Ziwa Rhino & Wildlife Ranch
Ziwa Rhino and Wildlife Ranch, also called Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary, was started in 2005 to give a safe home to six southern white rhinos brought to Uganda from other countries.
Today, these rhinos have grown in number to over 40, all freely roaming across the 70-square-kilometre (27 sq mi) ranch. Seeing Africa’s second-largest land mammal up close at Ziwa is an unforgettable experience, especially since rhinos are not found anywhere else in Uganda.
You will also get a chance to spot other amazing wildlife while exploring the ranch. The ranch is home to many other amazing animals too, so as you explore, you might spot antelopes, birds, and more wildlife in their natural habitat. Ziwa Rhino and Wildlife Ranch is located in Nakasongola District, near the famous Murchison Falls National Park, making it a perfect stop for wildlife lovers.
Reasons To Visit Ziwa Rhino & Wildlife Ranch
1. Guided Rhino Tracking on Foot
The most thrilling experience at Ziwa Rhino and Wildlife Ranch is tracking the white rhinos on foot with a trained guide. As you walk through the wide, open savannah and bushy areas of the ranch, your guide will share fascinating stories about each rhino, their personalities, feeding habits, and the conservation work that brought them to Uganda.
You will have the rare opportunity to see these enormous, gentle giants in their natural habitat, watch them graze, interact with each other, and even hear them breathe up close. This is a rare and unforgettable experience, especially since rhinos are not found anywhere else in Uganda. Walking alongside these magnificent creatures is both thrilling and humbling, offering a deep connection with one of Africa’s most iconic animals.
2. Exceptional birdlife including shoebill
Ziwa Rhino and Wildlife Ranch is not only about rhinos—it is also a haven for bird lovers. The ranch is home around 300 bird species, from tiny, colorful kingfishers to majestic and rare shoebills that silently hunt in the marshes.
3. Affordable Meals and Accommodation
After an exciting day of rhino tracking or birdwatching, Ziwa offers comfortable accommodation and delicious meals that are easy on the budget. Whether you choose to stay in a comfortable lodge or a simple cabin, you can relax surrounded by the sounds of nature. Meals at the ranch are freshly prepared, often featuring local ingredients and flavors that give you a taste of Uganda. Staying overnight allows you to experience the ranch in a calm, peaceful atmosphere, giving you more time to watch wildlife in the early morning or at dusk when animals are most active. It is a perfect way to enjoy nature without worrying about expensive costs.
4. Perfect Day or Overnight Trip from Kampala
Ziwa Rhino and Wildlife Ranch is located within a convenient distance (176km) from Uganda’s capital, Kampala, making it ideal for a short escape or a full overnight adventure. If you only have a day, you can track rhinos, see other wildlife, and enjoy the scenery without feeling rushed. For those who want a longer experience, staying overnight gives you more time to explore the trails, watch wildlife in the cooler early morning or late evening, and enjoy the quiet beauty of the ranch under the stars. It is a peaceful and exciting getaway that combines adventure with relaxation, perfect for families, solo travelers, and wildlife enthusiasts alike.
5. Easy Add-On to Murchison Falls Safari
Ziwa Rhino and Wildlife Ranch is also an excellent addition to a trip to Murchison Falls National Park. While Murchison Falls is home to the rest of Africa’s Big Five, visiting Ziwa allows you to see rhinos, a species you would otherwise miss in Uganda. Combining the two destinations gives you a richer wildlife experience, from walking with rhinos and spotting rare birds at Ziwa to enjoying lions, elephants, buffaloes, and leopards in Murchison Falls. This makes it a perfect choice for travelers who want to maximize their wildlife adventure, experience Uganda’s diverse ecosystems, and create unforgettable memories in just one trip.
Want To Visit Ziwa Rhino Ranch
Wildlife at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary
Uganda’s only rhinos live at Ziwa and are very used to humans, making it easy to observe them up close on guided walks. But rhinos are just the beginning—Ziwa is also home to a variety of other wildlife, including impalas, bushbucks, Uganda kobs, common duikers, warthogs, vervet monkeys, and black-and-white colobus monkeys.
In 2024, Rothschild’s giraffes and Jackson’s hartebeests were introduced, adding even more excitement for visitors. The nearby Lugogo Swamp is another highlight, sheltering the rare sitatunga antelope and the iconic shoebill. In fact, Ziwa is home to over 300 bird species, with the shoebill being the most famous and sought-after by birdwatchers. With such diversity, every visit offers the chance to see amazing animals in their natural habitats, making Ziwa a must-visit destination for wildlife lovers.
Ziwa Rhino and Wildlife Ranch Scenery
Ziwa Rhino and Wildlife Ranch may be small, but it is full of authentic African landscapes. The reserve is mostly covered with acacia trees and mixed woodlands, giving it a classic African bush feel rather than traditional “scenic” views. Its tangled, natural vegetation makes exploring the ranch feel like a true wildlife adventure. In addition, Ziwa protects part of the vast papyrus swamp along the Lugogo River. This unique wetland adds variety to the landscape and provides a home for rare animals, including sitatunga antelopes and the iconic shoebill, making the scenery even more special for visitors who love nature and wildlife.
Activities At Ziwa Rhino and Wildlife Ranch
One of the main highlights at Ziwa is tracking white rhinos on foot. These guided walks last up to two hours and almost always bring you close to the rhinos, offering an unforgettable experience. Beyond rhino tracking, visitors can also enjoy guided nature walks and exciting birding excursions to discover the ranch’s rich wildlife. For those staying overnight, the early morning canoe and foot trips on Lugogo Swamp are a special treat, giving you a great chance to spot the rare and iconic shoebill, along with other swamp wildlife. While unguided activities are not allowed for safety reasons, you can still relax at the terrace restaurant, where plenty of animals and birds can often be seen in the surrounding area.
Best Time To Visit Ziwa
Ziwa is open all year round, and tracking rhinos is successful almost every time, no matter the season. This means you can plan your visit at any time and still be sure of seeing the rhinos up close. However, the best time to visit Uganda in general is during the dry seasons—from June to August and from December to February. During these months, the weather is more pleasant, the trails are easier to walk, and wildlife viewing is even more enjoyable.
How To Get to Ziwa Rhino Ranch
Ziwa Rhino and Wildlife Ranch is located about 170 km (105 miles) north of Kampala, along the main surfaced road that leads to Murchison Falls National Park in the northwest and Kidepo Valley National Park in the northeast. The journey from Kampala or Entebbe (home to Uganda’s international airport) takes around 3 hours by car. The short feeder road from the highway to the ranch can become very muddy after heavy rains, so a 4×4 vehicle is strongly recommended. From Ziwa, it takes about 3 hours to reach most lodges in Murchison Falls National Park, and around 7 to 8 hours to continue further northeast to Kidepo Valley National Park.
Please note: Driving times are approximate and delays are always possible, so plan your trip with flexibility in mind.
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