Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary Walking Safari
Track southern white rhinos on foot with expert rangers, search for shoebills in the wetlands, and experience Uganda's remarkable rhino conservation story.
Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary Walking Safari
Get closer to Uganda's southern white rhinos on a Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary Walking Safari with Tarec Gorilla Safaris. Unlike a conventional game drive where wildlife is viewed from a safari vehicle, rhino tracking at Ziwa is an on-foot experience led by trained rangers. You walk through the sanctuary while following signs of the rhinos until you locate them in their natural surroundings. Located in Nakasongola District along the Kampala–Gulu road, Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary is an important stop for travelers heading towards Murchison Falls National Park.
Ziwa offers something different from a normal Uganda game drive. The main attraction is the opportunity to leave the vehicle and walk through the sanctuary with a trained ranger while searching for rhinos. The experience can take around one to two hours depending on the location of the animals and conditions on the day. Instead of simply driving past wildlife, you learn how rangers identify animal tracks, dung, feeding areas and other signs that help locate the rhinos. The sanctuary also supports other wildlife and birding experiences, making it possible to combine rhino tracking with additional activities.
Ziwa plays an important role in Uganda's rhino conservation story. Rhinos disappeared from Uganda's wild landscapes after decades of poaching and political instability. The reintroduction program helped establish a protected population at Ziwa. The sanctuary was developed as a conservation and breeding environment, with security and monitoring designed to protect the animals. By booking a rhino tracking experience, travelers contribute to a tourism model centered around conservation and visitor education.
To learn more about Uganda's protected areas, see the Uganda Wildlife Authority and Visit Uganda.
Ziwa can be a good option for families interested in wildlife and conservation. However, families traveling with young children should confirm the applicable age requirements when booking because activity policies can change. The walking distance is generally manageable for visitors who are comfortable walking through natural terrain, but guests should inform Tarec Gorilla Safaris about any mobility concerns before booking.
Detailed Itinerary
From Kampala or Entebbe to Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary and back — this day unfolds step by step. Follow the timeline below.
Your Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary Walking Safari begins early in the morning. Your professional safari guide will pick you up from your hotel, residence or agreed meeting point in Kampala or Entebbe. From Kampala, travel northwards along the Kampala–Gulu highway towards Nakasongola. The journey takes you through Uganda's countryside, with opportunities to see local communities, farms, roadside markets and changing landscapes.
Upon arrival, complete the necessary registration before meeting your ranger guide. Your ranger will provide a briefing about the walking experience, wildlife safety and appropriate behavior around the rhinos. You will then begin your walking safari.
The experience starts by following trails through the sanctuary while your ranger searches for signs of rhino activity. You may follow tracks, feeding areas and other evidence before eventually locating the rhinos. Once the rhinos are found, your ranger will guide you to a safe viewing position. You can observe the animals as they graze, walk, rest or interact with one another. Keep a safe distance and follow all ranger instructions throughout the encounter.
The sanctuary's rhino experience is specifically designed around guided tracking, with the animals roaming within the sanctuary rather than being displayed in conventional zoo-style enclosures.
Although rhinos are the main attraction, Ziwa also supports other wildlife and bird species. Depending on the season and location, you may encounter Uganda kob, bushbuck and other wildlife. The sanctuary is also recognized for its bird diversity, including the possibility of seeing the shoebill. After the rhino tracking experience, return to the visitor area for refreshments or lunch.
Birdwatchers can add a separate shoebill experience to the itinerary. Ziwa's current booking information lists a dedicated shoebill trek, generally scheduled in the morning, as an additional activity. This can make the safari especially attractive to travelers interested in combining rhinos and shoebills in one destination.
After lunch and any optional activities, begin your return journey. Your guide will drop you at your hotel, residence or agreed location in Kampala or Entebbe. This marks the end of your Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary Walking Safari.
One of the biggest advantages of a Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary Walking Safari is its location along the route towards Murchison Falls National Park. Instead of traveling to Ziwa as a completely separate excursion, many travelers can incorporate rhino tracking into a longer northern Uganda safari.
Rates & Pricing
Pricing for this Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary Walking Safari depends on the number of travelers, starting location, vehicle arrangement and current sanctuary fees. Current market listings show a 1-day Ziwa rhino tracking experience at approximately US$217 per person for two travelers.
Note: Ziwa's own current booking information states that its park-entry fee includes rhino trekking, while additional experiences such as shoebill trekking, birding and night walks are charged separately. Because sanctuary rates can change, the exact activity fee should be confirmed when your safari is booked.
What's Included in Your Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary Walking Safari
We believe in full transparency. Below is exactly what is included in your Ziwa rhino safari — and what is not.
- Private safari transportation
- Professional English-speaking driver-guide
- Fuel
- Hotel pickup and drop-off
- Ziwa Sanctuary visit
- Rhino tracking experience
- Ranger-guided walking experience
- Lunch
- Drinking water
- Safari planning and assistance
- International flights
- Uganda visa
- Travel insurance
- Accommodation
- Alcoholic beverages
- Personal expenses
- Tips
- Souvenirs
- Optional shoebill trek
- Dedicated birding activity
- Additional activities not listed in the quotation
Getting There
This Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary Walking Safari begins and ends in Kampala or Entebbe. Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary is located in Nakasongola District along the Kampala–Gulu road, approximately 3 hours north of Kampala. It is a practical stopover for travelers continuing towards Murchison Falls National Park.
Rhino tracking is conducted under ranger guidance, and visitors are briefed on safety procedures before entering the sanctuary. Follow your ranger's instructions throughout the experience and never approach or attempt to touch a rhino. The sanctuary's guided tracking model is designed to allow visitors to observe the animals while maintaining appropriate safety procedures and minimizing disturbance.
Meet the Tarec Gorilla Safaris Team
We are a locally owned and operated safari company based in Kampala, Uganda. Our team of experienced driver-guides, primate trackers, and travel planners is passionate about sharing the beauty of East Africa with travellers from around the world. Every safari we run is personally designed by someone who has walked the trails, tracked the gorillas, and knows the lodges by name.
Tarec Gorilla Safaris
We are a full-service safari operator offering custom itineraries, group tours, and self-drive packages. Our fleet of well-maintained 4×4 vehicles and our network of trusted lodges ensure a safe, comfortable, and unforgettable Uganda safari experience.