Ziwa Rhino Tracking Experience
Ziwa Rhino Tracking Experience – Walking Safari to Watch Rhinos on Foot
Nestled along the route from Kampala to Murchison Falls National Park, Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary offers one of Uganda’s most unique wildlife experiences – the chance to track rhinos on foot in their natural habitat. As the only place in Uganda where you can see wild rhinos, this sanctuary is an essential stop for any wildlife enthusiast, birder, or safari traveler looking to complete the “Big Five” game viewing experience.
Spread across over 7,000 hectares of savannah and woodlands, Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary was established in 2005 with a mission to reintroduce rhinos to Uganda after they were declared extinct in the country in 1983 due to poaching and civil unrest. Today, the sanctuary has become a conservation success story and a must-visit destination for travelers on their way to or from Murchison Falls National Park.
What to Expect on Ziwa Rhino Tracking Experience
Ziwa Rhino Tracking Experience offers a thrilling and educational experience like no other. The activity is conducted under the guidance of highly trained and experienced rangers who ensure both your safety and the rhinos’ wellbeing.
Here’s what the experience typically involves:
Briefing: Your adventure begins with a short briefing about the sanctuary’s history, rhino behavior, and safety guidelines.
Guided Walk: Equipped with walking sticks if needed, you’ll head into the bush on foot. The thrill of moving quietly through the wild as you search for rhinos adds a sense of adventure.
Up-Close Viewing: Once located, you will watch the rhinos from a safe but close distance—often as near as 20 to 30 meters. Observing these massive, prehistoric-looking animals as they graze, care for their calves, or rest in the shade is unforgettable.
Conservation Insight: Your ranger will share insights about rhino conservation efforts in Uganda, the threats they face, and the sanctuary’s ongoing work to protect and eventually reintroduce them to national parks.
The entire activity lasts about 1–2 hours, depending on how far the rhinos are from the starting point.
Best Time to Visit
Ziwa Rhino Tracking Experience can be done year-round, but mornings and late afternoons are ideal since temperatures are cooler, and wildlife tends to be more active. The dry season (December–February and June–September) offers easier walking conditions, while the rainy seasons bring lush, green landscapes perfect for photography.
Other Activities at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary
Besides rhino tracking, Ziwa offers a range of activities that make it worth a longer visit:
Bird Watching: With over 300 bird species, including the elusive shoebill stork, Ziwa is a birding hotspot.
Nature Walks: Explore the sanctuary’s diverse flora and fauna with guided walks.
Night Walks: Experience the sanctuary after dark to spot nocturnal species.
Shoebill Canoe Rides: Early morning canoe trips give you a chance to spot the iconic shoebill stork along with other wetland birds.
Accessibility and Location
Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary is located about 176 km (3–4 hours) north of Kampala, along the Kampala–Gulu highway. It’s conveniently situated on the way to Murchison Falls National Park, making it an ideal stopover for travelers heading to or from the park.
