Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary – Entrance Fees, Rates and Costs
Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary is the only place in Uganda where you can see wild rhinos, making it a must-visit destination for safari lovers. Located in Nakasongola District, about 176 kilometers from Kampala along the route to Murchison Falls National Park, the sanctuary was established to reintroduce rhinos into Uganda after they had gone extinct due to poaching and civil wars in the 1980s. Today, Ziwa is home to over 40 southern white rhinos, and it has become a center for conservation, education, and tourism.
Location and Accessibility of Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary
The sanctuary is located along the Kampala–Gulu highway, making it a convenient stopover for tourists heading to Murchison Falls National Park. It covers about 70 square kilometers of savannah and wetland habitats, ideal for rhino conservation. The sanctuary is easy to reach by road, taking about three hours from Kampala, and it offers a peaceful natural environment for visitors who want to experience rhinos up close.
Attractions at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary
The main attraction at Ziwa is the opportunity to track rhinos on foot. Unlike many safari activities where visitors remain in vehicles, Ziwa offers a guided walking experience that brings you face-to-face with these endangered animals in their natural habitat. Beyond rhinos, the sanctuary is also home to over 300 bird species, including the rare shoebill stork, and mammals like bushbucks, kobs, hippos, and monkeys. The wetlands and woodlands make it a great place for birding, nature walks, and night walks.
Entrance Fees at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary
Visitors are required to pay an entrance fee that covers conservation support and activities at the sanctuary. As of the latest rates, foreign non-residents pay around 50 USD per adult for rhino tracking, while foreign residents pay about 40 USD. East African citizens are charged about 30,000 to 50,000 Ugandan shillings per adult. Children are charged a lower fee depending on age. Birding, shoebill tracking, nature walks, and night walks have separate charges ranging from 20 to 35 USD per person.
Accommodation at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary
Ziwa offers on-site accommodation for visitors who wish to spend the night in the sanctuary. Amuka Safari Lodge provides comfortable mid-range accommodation with en-suite facilities, a swimming pool, and a restaurant. For budget travelers, the sanctuary has bandas and camping facilities available at affordable rates. Staying overnight allows visitors to take part in early morning and night activities, which are particularly rewarding for birders and nature enthusiasts.
Food and Dining at Ziwa
Amuka Safari Lodge and the sanctuary’s small restaurant offer meals that range from traditional Ugandan dishes to international cuisine. Visitors can also request packed lunches for day activities or enjoy dinner by the campfire under the stars. The dining experience is simple but well-suited for travelers on safari.
Transport to Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary
The most common means of transport to Ziwa is by road, with a private car or safari vehicle. From Kampala, it takes about three hours through Luwero to Nakasongola. For those on a longer safari, Ziwa is a perfect stopover en route to Murchison Falls National Park. Guided tours and transfers can also be arranged by tour operators who combine rhino tracking with game drives and boat cruises in Murchison Falls.
Best Time to Visit Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary
Ziwa is open year-round, but the dry season months from June to September and December to February are the best times for rhino tracking. During this period, the trails are easier to walk and wildlife is more concentrated around water sources. However, the sanctuary remains accessible even during the rainy seasons, making it a flexible destination.