Ziwa Rhino and Wildlife Ranch

Track Uganda's Only Rhinos on Foot

Ziwa Rhino and Wildlife Ranch is a ‘must do’ if you’re in Uganda and want to see rhinos. This is because rhinos became naturally extinct in Uganda in the 1980s and remained so until a small population was relocated to Ziwa just after the turn of the millennium. Ziwa’s introduced rhinos have bred very successfully in their new home, and the fenced ranch now contains more than 40 individuals, some of which are likely to be relocated to other parks in Uganda in the near future.

For now, however, Ziwa is the only place in Uganda where you can see rhinos. This is a totally worthwhile adventure, not least because you are permitted to do it on foot, which adds a real excitement to the experience of coming face to face with Africa’s second-largest land animal. Guided rhino trekking at Ziwa is not dauntingly expensive, and because the rhinos are kept under permanent guard, the success rate is effectively 100%.

Usefully, Ziwa is easily slotted into any itinerary that also incorporates Murchison Falls or Kidepo Valley National Park. Indeed, the sanctuary lies right alongside the main road to these popular safari destinations, both of which are home to all four other members of the Big Five.

Rhinos aside, quite a bit of other wildlife can be seen at Ziwa. Impala, bushbuck, Uganda kob and warthog all hang around the small rest camp and restaurant. Overnight visitors can also arrange a morning excursion to Lugogo Swamp to look for sitatunga antelope, shoebill and other aquatic wildlife.