Once extinct in Uganda by the early 1980s, white rhinos have made a remarkable return thanks to the Ziwa Rhino & Wildlife Ranch, Uganda’s only place to see southern white rhinos in the wild. This success was birthed through a collaboration between Rhino Fund Uganda and the Uganda Wildlife Authority that began in 2005 with just six rhinos and today, that number stands at over 48 Southern White Rhinos residing in the 70 km² sanctuary that includes adults, adolescents, and juveniles.
Ziwa hosts southern white rhinos, easily distinguished by their broad grazing lips and social behaviour. Globally, this subspecies numbers are about 17,464 individuals as of the end of 2023. While the northern white rhino teeters on the brink of extinction with only two infertile females remaining under protection, Ziwa’s thriving population is a beacon of hope for the southern subspecies.
What Sets Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary apart;
- On-foot Rhino Trekking – The Ranch enables any traveller experience rhinos up close, guided by expert rangers through grasslands thus offering uniquely intimate encounters.
- Safe Habitat & Expert Care – A 2m electric fence encloses the sanctuary, and a full-time team of around 78 rangers ensures both rhino safety and visitor experience.
- Thriving Biodiversity – Beyond rhinos, Ziwa is home to the Rothschild Giraffe, Zebras, hippos, crocodiles, Uganda kob, bushbucks, and over 300 bird species, including the elusive shoebill.
Ziwa’s success isn’t just in numbers, it’s also in its model that supports a highly effective breeding program with minimal poaching, marking it as one of Africa’s most successful efforts, and its plans to translocate approximately 10–20 rhinos to Ajai Wildlife Reserve by early 2026 to expand safe ranges and reduce pressure on Ziwa Ranch.
To further enhance Rhino Conservation and awareness, Uganda Wild Life Authority Launched a Name a Rhino campaign inviting individuals, companies, and organizations to sponsor young rhinos and bestow official names upon them which TwentyEight Tours is participating actively in due to our strong commitment to conservation and sustainability. The grant Rhino Naming event is slated to happen on August 21, 2025 with 17 juveniles born between 2021 and 2024 ready to be named. The initiative aims to raise critical funds for rhino conservation, expand protected habitats and support ranger welfare, elevate public ownership of Uganda’s wildlife legacy and lastly engage individuals, institutions, and brands globally in naming rhinos.
For those eager to witness this conservation success firsthand, TwentyEight Tours invites you to travel with them as we offer an exclusive opportunity to track rhinos at the Ziwa ranch.
Book our 2 day Ziwa tracking trip that includes Rhino and the shoebill tracking at Ziwa Wildlife ranch while the 3 days and 4 days Murchison adventure includes a guided rhino walk at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary, morning and evening game drives in Murchison Falls National Park, a scenic launch cruise on the River Nile to the Bottom of Murchison falls, and a hike to the top of Murchison Falls Observatory starting at an unbeatable price with a best safari services.
Planning your next adventure to Uganda? Contact TwentyEight Tours for a personalized travel itinerary and experience that will satisfy all your safari desires. You can reach us through info@twentyeighttours.com or +256 784 695 552 / +256 701 352 203.
Let our safari experts tailor your journey to explore Uganda the pearl of Africa!
