Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary at a glance
Ziwa lies in Nakasongola District, about 176 km from Kampala on the Gulu Highway. Turn left at Nakitoma and follow the road for a few more kilometres to the ranch. It is a stop on the northern route toward Masindi and Murchison Falls, not part of the national park. Many visitors combine it with the drive to the park, which breaks up a long day on the road.
The visit is rhino tracking: a ranger takes you to the rhinos, and you watch them on foot from a safe distance. The price below includes it. Southern white rhinos live here, a species that was brought back to the ranch in the 2000s.
Our picks: Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary tours
The day trips are the simplest way to visit the sanctuary alone. The four-day route adds Murchison Falls and Kibale for those who want to combine the rhinos with a longer safari.
Hand-picked tours, booked through Viator and GetYourGuide. Prices are indicative starting prices in US dollars (as of October 2026). Tap a tour for live availability and the current price in your currency.
4-day safari with Ziwa rhinos, Murchison Falls and Kibale chimps
- All activity entry fees
- Ziwa rhino trekking
- Kibale chimpanzee trekking
A private air-conditioned vehicle and guide for three nights, with meals and snacks as listed. A sighting of the chimpanzees cannot be promised.
Check availability →Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary day trip from Kampala
- Park entrance fee
- Round-trip transport
- Air-conditioned vehicle
A full day at the sanctuary, travelling in an air-conditioned vehicle.
Check availability →
1-day Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary wildlife trip
- Entrance fee
- Lunch
- Private transport
You travel in a private vehicle for a day built around the sanctuary.
Check availability →Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary tours and Murchison Falls trips
Day trips and safaris that include rhino tracking at Ziwa or continue to Murchison Falls. Check what each tour includes before you book.
Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary fees 2026
The ranch's prices from 1 July 2025, per person, with rhino tracking on foot or by vehicle included. Payment is cashless.
| Visitor category | Adult | Child up to 12 |
|---|---|---|
| Visitors to Uganda | $60 | $30 |
| Foreigners living in East Africa (show a valid work permit) | $50 | $25 |
| East African residents | UGX 50,000 | UGX 15,000 |
You can pay by Visa, Mastercard, debit card or bank transfer. The booking office is open from 07:00 to 18:00 East Africa Time. The all-in prices above cover entry and tracking, so do not add a separate entry fee. Ziwa's fees are separate from the Murchison Falls park fee, so see our park fees guide for the park itself. For most visitors, the $60 package is the one to plan around.
Rhino tracking in Uganda: how it works
Tracking takes 1.5 to 2.5 hours, between 07:00 and 17:00. If the rhinos are far away, you first drive to where they rest, then walk with the rangers. Most visitors use their own vehicle. The sanctuary can provide one on request.
Follow the ranger's safety briefing and stay with the group. Wear closed shoes and long trousers, and carry water and insect repellent. Pets are not allowed. The rangers decide how close the group goes.
Ziwa holds roughly 42 to 54 rhinos in 2026. Births and transfers change the number through the year, so treat it as a rough size, not as today's headcount.
The rhino project behind the ranch
The rhino work at Ziwa is a joint project of Rhino Fund Uganda and the owners of the ranch. A breeding programme began in 2005 to 2006, and six southern white rhinos were introduced in 2006. The Uganda Wildlife Authority also works on rhino transfers, so more than one organisation is involved today.
Rhinos had died out in Uganda in the past. That is why a visit to Ziwa is a conservation story as well as a walk: the animals you see are part of a recovery that is still under way.
Other activities at Ziwa
Besides rhino tracking, the ranch offers three more outings.
Shoebill trek
06:00 to 09:00. For visitors from abroad, the shoebill or bird tour costs $30 for adults and $15 for children. It is not part of the rhino ticket. See our shoebill guide.
Bird and nature tours
07:00 to 17:00, at the same price as the shoebill tour for visitors from abroad. They are not included in the rhino ticket.
Night walk
20:00 to 22:00. For visitors from abroad, $25 for adults and $10 for children, charged separately from the rhino price.
Ziwa on the way to Murchison Falls
Ziwa suits the first leg of the journey north. From Kampala, the road continues toward Masindi, the base for many visits to the park. Read our Masindi guide and the getting there guide to plan the stages. If you add chimpanzee tracking, see Budongo Forest.
Ziwa is no longer the only place in Uganda with rhinos. In January 2026, Ajai presented its returned rhinos to the public, and Kidepo received rhinos in March 2026. Neither is part of the Murchison Falls park.
Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary: frequently asked questions
How much does rhino tracking at Ziwa cost?
Visitors to Uganda pay $60 for adults and $30 for children up to 12 in 2026, with the tracking included. The price is lower for residents of East Africa. Check the current amount before you go.
How long does rhino tracking take?
Between 1.5 and 2.5 hours, with tracking hours from 07:00 to 17:00.
Can I pay in cash?
No. The ranch takes Visa, Mastercard, debit cards and bank transfer.
Are rhinos part of the Murchison Falls park?
No. Ziwa is a separate sanctuary in Nakasongola District, on the route from Kampala. Rhinos have not been returned to Murchison yet.
What should I wear?
Closed shoes, long trousers, and bring water and insect repellent. Pets are not allowed.
Can children join the rhino tracking?
Yes. Children up to 12 pay $30 as visitors to Uganda in 2026, with the tracking included. Follow the ranger's briefing and stay with the group.