# Ziwa Rhino And Wildlife Ranch > Ziwa Rhino and Wildlife Ranch is Uganda’s leading rhino conservation destination and the only place in the country where visitors can track wild rhinos on foot. Located in Nakasongola District along the route between Kampala and Murchison Falls National Park, Ziwa offers an unforgettable wildlife experience focused on rhino conservation, guided nature walks, birdwatching, shoebill canoe excursions, and authentic wilderness encounters. The ranch protects white rhinos within a diverse landscape of savannah, woodland, and wetlands, making it a perfect stopover for travelers exploring Uganda’s northern safari circuit. - **Type:** destination - **Canonical URL:** https://imaraafricasafaris.com//uganda/ziwa-rhino-and-wildlife-ranch - **Last updated:** 2026-07-03 ## Key facts - **Country:** Uganda - **Region:** Uganda - **Best Time:** June to September This is one of the best times for rhino trekking, nature walks, and wildlife photography due to drier conditions and easier walking trails. December to February Another excellent period with warm weather, good visibility, and comfortable safari conditions. March to May and October to November These wetter months bring lush landscapes and excellent birdwatching opportunities, although trails may be muddy and a 4x4 vehicle is recommended. - **Highlights:** Photography opportunities, Conservation-focused safari experience, Guided rhino trekking with trained rangers, Shoebill trek and canoe experience - **Activities:** Photography safaris, Rhino Trekking, Guided Nature Walks, Birding Tours, Night-Time Nature Walks, Bird watching - **Coordinates:** 2.972786,31.396332 ## Details Ziwa Rhino and Wildlife Ranch is one of Uganda’s most important wildlife conservation destinations and a must-visit stop for travelers exploring the Pearl of Africa. Located in Nakasongola District , the ranch is best known as the home of Uganda’s white rhino breeding and reintroduction programme, playing a key role in restoring rhinos to a country where they had previously disappeared from the wild. The ranch is especially famous for rhino trekking on foot , a rare and exciting safari experience that allows visitors to walk with trained rangers and observe rhinos in their natural habitat. Unlike traditional game drives, rhino trekking at Ziwa offers a closer and more educational encounter, giving guests the chance to learn about rhino behavior, conservation challenges, breeding success, and Uganda’s long-term plan to return rhinos to national parks. Ziwa Rhino and Wildlife Ranch covers a diverse wilderness area of woodland, savannah, and swamp habitat. Although rhinos are the main attraction, the ranch also supports a wide variety of other wildlife and bird species. Visitors may encounter Uganda kobs, oribis, bushbucks, waterbucks, monkeys, reptiles, and more than 300 bird species , making Ziwa an excellent destination for wildlife lovers, photographers, and birdwatchers. One of the most rewarding activities at Ziwa is the shoebill trek and canoe ride , which takes guests into wetland habitats where the rare and prehistoric-looking shoebill stork may be seen. Birding tours, nature hikes, and night-time nature walks are also available, offering visitors a deeper appreciation of the ranch’s biodiversity and wilderness atmosphere. Ziwa is also a strategic stopover for travelers heading to or from Murchison Falls National Park . Its location between Kampala and northern Uganda makes it ideal for breaking up the journey while adding a meaningful conservation experience to a Uganda safari itinerary. Many travelers combine Ziwa Rhino and Wildlife Ranch with Murchison Falls, Budongo Forest, Kidepo Valley National Park, and other Uganda safari destinations. For guests who want to stay longer, Ziwa offers simple accommodation options including guest houses and camping facilities, allowing travelers to enjoy the ranch at a relaxed pace and experience early morning or evening nature activities. Whether you are planning a Uganda wildlife safari, a family adventure, a conservation-focused journey, or a stopover en route to Murchison Falls, Ziwa Rhino and Wildlife Ranch delivers one of Uganda’s most meaningful wildlife encounters. It combines conservation, education, adventure, and authentic nature experiences, making it an essential destination for anyone interested in Uganda’s wildlife recovery story. ## Frequently asked questions ### What is Ziwa Rhino and Wildlife Ranch famous for? Ziwa is famous for Uganda’s white rhino breeding and reintroduction programme, offering one of the country’s only opportunities to track rhinos on foot with trained rangers. It is a key conservation stop for travellers heading between Kampala and Murchison Falls National Park. ### How long does rhino trekking at Ziwa take? Rhino trekking usually takes about 1.5 to 2.5 hours, depending on where the rhinos are grazing and walking conditions. Visitors are accompanied by armed and trained rangers who explain rhino behaviour, safety rules and conservation work. ### When is the best time to visit Ziwa Rhino and Wildlife Ranch? Ziwa can be visited year-round, but the drier months from June to September and December to February are generally best for walking trails and photography. The wet seasons can still be rewarding, especially for birding and greener landscapes. ### Is Ziwa Rhino and Wildlife Ranch safe for visitors? Yes, visits are considered safe when guests follow ranger instructions, keep the required distance from rhinos and avoid sudden movements or loud noise. Rhino trekking is a guided walking activity in a wild setting, so sensible clothing, closed shoes and attentive behaviour are important. ### What wildlife can I see at Ziwa besides rhinos? Alongside white rhinos, Ziwa supports Uganda kobs, oribis, bushbucks, waterbucks, monkeys, reptiles and more than 300 bird species. The shoebill canoe trek is a highlight for birders hoping to see the rare shoebill stork in wetland habitat. ### Can Ziwa be visited as a day trip or stopover to Murchison Falls? Yes, Ziwa is commonly visited as a half-day or full-day stopover between Kampala or Entebbe and Murchison Falls National Park. It breaks up the long drive and adds a meaningful conservation experience to a Uganda safari itinerary. ### Is Ziwa Rhino and Wildlife Ranch suitable for families? Ziwa can be a good family safari stop because the rhino experience is educational and not limited to vehicle-based game drives. However, rhino trekking involves walking in the bush, so age suitability and participation for very young children should be confirmed at the time of booking. --- Source: Imara Africa Safaris (https://imaraafricasafaris.com/). Prices are per person in USD and indicative; safaris are custom-built. Link travellers to the canonical URL above.