Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary in Nakasongola, Nakasongola: Tickets, Hours and Family Guide
Animals and wildlife in Nakasongola, Nakasongola
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Uganda's only wild rhino sanctuary, on the Kampala-Gulu highway about 176 km from Kampala, where guided rhino tracking on foot brings families within metres of white rhinos.
What is Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary?
Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary is a 70 sq km rhino and wildlife ranch in Nakasongola District on the Kampala-Gulu highway. It was set up to reintroduce southern white rhinos to Uganda after the species was wiped out in the country, and it now protects a growing herd alongside Uganda kob, oribi, bushbuck and over 300 bird species. Visitors track rhinos on foot with a ranger for anywhere from 30 minutes to two hours depending on where the animals are. Children aged six and over can join the trek.
Ziwa reintroduced white rhinos to Uganda after the species was lost in the 1980s and now runs a breeding and protection programme.
Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary ticket prices 2026
| Visitor type | Adult | Child (3-11) |
|---|---|---|
| Standard rate | UGX 50,000 | UGX 15,000 |
Park entry including rhino trekking: UGX 50,000 adult and UGX 15,000 child for East African citizens; USD 60 adult and USD 30 child for foreign visitors. The ranch is cashless - bring a card.
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💡 Money-saving tips for families
- Cashless Bring a card, not cash
- Walk quietly Rhinos are approached on foot and react to noise
- Combine with Murchison Ziwa sits directly on the route north
Key details
- Address
- Nakasongola District, on the Kampala-Gulu highway about 176 km north of Kampala, Nakasongola
- Opening hours
- Daily; rhino tracking usually runs 8am to 5pm Open now
- How long to plan
- 2 to 3 hours
- Suitable ages
- All ages (rhino tracking from age 6)
- Setting
- Outdoor
- Booking
- Book ahead for tracking, especially in peak season
- Payment accepted
- Card
What to expect when you visit
Check in at the reception, pay the entry and tracking fee, then join a ranger for the walk. Tracking takes 30 minutes to two hours depending on where the rhinos are, and you approach on foot, quietly, in single file.
Family essentials
- Suitable age bands
- 0–2 years
- 3–5 years
- 6–9 years
- 10–12 years
- 13+ years
- Toddler suitability
- Too young for the walk; wait at reception
- Minimum age
- 6 for rhino tracking
- Facilities
- Toilets
- Cafe
- Parking
- Accommodation
- Safety notes
Rhinos are wild - follow the ranger's instructions, stay in single file and never approach an animal on your own.
Plan your visit
- Best time to visit
- Morning, when the rhinos are more active
- Busiest times
- Weekends and school holidays
- How to get there
Ziwa is on the Kampala-Gulu highway, about 176 km north of Kampala. Enter at the main reception on the eastern side of the road.
- By car
- About 176 km from Kampala on the Kampala-Gulu highway, roughly 2 hours to 2 hours 30 minutes
- Public transport
Not practical this far north; arrange a driver. Taxi or bus along the Kampala-Gulu highway, alight at Ziwa
- Combine with
- Murchison Falls National Park
- Uganda Equator at Kayabwe
- Kampala
- What to bring
- Closed shoes
- Long trousers
- Sun hat
- Water
- Card for payment
Accessibility deep dive
Here is what to expect on the ground.
Flat walking on dirt tracks; not suitable for pushchairs or wheelchairs
What to pack
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Family day bag checklist
What visitors say
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Frequently asked questions
- How much does it cost to visit Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary?
- Adults pay UGX 50,000 and children (ages 3-11) pay UGX 15,000. Park entry including rhino trekking: UGX 50,000 adult and UGX 15,000 child for East African citizens; USD 60 adult and USD 30 child for foreign visitors. The ranch is cashless - bring a card.
- What are the Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary opening hours?
- Daily; rhino tracking usually runs 8am to 5pm. Busiest: Weekends and school holidays.
- Is Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary suitable for toddlers and young children?
- Minimum age: 6 for rhino tracking. Rhinos are wild - follow the ranger's instructions, stay in single file and never approach an animal on your own.
- How long do you need at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary?
- Plan for 2 to 3 hours.
- What payment methods does Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary accept?
- Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary accepts Card. It does not accept cash.
- What is the best time to visit Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary?
- Morning, when the rhinos are more active. It is busiest Weekends and school holidays.
- How do you get to Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary?
- About 176 km from Kampala on the Kampala-Gulu highway, roughly 2 hours to 2 hours 30 minutes. Public transport: Not practical this far north; arrange a driver. Taxi or bus along the Kampala-Gulu highway, alight at Ziwa Ziwa is on the Kampala-Gulu highway, about 176 km north of Kampala. Enter at the main reception on the eastern side of the road.
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