamp feels like a scene from a nature documentary. Your guide paddles silently as you scan the wetlands for the rare and prehistoric-looking shoebill stork, known for its massive bill and stillness. Along the way, you’ll spot other beautiful birds and maybe even some swamp-dwelling mammals. The serenity, the bird songs, and the chance to see a shoebill in the wild? It’s a bucket-list moment for nature lovers!

Conclusion
Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary is more than just a stopover, it’s a powerful conservation success story and a rare chance to walk alongside some of the world’s most majestic animals. Whether you’re tracking rhinos on foot, spotting the elusive shoebill, or soaking in the serenity of a night nature walk, every visit leaves you with unforgettable memories. Perfectly located on the route to Murchison Falls, it offers travelers a meaningful and exciting detour. If you’re exploring Uganda, don’t miss the chance to be part of this unique wilderness experience. Your adventure and the rhinos are waiting!