Rhino tracking in Uganda
Uganda is one of the best destinations in East Africa for rhino tracking. The country has a remarkable history of rhino conservation, following the disappearance of both northern and southern white rhinos from the wild in the early 1980s. Today, Uganda is working towards restoring its rhino population through breeding, conservation and future reintroduction programmes. Uganda now has about 4 destinations where visitors interested in Rhino tracking can track them in the wild and on foot to learn about their conservation and behaviours.
Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary is the main leading destination for visitors interested in tracking rhinos in Uganda. Located in Nakasongola District, along the Kampala–Gulu highway, the sanctuary is an important conservation area established in 2005 to restore the country’s rhino population.
The sanctuary started with six southern white rhinos brought from Kenya and the United States. Through successful breeding and conservation efforts, the population has grown significantly. Additional rhinos were also brought from South Africa in December 2025, strengthening Uganda’s breeding programme. However, ziwa Rhino sanctuary hosts over 50 Rhinos in their wild and many travellers usually combine tracking Rhinos on their way to Murchison falls national park.
Uganda Wildlife Education Centre also known as Entebbe Zoo is another important destination for travellers interested in Uganda’s habituated Rhinos. Located along the shores of Lake Victoria in Entebbe, the centre provides educational experiences about Uganda’s wildlife, biodiversity and environmental protection.
Ajai Wildlife Reserve is one of Uganda’s important conservation areas in the West Nile region. The reserve is historically associated with northern white rhinos, which once occupied the grasslands and surrounding habitats. for many years, rhinos disappeared from Ajai because of poaching, insecurity and habitat destruction. However, Uganda has made significant progress in restoring the species to its former habitats through the National Rhino Conservation Strategy.
In January 2026, Uganda Wildlife Authority successfully translocated four southern white rhinos from Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary to Ajai Wildlife Reserve. This was an important milestone because it marked the first movement of rhinos between protected areas within Uganda. The long-term programme aims to establish a population of approximately 20 rhinos at the reserve.
Kidepo valley National Park is one of Uganda’s most spectacular wildlife destinations, famous for its beautiful savannah landscapes, dramatic mountain ranges and diverse wildlife. The park is located in northeastern Uganda, near the borders with South Sudan and Kenya. Historically, rhinos were part of the Kidepo Valley ecosystem, particularly around Narus Valley.
However, poaching and insecurity led to their disappearance, with the last rhino killed in the park in 1983. Uganda began reintroducing southern white rhinos into Kidepo Valley National Park in March 2026. The first animals were transferred from Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary, marking their return to the park after more than four decades. The initial programme aims to relocate eight rhinos and establish a protected population.
Visitors receive a briefing from the rangers before entering the sanctuary, they help to locate them and approach them carefully while maintaining a safe viewing distance, where visitors learn about rhino behaviour, safety precautions and conservation. During the tracking experience, visitors have an opportunity to observe southern white rhinos grazing, resting, feeding and interacting with their young ones. Seeing these enormous animals in their natural environment is an unforgettable experience.
Enjoy a Rhino tracking safari in Uganda on your way to Murchison falls national park with Bujuku Eco Tours.
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