1-Day Ziwa Rhino Tracking and Shoebill Safari

The success rate for shoebill sightings during our tours at Lugogo Swamp is approximately 70-80%, which is among the highest for shoebill viewing anywhere in Africa. The resident shoebills in this area have established territories that our experienced guides know intimately. While sightings can never be guaranteed with any wild animal, the wetland’s relatively compact size and our guides’ expertise significantly increase your chances. Early afternoon visits (as in our itinerary) typically offer better opportunities as the shoebills are often more active hunting during this period. For serious birders, we recommend bringing your own binoculars in addition to those we provide for optimal viewing.

The rhino tracking activity at Ziwa Sanctuary is moderately physical, involving a walk of 1-3 kilometers (0.6-1.8 miles) over relatively flat but sometimes uneven terrain. The pace is leisurely, with frequent stops to observe wildlife and listen to the guide’s explanations. Most people with average fitness levels can comfortably participate. The duration typically ranges from 1.5-2.5 hours, depending on rhino locations that day. We recommend wearing comfortable closed shoes, a hat, and carrying water. For visitors with mobility concerns, please contact us in advance as special arrangements can sometimes be made for partial tracking experiences.

This safari is suitable for children aged 6 and above who are comfortable with the walking requirements and can maintain the quiet observation necessary during wildlife viewing. Children particularly enjoy the rhino tracking portion, which offers a safe adventure with visible results. For the shoebill portion, children need to be able to sit quietly in a boat for 1-2 hours. All children must be accompanied by an adult and follow ranger instructions carefully during the rhino tracking. Family groups often find this day trip especially rewarding as it offers close wildlife encounters without the commitment of a multi-day safari.

We recommend wearing:

• Neutral-colored clothing (khaki, green, beige) to blend with the environment
• Long lightweight pants to protect from brush and insects
• Comfortable closed walking shoes with good grip
• Wide-brimmed hat for sun protection

Items to bring:

• Sunscreen and insect repellent
• Camera with zoom lens (200mm+ recommended for shoebill photography)
• Binoculars (though we provide a pair per vehicle)
• Rain jacket during wet seasons (March-May, September-November)
• Small backpack for personal items
• Water bottle (we provide bottled water)

This safari operates year-round with good success rates in all seasons. For optimal conditions:

• Dry seasons (December-February and June-August) offer easier walking conditions for rhino tracking and sometimes concentrate shoebills in smaller wetland areas.
• Wet seasons (March-May and September-November) create lush landscapes and can be excellent for general birdwatching alongside the shoebill search.

The rhinos can be tracked successfully regardless of season. For the shoebill portion, early morning or early afternoon hours generally provide the best sighting opportunities throughout the year. The combination of these activities makes this a viable safari option in any month.

Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary currently protects over 30 southern white rhinos as of 2025, and during your tracking experience, you can expect to encounter 2-6 rhinos. The sanctuary’s manageable size and the rangers’ communication network ensure high success rates for multiple rhino sightings. You’ll likely observe different groupings including mother-calf pairs, solitary bulls, or small assemblies depending on the day. Each rhino at the sanctuary has a name and history known to the rangers, who will share interesting facts about the specific individuals you encounter, enhancing your connection to these magnificent animals.

Beyond rhinos and shoebills, this safari offers opportunities to see:

At Ziwa Sanctuary:

• Antelopes (bushbuck, oribi, reedbuck)
• Warthogs and bushpigs
• Vervet monkeys and baboons
• Small predators like mongoose and civet (less common)
• Over 300 bird species including hornbills, bee-eaters, and cranes

At Lugogo Swamp:

• Other wetland birds (herons, egrets, jacanas, kingfishers)
• Monitor lizards and crocodiles
• Sitatunga (rare wetland antelope)
• Otters and various amphibians
• Numerous butterfly species

The combination of savannah and wetland ecosystems provides excellent biodiversity viewing throughout the day.

The drive from Kampala to Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary takes approximately 2.5 hours each way, covering a distance of about 176 kilometers (110 miles). We travel on the well-maintained Kampala-Gulu highway, making the journey comfortable and scenic. Our early morning departure ensures we reach the sanctuary when both visibility and animal activity are optimal. The vehicle used is a comfortable 4x4 safari vehicle with excellent visibility and air conditioning. We include a short rest stop during both outbound and return journeys, and the drive itself offers interesting views of rural Uganda and local life outside the capital.

Your participation in this safari directly contributes to conservation in several meaningful ways:

• Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary is a non-profit conservation project, and tracking fees directly support rhino protection, habitat management, and the eventual reintroduction of rhinos to Uganda’s national parks.
• Employment of local community members as rangers, guides, and support staff creates sustainable livelihoods tied to wildlife conservation rather than poaching.
• The shoebill viewing program includes a wetland conservation fee that helps protect these critical habitats from drainage and encroachment.
• By demonstrating the economic value of wildlife tourism, this safari helps justify continued protection of natural areas and species.
• Educational components of the tour raise awareness about conservation challenges and solutions for these endangered species.

Each visitor becomes a stakeholder in the future of these remarkable animals and their habitats.