Batwa Cultural Experience at Bwindi Forest National Park
Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary Daytrip
Day Trip to Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary – Walking with Rhinos in the Wild
Track Uganda’s Big Five at Ziwa with Uganda Horizon Safaris
Get up close and personal with one of Africa’s most iconic and endangered species—the white rhino—on an unforgettable day trip to Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary with Uganda Horizon Safaris. Located along the route between Murchison Falls National Park and Kampala, Ziwa is the only place in Uganda where you can encounter wild rhinos in their natural habitat. This expertly guided walking safari offers a rare opportunity to observe these majestic creatures from just meters away, on foot, while learning about the conservation efforts that are bringing Uganda’s rhinos back from extinction.
Surrounded by 70 square kilometers of acacia woodland, savannah, and swamps, the sanctuary is also home to over 300 bird species, warthogs, bushbucks, monkeys, and more. It’s not only a vital conservation success story—it’s also one of the most intimate wildlife experiences available in East Africa.
Whether you’re returning from Murchison Falls or heading toward Kampala, this day trip to Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary offers the perfect break in your safari adventure.
Comfortable transfers and picnic options available
Start Location: Lodge or hotel in Murchison Falls National Park
End Location: Kampala or Entebbe (optional overnight)
Duration: Full Day
Departure Time: 07:00 AM
After breakfast at your lodge inside or near Murchison Falls National Park, your Uganda Horizon Safaris driver-guide will pick you up for your journey southward toward Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary. Enjoy the scenic drive through Uganda’s countryside, passing small villages, roadside markets, and lush farmland.
Upon arrival at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary, you’ll be welcomed by the sanctuary rangers and taken through a short orientation about the sanctuary’s mission and safety protocols. Ziwa is currently home to over 30 southern white rhinos, and their reintroduction is a crucial step toward restoring Uganda’s Big Five status.
Head into the wild for the highlight of the day—rhino tracking on foot. Guided by an experienced ranger, you’ll walk through the savannah bush in search of rhino families. Tracking typically takes 1 to 2 hours depending on rhino location. You’ll have a chance to observe these incredible animals from a safe distance of 7–10 meters, watching them graze, interact, and roam freely.
Along the way, you might also spot bushbucks, mongoose, monkeys, and an array of birdlife including the elusive shoebill stork.
After tracking, enjoy a relaxing picnic lunch in one of the designated visitor areas. Uganda Horizon Safaris can provide packed lunches, or you may dine at the on-site restaurant (subject to availability). It’s the perfect time to relax, chat with your ranger, and reflect on your up-close encounter with rhinos.
If time allows, choose to add an optional swamp walk for bird watching or explore more of the sanctuary’s walking trails. Ziwa is a birding paradise, home to species such as the African fish eagle, Abyssinian ground hornbill, and saddle-billed stork.
After your visit, your driver-guide will continue with you to your chosen drop-off location—Kampala or Entebbe, or back to a nearby lodge if you’re staying overnight. Arrival in Kampala is typically between 6:00–7:00 PM.
Tips for the guide
Alcoholic beverages
Absolutely yes. We will arrange all airport transfers for you from and to the airport so that you don’t have to worry about how to get to your hotel. One of our drivers or guides will come to pick you up and take you back to the airport. This is already included in our offers and services.
Absolutely yes. Our handpicked hotels all offer you to safely store your luggage during your climb. In this way you can leave all gear that you won’t need during your climb at the hotel. That is very convenient if you are planning to go on a safari or to Zanzibar after your hike.
Tanzania Horizon Safaris has worked out a very transparent cancellation policy. In most cases we can offer a voucher if you have to postpone your travel. If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact us. Please note that deposits are non-refundable as they have to be used for making reservations for your hotel and transport.
*If a booking is cancelled the client is subject to a cancellation fee as follows:
