Rhino tracking expereince is a bucket-list highlight while on a wildlife safari in Uganda and is offered at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary located about 176km or 2-hrs drive north-west of Kampala the capital. The daily tracking expereince varies between 1- 1.5hrs each session, where visitors are guided on foot up-close a crush of rhinos as they forage to gain insights into the history, ecological importance and challenges. The Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary supports the country’s largest rhino population and lies along Uganda’s main safari circuit making it convenient to explore and tailor into a longer tour.
The Rhino History in Uganda
Uganda hosted both the Northern White Rhino (Ceratotherium.s.cottoni) and the smaller Black Rhino (Diceros bicornis) which roamed abundantly across the savannas grasslands across the whole northern region of the country till well into the late 19th century. The high-price of the rhino horn (though the same material as our own finger nails) on international market and large fees paid by trophy hunters led to a hunting spree of these land giants till extinction at least in Uganda by 1980’s when the last single individual was shot by the shores of River Nile.
Fast forward in early 2005, an international NGO with partnership from Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA), began a breeding program in a 70km2 security complex of Ziwa with a target to re-introduce this species of Africa’s Big 5 list in its former range in the near future. From a humble start of 4 individual southern white rhinos from Kenya and 2 from Disney World US, the rhino numbers have risen to now 52 individuals and counting!
Rhino Re-Introduction Exercise into Uganda’s National Parks and Reserves
After a decade-long breeding program success at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary, the re-introduction exercise of rhinos across its Uganda’s former range has now (2026) kicked off. So far, pairs of rhinos have been re-introduced into Ajai Wildlife Reserve located along on the western banks of the White Nile, 2-hrs drive north of Murchison Falls NP. Another batch is being transferred to Kidepo Valley National Park restoring the former glory of this wilderness as an African Big 5 wildlife park.
Rhino tracking on foot at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary
Rhino tracking expereince is offered at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary, a 70km2 high security complex that spreads over a diverse habitat characterized by wooded grasslands and wetlands. The rhino tracking expereince is a guided walk safari conducted by ranger guides that lead you up-close a herd of this iconic species.
The expereince begins with a briefing session by ranger-guides from the complex’s reception compound about conservation efforts undertaken here, thereafter leading out a walk towards the rhino’s feeding ranges. On this informative walk, the ranger guides will point out various markings and tracks, share insights on the social behavior of this second biggest land mammal including its ecological importance, while stressing the need to protect and support the survival of these species.
Once the rhinos have been located, the ranger guides and you the visitor can only get as close as it is safe, for these are wild animals; however the feeling of up close with these giants remains for a lifetime. The species under the breeding program here is a Southern White Rhino race (Ceratotherium.s.simum), a close relative of the Northern White Rhino race that once roamed these grasslands.
The wooded grasslands in the complex supports other local residents like Kob, beautiful and tame Bushbuck pairs, warthog, vervet monkey and a rich bird species checklist unique to these woodlands where a breeding program is being run to restock this once abundant species.
A way to Support the Conservation Program
Away from adventure and lifetime experiences done and offered on the sanctuary, proceedings from gate entrances and fees are re-invested back into the breeding program of these species, while partnerships and individual support is highly encouraged. Be sure to get the details from the reception if interested in this noble work here.
Important guidelines to Note while Rhino tracking in Uganda
- On a visit to this complex, GPS and other location apps are required to be switched off for the safety of these hunted species.
- On a walk, listen and stay close to the ranger guide, these are wild animals for your safety and that of the group.
- Dress casually in nature blending colors
- Good walking shoes are recommended.
- Carry and use that hat and apply that sun screen; it gets hot in the afternoon.
- Carry plenty of drinking water too.