Tucked away in Uganda’s Nakasongola District, the Ziwa Rhino & Wildlife Ranch is a sanctuary where wildlife conservation and luxurious comfort coexist. Established in 2005 to reintroduce the southern white rhinoceros to Uganda, the ranch has become a beacon of hope for endangered species.
Today, it boasts a thriving population of over 40 southern white rhinos, thanks to dedicated conservation efforts and 24/7 protection by a team of approximately 78 rangers and security personnel.
A Biodiversity Hotspot: More Than Just White Rhinos
While the rhinos are the main attraction, the ranch is home to a diverse array of wildlife:
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Giraffes: Recently translocated from Murchison Falls National Park to enhance biodiversity.
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Zebras: Roaming freely across the savannah.
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Jackson’s Hartebeests: Adding to the antelope diversity.
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Pangolins: Elusive and critically endangered, these nocturnal creatures are a rare sight.
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Monkeys: Including both colobus and vervet species.
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Antelopes: Such as Uganda kobs and bushbucks.
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Birdlife: Over 300 species, including the iconic shoebill stork, making it a birder’s paradise.
This isn’t just a wildlife viewing experience—it’s a true conservation journey. As you quietly approach these animals in their natural habitat, standing just meters away, the sense of awe is unmatched. To ensure safety and comfort, guests are advised to bring closed shoes, long pants, drinking water, insect repellent, and of course, a camera to capture the unforgettable moments.
Whether you’re a first-time safari-goer or a seasoned wildlife enthusiast, rhino trekking at Ziwa is one of the most profound and personal wildlife encounters Uganda has to offer—and one that directly contributes to the protection and future of the species.
2. Diverse Wildlife and Bird Watching – A Hidden Gem for Avian Enthusiasts
Ziwa Rhino and Wildlife Ranch isn’t just about rhinos—it’s a paradise for bird lovers, too. With over 300 species recorded, the sanctuary’s mix of wetlands, savannah, and woodland habitats makes it one of the most rewarding birding spots in Uganda.
Among its feathered residents, the golden crested crane—Uganda’s national bird—is a frequent and majestic sight. With its crown of golden feathers, striking black legs, and a wingspan reaching up to 6.5 feet, this elegant crane is not only a symbol of beauty but also a unique species. Thanks to a long hind toe, it’s one of the few crane species that can perch in trees, offering photographers a truly rare shot.
Birding tours at Ziwa typically take about 2 hours and are available daily from 7:00 AM to 5:00 PM, giving guests the flexibility to fit this peaceful and engaging activity into their travel schedule. Tours are led by experienced guides who help you spot and identify both common and rare species—including the elusive shoebill stork, kingfishers, hornbills, and African fish eagles.
To make the most of your birding experience, be sure to bring closed shoes, long pants, insect repellent, drinking water, and of course, your camera—because the sightings at Ziwa are as photogenic as they are unforgettable.
Whether you’re a dedicated birder or a casual nature lover, this is an enriching way to slow down and connect with the sanctuary’s quieter, wilder side.
3. Nature Walks – Discover the Wild Side of Ziwa on Foot
For travelers seeking a more intimate connection with the land, the Nature Walks at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary offer a peaceful and rewarding way to explore Uganda’s wildlife beyond the rhinos. These walks immerse you in the sanctuary’s diverse ecosystems—woodlands, savannah, acacia forest, and seasonal swamps—each rich in flora and fauna that tell their own story of resilience and beauty.
Led by experienced guides, the nature walks take around 2 hours and are available daily from 7:30 AM to 5:30 PM. As you walk, you’ll quietly track the movements of antelopes, warthogs, bushbucks, monitor lizards, and a wide variety of bird species. Your guide will help you spot animal tracks, identify plant species with traditional uses, and listen for the calls and rustles that signal life in the bush.
This is more than a stroll—it’s an opportunity to slow down and tune in to the rhythms of the wild. With no vehicles or crowds, you’ll notice the small things: butterflies drifting past, the echo of birdsong, and the soft crunch of dry leaves underfoot.
To ensure your comfort and safety, it’s recommended that you bring closed shoes, long trousers, insect repellent, drinking water, and a camera to capture the colors and textures of this unique wilderness. Whether done as a gentle morning warm-up or a late afternoon wind-down, a Ziwa nature walk is a soul-soothing way to reconnect with nature—one step at a time.
4. Shoebill Trek & Canoe Ride – A Quest for Uganda’s Most Elusive Bird
If you’re looking to add a rare and rewarding birding experience to your safari, the Shoebill Trek and Canoe Ride at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary is an absolute must. This early morning adventure takes you into the quiet and mystical Lugogo Swamp, one of the few remaining wetlands where the elusive shoebill stork can still be spotted in the wild.
Your journey begins at sunrise, as you glide silently through winding channels of papyrus aboard a traditional dugout canoe, steered by expert local guides. The setting is nothing short of magical: mist over the water, bird calls echoing through the swamp, and the anticipation of sighting one of Africa’s most prehistoric-looking birds. With its massive shoe-shaped bill, towering stature, and statuesque presence, the shoebill is both a wonder and a photographer’s dream.
In addition to shoebills, the swamp is teeming with other bird species, including African jacanas, kingfishers, herons, and papyrus gonoleks—making it a birding paradise. The trek and canoe ride typically takes about 2 to 3 hours and is available from 6:00 AM to 9:00 AM, when bird activity is at its peak and the light is perfect for photography.
To make the most of this serene yet thrilling experience, be sure to bring closed shoes, long pants, insect repellent, water, and of course, your camera. Whether you’re a seasoned birder or a traveler simply seeking quiet wonder, the Shoebill Trek at Ziwa delivers one of Uganda’s most unforgettable wildlife moments—off the beaten path and deep into the still heart of nature.
Elevated Accommodations: Luxury in the Wild
ZIWA RHINO LODGE
The newly unveiled Luxury Chalets at Ziwa Rhino Lodge offer more than just a place to sleep—they offer a front-row seat to the untamed rhythms of the wild. These upper mid-range and luxury accommodations feature spacious interiors, en-suite bathrooms, and private verandas that open directly onto the unspoiled landscapes of the ranch.
What makes this lodge truly special is the remarkable comfort with which wildlife coexist alongside guests. Over time, rhinos, antelopes, warthogs, and other animals have grown accustomed to the respectful presence of humans and now move freely and confidently across the lodge grounds.
It’s not unusual to find them resting just outside your veranda or wandering past your chalet as the sun rises. This unique harmony allows guests to experience an authentic connection to nature—walking alongside wildlife and witnessing their quiet routines, all without leaving the lodge.
The property also features a beautifully designed two-level restaurant, ideal for both intimate dining and celebratory gatherings such as weddings, retreats, or conservation events. The upper level offers panoramic views over the savannah, while the garden-level seating opens into a lush, open-air dining space. Guests can savor wood-fired pizzas straight from the authentic brick oven, along with a full menu of local and international dishes.
Additional comforts include a poolside bar, sun decks for golden-hour lounging, a cozy cigar lounge, and a game room for quiet evenings in. And when it’s time to unwind, the crystal-clear swimming pool provides the perfect spot to cool off beneath the African sky.
At Ziwa Rhino Lodge, wildlife and humans exist in quiet, respectful harmony—creating a rare, soul-stirring experience that blends comfort, purpose, and the power of presence.
ABOUT THE WHITE RHINO:
The Southern white rhinoceros, the species protected and reintroduced at Ziwa Rhino and Wildlife Ranch, remains one of the most critically monitored animals on the planet. Once nearing extinction in the early 20th century with fewer than 100 individuals left in the wild, the species has made a slow but hard-won recovery thanks to dedicated conservation efforts like those at Ziwa.
Today, just over 13,000 Southern white rhinos remain globally, according to the most recent IUCN and African Rhino Specialist Group reports. However, they are still listed under Appendix I of CITES (the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species), which designates species most at risk of extinction. International trade of these animals or their parts is prohibited under this classification—except for specific, conservation-approved exceptions in South Africa and Eswatini, where certain populations are listed under Appendix II to allow for highly regulated trade (such as for live animals going to conservation programs or hunting trophies under strict control).
Ziwa Rhino and Wildlife Ranch in Uganda stands as a strictly conservation-driven sanctuary, and is the only place in Uganda where wild rhinos roam freely. The ranch is home to more than 48 Southern white rhinos, all protected 24/7 by trained rangers. Their mission is not just to house rhinos, but to help re-establish a self-sustaining population within Uganda’s national parks, where rhinos had been completely wiped out by poaching during the 1980s.
The threat today remains severe: rhino horn poaching, driven by black-market demand, and habitat encroachmentcontinue to endanger their survival. That’s why every visit to Ziwa plays a critical role. Tourism directly funds ranger training, veterinary care, anti-poaching patrols, and habitat restoration, creating a model of how purposeful travelcan support species recovery and biodiversity protection.
At Ziwa, travelers don’t just observe rhinos—they actively contribute to one of Africa’s most hopeful conservation stories.
A Commitment to Conservation and Community
At Back to the Source Tours, we believe that tourism should be a force for regeneration—a way to safeguard ecosystems, restore endangered species, and empower local communities to lead the future of conservation.
Our partnership with Ziwa Rhino and Wildlife Ranch is grounded in this philosophy. As the only place in Uganda where wild rhinos roam freely, Ziwa represents both a powerful comeback story and a living model of what’s possible when protection is prioritized over exploitation. Once hunted to extinction in Uganda, the southern white rhino is now being carefully reintroduced thanks to the tireless efforts of rangers, conservationists, and responsible tourism.
When you choose to visit Ziwa, your contribution goes far beyond observation. Your presence supports ranger salaries, anti-poaching patrols, habitat restoration, veterinary services, and community conservation education. It also helps fund the translocation of other endangered species, like giraffes and hartebeests, to create a thriving and balanced ecosystem within the sanctuary.
Every footstep, every story shared, and every stay at Ziwa is part of a larger mission: to rebuild what was lost and protect what remains. For travelers who want their journey to have lasting impact, this is not just a visit—it’s a vital act of preservation.
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Welcome to Ziwa Rhino and Wildlife sanctuary, a place we call home. Ziwa can be found in an area called Nakasongola. Our home of southern white Rhinos is situated 170km north of Kampala en route to Murchison Falls National Park and Kidepo Valley National Park.
In the past, Northern Uganda was once famed for its dense numbers of rhino. Up until the early 1970s, Murchison Falls National Park was an important stronghold for the rare northern white Rhinos. By the mid 1980s, no rhinos at all survived in Uganda, mainly due to commercial poaching and lawlessness.
The good news is that rhinos are finally back in Uganda, and increasing in healthy numbers as each year goes by! Eight southern white rhinos were reintroduced into Uganda between 2001 and 2006. Six of those rhinos were brought to Ziwa and they have since bred up to a total of 30-plus individuals in the Sanctuary.
Our tracking of rhinos by foot brings you within a few meters of these jurassic animals. Our experienced local guides at Ziwa ranks among the most exciting wildlife experiences you will probably have within Africa. Overnight stays enables one to enjoy an early morning canoe safari in search of one of the oldest birds, the shoebill and other aquatic birds in nearby Lugogo Swamp. In addition, one can also enjoy night time walking safaris. Our home is constantly evolving.
Ziwa is where the magic unfolds.
Come join us in our little corner of paradise, we look forward to welcoming you all.
Accommodation:
Ziwa rhino sanctuary offers peace and tranquility in beautiful surroundings. They have a variety of accommodations to meet your overnight needs. The guest houses have both private and shared indoor facilities. The budget rooms use a shared ablution with full facilities.
Their camp grounds are pristine and located very close to our headquarters. The electricity is run on hydro electric power with solar as a back up and all rooms have light and warm water for your shower in the evening. You can charge your phone batteries as needed upon request.
Restaurant:
Before or after your activities, join them for a meal in the restaurant. Their specialized chefs will provide you with fresh, tasty and satisfying meals. They also serve breakfast, lunch, dinner and takeaways.
The bar is fully stocked with a variety of drinks : beers, alcohol, juices, tea and coffee. You are most welcome.
