Ziwa Campsite is the budget camping option inside Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary. Below are answers to the questions most frequently asked by travellers planning to stay at the campsite.
1. Where is Ziwa Campsite located?
Ziwa Campsite is inside Ziwa Rhino and Wildlife Ranch in Nakasongola District, reached via a turn at Nakitoma Trading Centre off the Kampala–Gulu highway, approximately 176 kilometres north of Kampala.
2. Is Ziwa Campsite inside the rhino sanctuary?
Yes. The campsite is within the securely fenced 7,000-hectare sanctuary, close to the ranch headquarters and visitor centre. It is patrolled by rangers 24 hours a day.
3. What type of accommodation is Ziwa Campsite?
Ziwa Campsite offers budget camping accommodation — grassy pitches for your own tent or hired tents from the ranch, with shared ablution facilities rather than private en-suite rooms.
4. How much does camping cost?
Indicative rates are around $25 per person per day with your own tent, or approximately $35 per person per day including Ziwa tent hire. Sanctuary entry and activities are charged separately.
5. Do I need to pay a separate entry fee?
Yes. All visitors must pay a sanctuary entry fee — currently around $60 for international adults and $30 for children up to twelve — which includes guided rhino trekking.
6. Can I hire a tent if I don't have one?
Yes. The ranch offers basic tent hire at approximately $10 per person per day, in addition to the camping pitch fee. Confirm bedding arrangements when booking.
7. Are there showers and toilets at the campsite?
Yes. Clean shared ablution blocks provide flush toilets and showers with warm water, powered by hydroelectric and solar energy.
8. Is there electricity for charging devices?
Electricity is available for lighting and device charging on request, though power is not supplied at individual tent pitches. Bring a power bank as a backup.
9. Is there a restaurant on site?
Yes. The ranch operates a restaurant and bar serving home-cooked meals and cold drinks. Most campers eat on site rather than self-catering.
10. Can I see rhinos from the campsite?
White rhinos are frequently seen along the sanctuary's strong perimeter fence at dawn and dusk. Guided rhino trekking is also included in the entry fee and is highly recommended.
11. What activities are available?
Activities include rhino trekking, shoebill treks and canoe rides (6am–9am), birding tours, guided nature walks, and night-time nature walks (8pm–10pm). Overnight camping is ideal for early shoebill departures.
12. Are pets allowed?
No. Pets are not permitted anywhere at Ziwa Rhino and Wildlife Ranch.
13. How do I pay and book?
The ranch is cashless — payments are by Visa, Mastercard, debit card, or bank transfer. A 50% non-refundable deposit is required for accommodation. Book via the ranch website or email bookings@ziwarhinoandwildliferanch.com.
14. Can I visit Murchison Falls from Ziwa Campsite?
Yes. Murchison Falls National Park lies approximately 85 to 100 kilometres north — around two to two and a half hours by road. Many travellers camp at Ziwa overnight and continue to the park the following day.
15. Who is Ziwa Campsite best suited for?
The campsite suits overlanders, backpackers, self-drive travellers, birders, and budget safari guests who want to sleep inside a rhino sanctuary at the lowest cost. It is less suited to travellers seeking en-suite luxury or hotel-style service.
Still Have Questions?
If you need more information about Ziwa Campsite, availability, activity scheduling, or how to combine a stay with Murchison Falls National Park, contact our safari specialists. We will help you plan rhino tracking, shoebill excursions, and a Uganda safari that makes the most of this extraordinary sanctuary.