The Ultimate 1-Day Safari

Tracking the endangered White Rhino is an incredible experience. Not only will you have memories to last a lifetime, the best part is that by doing so you are helping to secure their future in Uganda.

In 1983 the White Rhino was declared extinct in Uganda. The Idi Amin era in the seventies was disastrous for the Ugandan wildlife population as the so-called ‘Butcher of Uganda’ placed little importance on conservation. Hunting and poaching went unchecked and, in many cases, animals were killed for food during times of shortage.

However, in 1997, Rhino Fund Uganda NGO was set up with the goal of reintroducing Rhino into the National Parks across Uganda. The fund secured use of a suitable 7000 hectare tract of woodland and savannah and the first group of six Rhinos were brought to the Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary in 2005. The aim of the fund, together with the Uganda Wildlife Authority, is to increase the population of Rhino in the sanctuary with a breeding program. By placing them in a protected habitat, and ensuring the constant presence of park rangers, the Rhino population is not under threat.

There have been 11 births since 2009, and the breeding program will continue until the population is stable enough to begin reintroduction into the wild. This is likely to be quite a lengthy process and funds raised from your visit will be put straight back into the program.

The location of the sanctuary is convenient for a day trip from Kampala or a stop en route to Murchison Falls National Park. Your arrival will be the start of an exciting day getting to know some of the 16 Southern White Rhino who live at Ziwa and learning about their conservation. First you will drive to within a realistic trekking distance – after all the park covers 70 square kilometres – then your guide will lead you onwards on foot.

Stalking through the savannah looking out for dusty haunches and prehistoric tusks is spine-tingling enough, but when your guide indicates that Rhinos are near the magic really begins. You will have a good spell of time to observe and enjoy these magnificent beasts in their natural habitat. The guides will tell you their names and family connections as well as pointing out other wildlife you may encounter. White Rhino are generally fairly placid and they are not perturbed by regular human presence, so your expert guides will allow you to get thrillingly close to these mighty animals.

Rhino have a tendency to be rather lazy in the heat of the day, so in order to have the best chance of witnessing the rhino on the move, visit before 10am or after 4pm. It is advisable to bring insect repellent, a sun hat and water. Wear long trousers and comfortable, closed shoes or boots for the bush walk. The most important thing is to listen to the instructions your guide gives you and to follow them to the letter.

Other activities available in the sanctuary include guided birding trips. Specialist  bird guides will seek out as many of the area’s 300 species as possible (Shoebill canoe safaris are a real highlight!) There are also more general guided nature walks on offer where you can expect to see a variety of birds, reptiles and animals.

Fancy exploring Uganda? There are plenty of other wonderful wildlife adventures and cultural experiences waiting for you in Uganda – find out more on our destination pages.