Can I Visit Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary on My Way to Murchison Falls?

If you’re planning a safari in Uganda, chances are that Murchison Falls National Park is near the top of your list — and rightly so. As Uganda’s largest and oldest national park, it offers breathtaking landscapes, incredible wildlife viewing, and the mighty Nile River surging through a narrow gorge to form the thunderous Murchison Falls. But for travelers journeying from Kampala or Entebbe to Murchison, there’s an extraordinary stop along the way that’s too good to miss — Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary.

The question many visitors ask is: Can I visit Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary on my way to Murchison Falls?

The answer is an enthusiastic yes! Not only is it possible, but it’s also one of the most rewarding and seamless detours you can make. This sanctuary offers the rare opportunity to encounter rhinos on foot — a thrilling and humbling experience that perfectly complements your safari adventure. By visiting Ziwa en route to Murchison, you can complete the “Big Five” checklist (lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo, and rhino) within Uganda, something that wasn’t possible for many years.

In this blog post, we’ll explore everything you need to know about visiting Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary on your way to Murchison Falls: its location, history, what to expect, travel logistics, and why it’s an experience every safari traveler should include.

What Is Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary?

Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary is Uganda’s only home to wild rhinos, located in Nakasongola District, about 176 kilometers (109 miles) north of Kampala. It covers approximately 7,000 hectares of land dedicated to the reintroduction and protection of the southern white rhino.

Uganda’s native rhino population was wiped out during the turbulent years of the 1970s and 1980s due to poaching and habitat loss. For decades, rhinos were absent from Uganda’s wild landscape — until 2005, when a conservation initiative led by Rhino Fund Uganda, in partnership with the Uganda Wildlife Authority and Ziwa Ranchers Limited, reintroduced them to the sanctuary.

The first rhinos were brought in from Kenya and the United States, and since then, the population has steadily grown through natural breeding. Today, the sanctuary is home to more than 30 rhinos, making it one of East Africa’s most successful conservation stories.

Why Visit Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary?

1. Track Rhinos on Foot

Unlike traditional safari parks where you spot wildlife from a vehicle, Ziwa offers a unique, up-close experience — rhino tracking on foot. Accompanied by armed and knowledgeable rangers, you walk quietly through the savannah bush to locate the rhinos, often coming within 10 to 20 meters of these magnificent creatures.

The thrill of standing so close to a wild rhino, watching it graze peacefully in its natural habitat, is an experience few places in Africa can match. It’s intimate, exciting, and educational, offering insights into rhino behavior and conservation challenges.

2. Complete the Big Five Experience

For travelers heading to Murchison Falls National Park, Ziwa completes the ultimate African safari checklist. Since rhinos have not yet been reintroduced to Murchison, stopping at Ziwa ensures you’ll see all members of the Big Five within one trip — making your Ugandan safari truly complete.

3. Support Conservation and Communities

Your visit directly contributes to the protection and management of Uganda’s rhino population. Entrance fees and tracking permits support ongoing conservation work, anti-poaching patrols, and local community initiatives around the sanctuary. By visiting Ziwa, you become part of Uganda’s inspiring conservation success story.

4. Birdwatching and Nature Walks

Ziwa isn’t just about rhinos. It’s also a haven for bird lovers, with over 300 bird species, including the rare shoebill stork, grey-crowned crane, Abyssinian ground hornbill, and African fish eagle. The sanctuary’s wetlands, woodlands, and acacia savannah provide varied habitats that attract a rich diversity of birds.

Nature walks and canoe rides can be arranged to explore the sanctuary’s different ecosystems. It’s a peaceful, scenic stop before or after your game drives in Murchison Falls.

5. Convenient Location

The sanctuary lies directly along the Kampala–Gulu highway, which is the same route leading to Murchison Falls National Park. This makes it an ideal halfway stop, breaking the 5–6-hour journey into two pleasant legs while adding an unforgettable experience.

How to Visit Ziwa on Your Way to Murchison Falls

Distance and Travel Time

• Kampala to Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary: About 3 hours (176 km).

• Ziwa to Murchison Falls National Park (southern gate): About 2 to 2.5 hours (85–100 km).

Most safari itineraries begin with a morning pickup from Kampala or Entebbe, arriving at Ziwa around mid-morning. After the rhino tracking activity (which lasts about 1.5 to 2 hours), travelers continue north to Murchison Falls for an afternoon or evening check-in at their lodge.

This route makes for a relaxed, scenic drive with plenty of photo opportunities along the way.

What to Expect During Rhino Tracking

Briefing and Preparation

Upon arrival at Ziwa, visitors are welcomed at the sanctuary headquarters and given a short briefing by a ranger. You’ll learn about the sanctuary’s history, safety protocols, and the dos and don’ts of tracking rhinos on foot.

The Tracking Experience

You’ll then head out on foot, accompanied by experienced guides and armed rangers. Tracking typically takes between 1 and 2 hours, depending on the rhinos’ location. The terrain is mostly flat and easy to walk, suitable for all fitness levels.

As you approach the rhinos, your guide will instruct you to keep a safe distance — usually about 7 to 10 meters — and to remain quiet. You’ll spend about 30 to 45 minutes observing them, taking photos, and listening to fascinating insights about their behavior, breeding patterns, and role in the ecosystem.

It’s an extraordinary moment when you realize you’re standing in the same landscape where rhinos once disappeared — now brought back through dedication and hope.

Safety and Comfort

Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary is very safe. Rangers are highly trained and monitor the rhinos daily, ensuring that visitors can observe them without risk. You should wear closed shoes, long trousers, and a hat, and carry drinking water.

Other Activities at Ziwa

If you have time to spare, consider adding one or two more experiences before heading to Murchison Falls:

• Shoebill Canoe Ride: Early morning canoe trips through Lugogo Swamp offer a chance to spot the rare shoebill stork and other aquatic birds.

• Guided Nature Walks: Explore the sanctuary’s trails and learn about its flora, smaller animals, and conservation work.

• Night Walks: For overnight guests, guided walks under the moonlight reveal nocturnal creatures like bushbabies, aardvarks, and porcupines.

There’s also a modest lodge and restaurant within the sanctuary where travelers can have lunch before continuing the journey.

Combining Ziwa and Murchison Falls: The Perfect Itinerary

Here’s how a typical 3-day safari might look when combining Ziwa and Murchison Falls:

Day 1:
Depart from Kampala or Entebbe early morning. Stop at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary for rhino tracking and lunch. Continue to Murchison Falls National Park and check into your lodge by evening.

Day 2:
Morning game drive in the northern savannah plains to spot lions, elephants, giraffes, and buffaloes. Afternoon boat cruise along the Nile to the base of the falls, followed by a hike to the top of Murchison Falls for panoramic views.

Day 3:
Morning game drive or optional chimpanzee trek in Budongo Forest. Depart for Kampala or Entebbe, arriving by late afternoon.

This itinerary offers a well-paced safari that balances wildlife encounters, scenic beauty, and cultural experiences — without rushing.

Practical Tips for Visiting Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary

• Best Time to Visit: The sanctuary is open year-round. The dry seasons (December–February and June–September) are ideal, as trails are drier and easier to walk.

• Operating Hours: Open daily from 7:00 AM to 6:00 PM.

• Tracking Fee: As of 2025, the rhino tracking fee is around USD 50 per person for foreign visitors.

• What to Pack: Comfortable walking shoes, light long-sleeved clothing, sunscreen, a hat, insect repellent, and a camera.

• Booking: It’s recommended to book in advance through your safari operator, especially during peak tourist months, to secure a tracking slot.

Why Ziwa Adds Depth to Your Safari Experience

Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary isn’t just a stopover — it’s a story of hope and resilience. It connects the past and future of Uganda’s wildlife heritage, allowing travelers to witness conservation in action.

When you walk among rhinos at Ziwa, you don’t just tick off a Big Five box — you become part of a larger mission to restore balance to Uganda’s ecosystems. It’s an emotional, educational, and inspiring moment that deepens your understanding of what safaris are truly about: harmony between humans, wildlife, and nature.

Pairing this experience with Murchison Falls — where the Nile’s raw power defines the landscape — makes for one of Uganda’s most complete safari adventures.

Travel with Muhiga Safaris

For travelers looking to seamlessly combine Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary and Murchison Falls National Park, Muhiga Safaris is your trusted guide. With deep experience organizing customized Ugandan safaris, Muhiga Safaris ensures smooth logistics, comfortable transfers, and expert guidance every step of the way.

Their itineraries are designed to balance adventure, relaxation, and authentic cultural encounters — from tracking rhinos on foot at Ziwa to exploring the wildlife-rich savannahs and roaring waterfalls of Murchison.

Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a seasoned traveler seeking a deeper connection with Uganda’s wild heart, Muhiga Safaris curates journeys that inspire and transform. Let them craft your perfect safari, where every moment tells a story — and every stop, from Ziwa to Murchison, becomes a cherished memory.