On the 9th of December 2025, Uganda received 8 rhinos from South Africa’s Munywana Conservancy in KwaZulu-Natal. These rhinos were donated by African Parks to the Ugandan Government. They comprise 4 females and 4 males, clearly intended to enhance Uganda’s rhino breeding capacity, thus increasing their population. As soon as the rhinos arrived in Uganda and were offloaded from the plane, they were moved to Ziwa Rhino and Wildlife Ranch. This is for their mandatory quarantine, veterinary oversight, and acclimatizing to a new place.
Soon, these new rhinos will be integrated with other rhinos, already under active protection in the Ziwa Rhino and Wildlife Ranch. Currently, Uganda’s rhino population has reached 59 individuals. This addition of rhinos solidifies Uganda’s ever-growing global reputation in wildlife conservation and tourism development. This is also a huge boost to the National Rhino Recovery Program of Uganda. The significant donation stresses African Parks’ commitment to work with as many African countries, including Uganda, to expand rhino range states.
Why is it important?
In the 1980s, both the black and white rhinos became extinct in Uganda. Plans to restore their population in the wild began. In 2005, Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary was established. This was after 2 rhinos were already brought to Entebbe Zoo (now Uganda Wildlife Conservation Education Center) in the year 2001. Since they could not breed in captivity, it was essential for rhinos to be in the wild. Introduced rhinos in the sanctuary have produced more offspring. Now, with these 8 new rhinos, their long-term survival is assured.
Where to see rhinos in Uganda?
Currently, the Ziwa Rhino and Wildlife Ranch (Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary) and Uganda Wildlife Education and Conservation Centre shelter rhinos. The former is where you will see them in the wild. Soon, visitors will be able to see rhinos in the Ajai Wildlife Reserve in the Madi-Okollo district. Currently, the translocation agreement is in advanced stages, thus making their translocation imminent. There are plans by the Ugandan government to expand the rhino’s national range. Kidepo Valley has been selected as the next suitable home of introduced rhinos.
How is rhino tracking done in Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary?
Rhino tracking tours start with a briefing by the Uganda Wildlife Authority ranger guides. The significance of this is that you get some insight into how to track and watch the rhinos safely. This minimises impact on the rhinos and environment while ensuring your safety. Afterwards, you either drive or walk to where the rhinos are at that moment. Depending on the location of the rhinos, the duration of tracking ranges between 1.5 and 2.5 hours. While doing this, you will see other animals, including plains zebra, waterbuck, Uganda kob, bushbuck, and oribi, etc.
Cost of seeing rhinos in Uganda
In Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary, the cost of entrance covers the cost of seeing the rhinos in the wild. You can track and see rhinos after paying the amount provided below.
- Foreign non-resident: USD 60 per person
- Foreign resident: USD 50 per person
- East African residents: UGX 50,000 per person
Instead of handling these payments on your own, you can rely on Standard Safaris to manage them for you in advance. In addition, we can arrange your transport, accommodation, meals, and other activities in a single tour package. With us, you will therefore focus only on the rhino viewing experience.
When to see rhinos in Uganda?
Tracking and seeing rhinos in Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary is done throughout the year. The best outdoor conditions are during the dry seasons from June to August, as well as December to February. These periods present comfortable conditions for tracking and watching rhinos in the wild. The ground is relatively dry and passable. Chances of rain falling are minimal, thus a continuous activity. The vegetation is not as dense as it would have been in the wet season. This ensures that the rhinos are more visible in the bush.
But trekking rhinos is not as challenging as trekking gorillas in the forest. Therefore, seeing rhinos during the wet season is also very exciting. Wet seasons are mostly experienced from March to May and from October to November. Rains during these periods are much heavier and more frequent. This can make your rhino viewing experience shorter. The bushes are also relatively dense, thus affecting rhino views. The grounds are quite muddy and slippery, thus affecting movement in the sanctuary. But these factors make the trip mysterious and thrilling.
How to travel?
Road transport is the best means of traveling to Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary. A scenic drive along the Gulu highway covers around 171 kilometers from Kampala. We advise you to consider traveling by private means because public means will require you to board more than one vehicle. Hiring a private car is more reliable, comfortable, and flexible. We offer safari vehicles like safari vans, Toyota Landcruisers and sedans, etc. Knowledgeable driver guides to ensure a seamless travel experience are available with us to take you to Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary.
