Ziwa Rhino and Wildlife Ranch

Pros & Cons

• Guided white rhino tracking
• Exceptional birdlife including shoebill
• Affordable meals and accommodations
• A potential stand-alone overnight or day trip from the capital, Kampala
• An easy add-on to a safari to Murchison Falls National Park, which is home to the rest of the Big Five
• No self-guided walking or drives permitted
• Relatively small with a limited selection of large mammals

Wildlife

Uganda’s only rhinos are very habituated and can easily be observed at close range on guided walks. Other wildlife includes impala, bushbuck, Uganda kob, common duiker, warthog, vervet monkey and black-and-white colobus. Rothschild’s giraffe and Jackson’s hartebeest were introduced in 2024. Lugogo Swamp, which fringes the ranch, is home to the localized sitatunga antelope and shoebill. The latter is the most iconic of 330 bird species recorded at Ziwa.

Scenery

This relatively small reserve protects a rather uniform cover of acacia and mixed woodland. It is not scenic in a conventional sense, but the tangled bush possesses a very authentically African feel. Ziwa also offers partial protection to an extensive papyrus swamp associated with the Lugogo River.

Activities

Tracking white rhinos in Ziwa takes up to two hours and almost always results in close-up sightings. Guided nature walks and birding excursions are also offered. For overnight visitors, an early morning foot and canoe excursion on Lugogo Swamp provides a great chance of spotting the iconic shoebill. No unguided activities are available, but plenty of wildlife and birds can be seen from the terrace restaurant.

Weather & Climate

Ziwa’s weather and climate is similar to the rest of Uganda. More info:

• Weather & Climate – Uganda

Best Time To Visit

Ziwa is open throughout the year and the success rate for tracking rhinos is virtually 100% regardless of season. The best time to visit Uganda generally is during the drier months of June to August and December to February.

Getting There

Ziwa lies about 170km/105mi from Kampala alongside a surfaced road that continues northwest to Murchison Falls National Park and northeast to Kidepo Valley National Park. Allow up to 4 hours* for the drive from the capital city Kampala or nearby Entebbe (site of the international airport). The short feeder road to the ranch can become very muddy after rain, so a 4x4 vehicle is recommended. Continuing north from Ziwa, you need around 3 hours* to reach most lodges in Murchison Falls and at least 7 to 8 hours* to get to Kidepo Valley.
*Driving times are only a rough indication. You should always consider the possibility of significant delays.

Health & Safety

Please read our malaria and vaccinations page for Uganda, and our general ‘Wildlife Viewing Safety Precautions’ below for more info:

• Malaria & Vaccinations – Uganda
• Wildlife Viewing Safety Precautions

Want To Visit Ziwa Rhino Ranch?

117 Ziwa Rhino Ranch Safaris

• Ziwa Rhino Ranch Safaris & Tours
• Tour Operators for Ziwa Rhino Ranch