Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary in Nakasongola, Nakasongola, Uganda: Tickets, Hours and Family Guide
Animals and wildlife in Nakasongola, Nakasongola, Uganda
Photo: Auto-generated feature card
Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary is the only place in Uganda to see wild white rhinos on foot. Expect a 1–2 hour guided trek; bring sturdy shoes, water and a hat.
What is Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary?
Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary is a 164 sq km ranch dedicated to reintroducing white rhino to Uganda; visitors trek on foot with rangers to see wild rhinos, and can also spot shoebill storks and other wildlife.
Rhino conservation and breeding programme; community outreach
Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary ticket prices 2026
| Visitor type | Adult | Child (Under 12) | Under 3 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kenya / East African resident | KES 50,000 | KES 15,000 | Free |
| Non-resident | KES 60 | KES 30 | Free |
UGX for East African citizens; USD for non-residents. Park entry includes rhino trekking. Cashless — bring card.
Family cost calculator
Estimate your total visit cost in seconds. Set your family size, choose your residency status and add optional extras. The calculator uses the same rates shown above.
Calculate your visit cost
Estimates only, based on the rates above. Extras vary.
💡 Money-saving tips for families
- Book Ahead Confirm trekking availability during rainy season.
- Card Only No cash accepted on site.
Is it right for your child's age?
| Age group | Verdict | What to expect |
|---|---|---|
| 0–2 years | Not suitable | Long trek and no shade. |
| 3–5 years | Not suitable | Terrain rough and trek lengthy. |
| 6–9 years | Possible | Short trek with ranger guidance. |
| 10–12 years | Good | Can complete 1–2 hour trek. |
| 13+ years | Full experience | Rhino trekking suitable. |
Perfect visit planner
How much time do you have? Pick your window and we'll show you the ideal sequence.
Choose your time window
Key details
- Address
- Nakitoma, Nakasongola District, Uganda (off Kampala–Gulu Highway), Nakasongola, Uganda
- Opening hours
- Daily 7:00am–6:30pm Closed now
- How long to plan
- 1–2 hours (rhino trek)
- Suitable ages
- All ages; trekking best for 6+
- Setting
- Outdoor savannah sanctuary
- Booking
- Recommended; book via tour operator or directly
- Payment accepted
- Card only (cashless operation)
- Phone
- +256 757 341593
What to expect when you visit
Rhino trekking, shoebill trek, birdwatching, nature walks
What if...?
The questions every parent asks before booking. Tap to expand.
Can young children trek?
Not recommended under 6; terrain is rough and trek can be long.
Is cash accepted?
No, Ziwa is cashless; bring a card.
Family essentials
- Suitable age bands
- 0–2 years
- 3–5 years
- 6–9 years
- 10–12 years
- 13+ years
- Toddler suitability
- No
- Minimum age
- 6 years
- Facilities
- Reception, basic toilets, parking, ranger guides
- Access and parking
- Road access; 4x4 recommended in wet season
- Safety notes
Ranger-guided treks; safety briefing before walking
Tickets and costs
- Parking
- Free
- Free entry rules
- No
- Extra costs (activities, rentals, food)
Shoebill trek (6–9am) extra; overnight camp available
Plan your visit
- Best time to visit
- Dry season (June–September, December–February)
- Busiest times
- Weekends and holidays
- How to get there
Off Kampala–Gulu Highway, Nakasongola
- By car
- Drive north from Kampala on Gulu Highway; 4x4 recommended in wet season
- Uber / Bolt estimate
- Not reliable; arrange private transfer
- Public transport
Matatu to Nakasongola then boda-boda
- Combine with
- Murchison Falls National Park — continue north for big game
- Kampala — stopover with museums and markets
- What to bring
- Sturdy shoes
- Water
- Sun hat
- Binoculars
Accessibility deep dive
Here is what to expect on the ground.
Uneven ground and no paved paths.
Combine your visit
Plan the perfect day
A genuine conservation experience and the only place in Uganda to see wild rhinos.
What to pack
Tick off what you have. Your list saves automatically on this device.
Family day bag checklist
What visitors say
No reviews yet. Be the first to share what your visit was like.
Frequently asked questions
- How much does it cost to visit Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary?
- Kenya and East African resident adults pay KES 50,000 and resident children (ages Under 12) pay KES 15,000. Non-resident adults pay KES 60 and non-resident children pay KES 30. Children under 3 enter free. UGX for East African citizens; USD for non-residents. Park entry includes rhino trekking. Cashless — bring card.
- What are the Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary opening hours?
- Daily 7:00am–6:30pm. Busiest: Weekends and holidays.
- Is Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary suitable for toddlers and young children?
- Minimum age: 6 years. Ranger-guided treks; safety briefing before walking
- How long do you need at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary?
- Plan for 1–2 hours (rhino trek).
- What payment methods does Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary accept?
- Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary accepts Card only (cashless operation). It does not accept cash.
- Is Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary accessible, and is there parking?
- Access and parking: Road access; 4x4 recommended in wet season.
- What is the best time to visit Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary?
- Dry season (June–September, December–February). It is busiest Weekends and holidays.
- How do you get to Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary?
- Drive north from Kampala on Gulu Highway; 4x4 recommended in wet season. Ride-hailing: Not reliable; arrange private transfer. Public transport: Matatu to Nakasongola then boda-boda Off Kampala–Gulu Highway, Nakasongola
Similar places
Animals and wildlife in Nairobi
Nairobi National Park
The only national park within a capital city, about 7 km from Nairobi CBD. Home to lions, rhinos, giraffes and over 400…
- All ages
- Outdoor
- Some toddler activities
Entry from KES 1,000
Animals and wildlife in Nairobi
Nairobi Snake Park
A small reptile park on Museum Hill next to the Nairobi National Museum, with snakes, crocodiles, tortoises and an aqua…
- All ages
- Outdoor
Entry from KES 350
Animals and wildlife in Nairobi
Giraffe Centre
Feed and meet endangered Rothschild's giraffes from a raised platform, then walk a 1.5 km nature trail in Lang'ata, Nai…
- Outdoor
- Great for toddlers
Entry from KES 200
Animals and wildlife in Subukia, Nakuru County
Subukia Bandas
Eco-camp with family bandas, farm animals and outdoor activities in the Subukia Valley.
- All ages; farm activities best for 3+
- Eco-camp, farm and outdoor
- Yes, cribs on request
Entry from KES 1