Ziwa Rhino and wildlife Ranch
Track Wild Rhinos on Foot In Ziwa
The rhinoceros or simply rhino is perhaps the most fascinating of African Big Five animals. In Uganda, the best place to see rhinos is Ziwa Rhino and Wildlife Ranch.
Rhinos can also be found in the recently reopened Ajai Wildlife Reserve.
At Ziwa, you explore the reserve with a trained ranger. The first part of the journey is by vehicle. When you get close to the rhinos, the adventure continues on foot.
Walking through the bush makes the experience even more exciting. Soon you may stand only a few dozen meters from these powerful animals. Seeing a wild rhino up close is a truly unforgettable moment.
The Story of Rhinos in Uganda
Originally, Uganda was home two types of rhinoceroses: black rhinos and white rhinos.
Sadly, in 1980, during the reign of Idi Amin, the last rhino in Uganda was killed by stupid poachers. For more than two decades, there were no rhinos in Uganda.
A turning point came in 2005. Rhino Fund Uganda launched a bold plan to bring rhinos back. They chose Ziwa Cattle Ranch as the perfect place for reintroduction.
The land belonged to Captain Joseph Charles Roy, a former pilot and passionate conservationist. He agreed to move his cattle so the land could become a safe home for rhinos.
In 2005 and 2006, six southern white rhinos arrived. Four were transported overland from Kenya, while two were flown from Disney’s Animal Kingdom using Roy’s own cargo airline.
The project exceeded all expectations. Ziwa’s mix of wetlands, savanna, and woodland proved ideal habitat. Today the sanctuary is home to around 48 rhinos, and the population continues to grow. Ziwa Rhino and Wildlife Ranch is now managed by the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA).
Visitors can stay in lodges and join guided walking safaris to see rhinos, shoebills, antelope, warthogs, and more. Tourism revenue directly supports conservation. Security at Ziwa is strict. Rangers guard the rhinos day and night.
Walking To the Rhinos In Ziwa
What exactly can you expect from your visit to Ziwa Rhino and Wildlife Ranch? You will first drive into the ranch.
After that, you will hike the final stretch to a rhino herd – making the Ziwa Rhino and Wildlife Ranch experience extra special. And don’t worry: you will always have a knowledgeable ranger guide with you. They know the rhinos inside and out.
Rhinos are very big; an adult male weigh over 2,000 kilograms. When you spot them up close during a walk, you truly realize their size.
Despite their size, rhinos are considered by most people to be very endearing creatures. If you look closely into their eyes, there is something touching about them. You see a very strong, large animal. But also, a very vulnerable one.
The rhinos in Ziwa Rhino Ranch live protected, but in freedom
Ziwa Rhino and Wildlife Ranch is actually a reserve. This implies that rhinos here are monitored day and night, both for protection and research.
The reserve is solely designated for the reintroduction of rhinos to Uganda. Although there are some smaller animals, there are no other large mammals.
The area where the rhinos live is very large (70 square kilometers). It is a natural habitat where rhinos have plenty of room to develop, acclimate to their surroundings, and move around freely.
Best Time To Visit Ziwa Rhino Ranch
Ziwa Rhino and Wildlife Ranch is open throughout the year and the success rate for tracking rhinos is virtually 100% regardless of season. The best time tour Uganda generally is during the drier months of December to February and June to September.
How To Get to Ziwa Rhino Ranch
Ziwa Rhino and Wildlife Ranch is located approximately 170 kilometers from Kampala alongside a surfaced road that continues northwest to Murchison Falls National Park and northeast to Kidepo National Park.
Allow around 3 hours for the drive from the capital city Kampala or nearby Entebbe (site of the international airport).
The short feeder road to the ranch can become very muddy after rain, so a 4×4 vehicle is recommended. Continuing north from Ziwa, you need around 3 hours to reach most lodges in Murchison Falls and at least 7 to 8 hours to get to Kidepo.