Welcome to Ziwa Sanctuary
The Only Place To See White Rhinos In Uganda
Whilst rhino trekking at Ziwa, you will enter the territory of the southern white rhinos on foot. Our well-trained rangers will guide you through the bush to wherever the rhinos are at the time.
This adventure will give you the opportunity to watch these endangered, magnificent creatures in their natural habitat. All the rhinos at Ziwa are free to move around the 27 square miles within the ranch. Therefore, it is often necessary to drive to the areas where the rhinos are, before continuing the trek on foot.
Typically, this drive is done in your own vehicle. However, you can hire one of our vehicles along with a driver. Please ask at reception or send us a message to enquire about costs and availability.
RHINOS IN UGANDA
Rhinos in Uganda have an interesting history of reintroduction after becoming extinct in the wild. Here are the key details:
Re-introduction
1. Type: Uganda has re-introduced the southern white rhino ( Ceratotherium simum simum).
2. From Where: The rhinos were sourced from Solio Ranch in Kenya and the Disney Animal Kingdom in the United States.
3. Year: The reintroduction began in 2005.
Population
- As of 2023, there are approximately 50 rhinos at the Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary. This sanctuary has been pivotal in breeding and protecting the rhinos to facilitate their eventual reintroduction into national parks.
Rhinos can weigh up to 350 stone and can run much faster than any human. Our rangers are extremely well trained, and your safety is our first priority. Therefore, it’s important to listen to the safety briefing and obey the rules in order to keep safe.
Future Re-introduction Plans
- When: The exact timeline for reintroduction into national parks is still under discussion, with plans contingent on achieving a sustainable population at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary and ensuring the rhinos' safety in the wild.
- Parks: The primary candidates for reintroduction include Murchison Falls National Park and Kidepo Valley National Park. These parks offer the necessary habitat and security measures to support rhino populations.
Efforts are ongoing to bolster anti-poaching measures and community engagement to ensure the successful reintroduction and conservation of rhinos in Uganda's national parks.