In the heart of Uganda’s Nakasongola District lies the Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary, a 70-square-kilometer haven that stands as a beacon of hope for rhino conservation. Established in 2005, this sanctuary marked the return of rhinos to Uganda after their extinction in the wild during the 1980s due to poaching and civil unrest.
Beginning with just six southern white rhinos, Ziwa has successfully nurtured a growing population, with numbers reaching over 40 individuals by 2024. The sanctuary’s ultimate goal is to reintroduce these majestic creatures into Uganda’s national parks, restoring the ecological balance and heritage that was once lost.
Rhino Trekking – Walk Among Giants
1. The crown jewel of the Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary experience is undoubtedly the chance to track white rhinos on foot—a rare and humbling encounter that places you within just a few meters of these majestic creatures. Guided by professional rangers, the rhino trekking experience allows you to walk through the sanctuary’s savannah landscape while learning about rhino behavior, habitat conservation, and the ongoing efforts to reintroduce rhinos into Uganda’s wild.
Trekking typically takes between 1.5 to 2.5 hours, depending on the location of the rhinos, and is available daily from 8:00 AM until 4:00 PM. Throughout the walk, your guide will track the rhinos using radio telemetry and explain how the team monitors their movement, health, and well-being. You’ll learn how the rhinos interact with their environment, the challenges they face, and how each one has its own name and personality.
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 Sanctuary 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.
A Commitment to Conservation and Community
At Back to the Source Tours, we believe that tourism should do more than show you the world—it should help protect it.
Our partnership with Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary is rooted in this mission. As the only place in Uganda where wild rhinos roam freely, Ziwa is critical to restoring a species once lost to poaching.
When you visit, your tourism dollars go directly toward rhino protection, ranger training, habitat management, and veterinary care.
Every step you take at Ziwa helps ensure these magnificent animals not only survive—but thrive. Travel here means making a real difference.
Plan Your Visit
Whether you’re a wildlife enthusiast, a conservation supporter, or a traveler seeking unique experiences, Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary offers an unforgettable journey into Uganda’s natural heritage. By visiting, you contribute to the ongoing efforts to protect and reintroduce rhinos into the wild, making your trip both meaningful and impactful.
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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.
