Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary

Imagine a location where you can interact with one of the world’s most gorgeous and endangered animals, the rhinoceros. It is a location where the air is filled with nature’s noises, and every corner promises a one-of-a-kind animal experience. Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary, a private wildlife ranch in northeastern Uganda, was founded in 2005 to restore Southern White Rhinos into the wild. Imagine a location where you can interact with one of the world’s most gorgeous and endangered animals, the rhinoceros. It is a location where the air is filled with natural noises, and every corner promises a one-of-a-kind wildlife encounter with one of Africa’s renowned species. Ziwa Wildlife Ranch is one of the world’s most successful conservation projects.

Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary, located in northeastern Uganda’s Nakasongola District, just outside Murchison Falls National Park, is a safe refuge for white rhinos, one of Africa’s most endangered animals. Ziwa Rhino & Wildlife Ranch contributes significantly to worldwide efforts to safeguard these majestic creatures. Visitors may go rhino trekking on foot, do nature treks and night walks, and monitor the rare shoebill and other bird species.

A Uganda safari to Murchison Falls National Park, along with an extension to Ziwa Rhino and Wildlife Ranch, allows guests to view all of the “Big Five” African safari species. A game drive and boat safari at Murchison Falls will allow you to go up close to the big four: lion, leopard, elephant, and buffalo. Then you may see the rhinoceroses at Ziwa.

History of Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary.

For millions of years, rhinos have been a vital part of our world, developing into two separate species: black rhinos and white rhinos. African culture has traditionally revered and respected these beautiful beasts, which represent power, mysticism, protection, and a peaceful relationship with nature.

Captain Roy and his family built a cattle pasture on the site of the current ranch in 1983. It introduced uncommon livestock and ran a cow farm for over 20 years. However, in 2002, the Roy family met with Rhino Fund’s Executive Director, Yvonne Verkakik, and agreed to turn the property into a safe haven for white rhinoceros. To do this, they shifted 7,000 cattle to establish a safe haven for the white rhinos. At the time, rhinos had been extinct in Uganda owing to poaching, so protecting this gorgeous creature seemed rational.

Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary was ultimately established in 2005, with the purpose of returning southern white rhinos to their original habitat in the Murchison Falls National Park area. Initially, six southern white rhinos were introduced to the ranch; presently, the total is 34 rhinos, with the sanctuary anticipating that number to increase.

Wildlife at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary

Ziwa Rhino & Wildlife Ranch primarily acts as a safe haven for rhinoceros. However, the ranch’s gated area of 27 square miles includes forests, wetlands, and savannahs, which attract a wide variety of exotic animals.

At Ziwa, you may see rhinoceros, the elusive leopard, huge pangolin, oribi, waterbucks, bushbuck, Ugandan kob, bohor reedbuck, common duiker, warthog, vervet monkey, bushpig, aardvark, and scrub hare. To see these wonderful species in their native habitat, enjoy a game drive, canoe ride, or nature walk on the ranch.

How to get to Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary?

Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary is located near Nakasongola, about a three-hour drive northwest of Uganda’s capital, Kampala. Masindi, the nearest town south of Murchison, is about a 45-minute drive away. This makes it an ideal stopover for visitors coming to or from a wildlife safari in Murchison Falls National Park.

It’s also a popular same-day safari excursion from Kampala, since you can simply drive to the sanctuary, follow the rhinos, and return to the city all in one day.

To travel to Ziwa, you may rent a car from organisations like Road Trip or plan your safari through a tour operator like Monumental Expeditions and Safaris. They can also assist you arrange the remainder of your Uganda safari in Murchison and beyond.

The route from Kampala to Masindi is in excellent shape, thus visiting Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary does not require a 4×4 or huge truck. The road trip is lovely, with undulating landscapes that provide for an ideal drive through Uganda’s countryside.