Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary

Located in Nakasongola district on the scenic drive between Kampala and Murchison Falls National Park, Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary is a 7,000-hectare private conservation refuge dedicated to the revival of Uganda's wild rhinoceros population. Established in partnership with the Uganda Wildlife Authority and Rhino Fund Uganda, it is currently the only place in the country where southern white rhinos can be observed in their natural wild habitat.

The sanctuary provides an extraordinary, pulse-racing safari experience: tracking majestic southern white rhinos on foot alongside highly trained armed rangers. Visitors approach to safe viewing distances of 6 to 10 meters, observing these prehistoric behemoths grazing peacefully across open acacia savannah woodlands while learning about the intensive round-the-clock anti-poaching security that safeguards them.

Beyond rhinos, Ziwa is also a world-class birding destination. The sanctuary's Lugogo Swamp is one of the premier locations in East Africa for finding the prehistoric shoebill stork during guided early-morning canoe excursions, alongside over 300 other avian species, bushbucks, oribis, and leopards. It serves as an essential, high-impact conservation stop on any northern safari circuit itinerary.