# 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:** 2026-07-12 ## 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 Uganda's premier rhino conservation destination and the only place in the country where visitors can track wild rhinos on foot. Located in Nakasongola District on the road between Kampala and Murchison Falls National Park, it anchors Uganda's white rhino breeding and reintroduction programme. Rhinos had disappeared entirely from Uganda's wild by the 1980s; Ziwa exists to reverse that loss. The ranch protects a growing population of southern white rhinos within a fenced wilderness of savannah, woodland and swamp, with the long-term goal of returning [rhinos](/wildlife/rhino) to the country's national parks. ## What Is Ziwa Known For? - Rhino trekking on foot with trained rangers — a rare, close-quarters safari experience - Uganda's only wild white rhino population, the core of the national reintroduction programme - The shoebill trek and canoe ride through the Lugogo swamp, one of Uganda's best chances to see the prehistoric-looking shoebill stork - More than 300 recorded bird species across savannah, woodland and wetland habitats - Uganda kobs, oribis, bushbucks, waterbucks, monkeys and abundant smaller wildlife - Night-time nature walks revealing nocturnal species rarely seen on standard safaris Rhino trekking is the headline act. Guests walk with rangers to within respectful viewing distance of grazing rhinos, learning about individual animals, breeding successes, security operations and the conservation challenges behind Uganda's recovery plan. Unlike a vehicle-bound game drive, the on-foot approach makes the encounter quieter, slower and considerably more memorable. The supporting cast is strong: birding tours, guided nature hikes and the dawn shoebill canoe excursion give wildlife lovers and photographers reason to linger. Simple guest houses and camping facilities allow overnight stays, which unlock the early-morning and evening activities when the ranch is at its most atmospheric. Ziwa's location is its final advantage — positioned on the main safari route north, it breaks the journey to Murchison Falls perfectly, converting a long transfer day into a meaningful conservation stop. Treks begin with a ranger briefing on approach distances and behaviour around the animals; guests then drive to the sector where rhinos were last monitored and continue on foot through open woodland, usually reaching the animals within an easy walk. Because every rhino is monitored around the clock, sightings are close to guaranteed — a rarity in wildlife travel — and the encounter typically lasts long enough for unhurried photography and questions. The wider conservation story gives the visit its weight. Uganda lost its last wild rhinos in the early 1980s to poaching and instability; Ziwa's breeding programme, launched in the mid-2000s with a small founder group, has grown the population steadily and now stands as the proof of concept for returning the species to protected areas such as Murchison Falls and Kidepo Valley. Every trekking fee funds the ranger teams who monitor the animals continuously, so tourism is not incidental to the project — it is the project's engine, and guests leave understanding exactly where their money went. Many travellers combine it with Murchison Falls, Budongo Forest and Kidepo Valley on a northern Uganda circuit. ## When Is the Best Time to Visit Ziwa? June to September and December to February are the prime months, with drier trails ideal for rhino trekking, nature walks and photography. The wetter months of March to May and October to November bring lush scenery and superb birdwatching, though a 4x4 is recommended. ## How Do You Get to Ziwa? The ranch lies in Nakasongola District, approximately 3 to 4 hours by road north of Kampala or Entebbe. Most visitors arrive by private 4x4 safari vehicle and continue north to Murchison Falls National Park the same or following day. ## How Many Days Do You Need? A half-day stop is enough for the rhino trek itself, but one night is better — it adds the dawn shoebill canoe trip and a night walk, and removes the time pressure from the Kampala–Murchison drive. Ziwa features on the [3-Day Mid-Range Uganda Safari to Murchison Falls & Ziwa Rhino Ranch](/safaris/3-day-midrange-uganda-safari-murchison-falls) and the [3-Day Ultra-Luxury Uganda Safari to Murchison Falls and Ziwa](/safaris/3-day-ultra-luxury-uganda-safari-to-murchison-falls-and-ziwa). ## 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.