Rhino tracking in Uganda

Rhino tracking in Uganda is a thrilling and educational wildlife experience that allows visitors to encounter one of Africa’s most iconic and endangered animals on foot. The only place in Uganda where rhino tracking is currently possible is the Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary, located approximately 170 kilometers north of Kampala, along the route to Murchison Falls National Park. This 7,000-hectare sanctuary is home to Uganda’s only population of wild rhinos, specifically Southern white rhinos, which were reintroduced after becoming extinct in the country in the 1980s due to poaching and civil unrest.

Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary was established in 2005 as part of a long-term project to reintroduce rhinos into Uganda’s national parks. The sanctuary now houses over 30 rhinos and provides a safe, well-protected environment where they can breed and thrive. Rhino tracking here is conducted on foot, accompanied by highly trained rangers and guides who ensure both safety and a rich educational experience.

The tracking experience begins with a briefing about rhino behavior, conservation efforts, and safety precautions. Visitors then venture into the bush with guides to locate the rhinos, often walking through savannah grasslands, woodlands, and swamps. Once a group of rhinos is found, visitors can observe them from a safe distance of about 6–10 meters. Watching these massive yet gentle creatures graze, interact, and care for their young in their natural habitat is both awe-inspiring and humbling.

In addition to rhinos, Ziwa Sanctuary is home to a variety of other wildlife, including antelopes, warthogs, monkeys, and over 300 species of birds, making it a rewarding destination for birdwatchers and nature lovers alike. Some guided tours also include canoe rides through the Lugogo Swamp to spot the rare and elusive shoebill stork.

Rhino tracking at Ziwa is not just about wildlife viewing—it’s a meaningful conservation experience. The sanctuary plays a crucial role in protecting rhinos from poaching and educating the public about wildlife conservation. The ultimate goal is to reintroduce rhinos into Uganda’s national parks once populations are stable.

For anyone traveling to Murchison Falls or exploring Uganda’s wildlife offerings, rhino tracking at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary is a must-do activity. It combines adventure, education, and conservation in a way that leaves a lasting impact on visitors and contributes to the preservation of a critically important species.