Ziwa Rhino and Wildlife Ranch was established in 2005 as a sanctuary for six southern white rhinos translocated to Uganda from outside the country. This founding population has since successfully bred to comprise more than 40 individuals, all of which range freely within the fenced ranch. Tracking Africa’s second-largest land mammal at Ziwa is genuinely thrilling, especially as rhinos are absent elsewhere in Uganda. You should see some other wildlife too.
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Best Time To Go
- June to August and December to February (Dry seasons)
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High Season
- June to September (Peak time for Uganda)
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Size
- 70km² / 27mi²
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Altitude
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1,150m /3,773ft
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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:
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: