Ziwa Rhino Lodge offers clear, mid-range bed-and-breakfast rates for en-suite guest-house rooms inside Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary. Published tariffs from Ziwa Rhino and Wildlife Ranch make it straightforward to plan an overnight stop on the Kampala–Murchison Falls route, a dedicated rhino-tracking itinerary, or a birding trip built around the early-morning shoebill trek. Because the lodge sits within the sanctuary itself, accommodation costs should be budgeted alongside park entry and activity fees — though park entry includes rhino trekking, which represents significant value for overnight guests.
Rates vary according to room type, occupancy, and season. The figures below reflect published ranch pricing and should be confirmed at the time of booking, as tariffs may be revised. The ranch operates as a cashless business and requires a 50% non-refundable deposit to secure accommodation reservations.
Indicative Room Rates (Bed & Breakfast)
| Room Type | Occupancy | Rate (USD per night) |
|---|---|---|
| Obama Suite | Max 2 adults | $140 |
| Double Bedroom | Max 2 adults | $100 |
| Twin Bedroom | Max 2 adults | $90 |
| Single Bedroom | 1 guest | $85 |
| Family Room (Augustu) | Per adult | $65 |
| Family Room (Augustu) | Per child | $35 |
Note: All guest-house rates are on a bed-and-breakfast basis. Lunch, dinner, drinks, activities, laundry, and swimming-pool day passes are charged separately unless otherwise agreed at booking.
What Is Included in the Room Rate?
Bed-and-breakfast rates include private en-suite accommodation, daily housekeeping, and breakfast at the ranch restaurant. Guests also benefit from secure parking, access to reception and activity booking services, and the conservation setting of the sanctuary itself. Overnight guests may move around the main ranch area outside public gate hours and receive escorts to their rooms after evening meals for safety in the unfenced wildlife environment.
Room rates do not include park entry, additional activities, lunch or dinner, bar purchases, laundry, or swimming-pool access. Mid-range guests may use the ranch swimming pool on payment of a day pass — currently around 10 US dollars for guests aged seven and above, with younger children admitted free when accompanied by one paying adult. Luxury chalet guests receive complimentary pool access.
Sanctuary Entry and Activity Fees
Park entry is required for all visitors and currently costs 60 US dollars for foreign non-resident adults and 30 US dollars for children up to twelve. Importantly, park entry includes rhino trekking — whether on foot from the ranch or by driving to rhino locations within the sanctuary — making it excellent value for overnight guests planning a full programme of activities.
| Activity | Adult (USD) | Child up to 12 (USD) |
|---|---|---|
| Park Entry (includes rhino trekking)* | $60 | $30 |
| Shoebill Trek (6:00–9:00 am) | $30 | $15 |
| Birding Tours | $30 | $15 |
| Nature Walks | Included with entry / enquire | Included with entry / enquire |
| Nighttime Nature Walks (8:00–10:00 pm) | $25 | $10 |
| Swimming Pool Day Pass (mid-range guests) | $10 | Free with paying adult |
*When driving to track rhinos, your own vehicle is required unless prior arrangements have been made with the ranch. Reduced rates apply for foreign residents and East African citizens — confirm current pricing when booking.
Meals Beyond Breakfast
The ranch restaurant serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner, with a menu drawing on Mediterranean, African, Asian, and international influences built from locally sourced ingredients. Lunch and dinner are charged separately from the room rate. Special dietary requests and local delicacies can often be arranged if communicated at least two working days before arrival. Many guests enjoy dinner at the restaurant after a full day of rhino tracking and nature walks, watching sanctuary wildlife from the dining area as the light fades.
Seasonal Pricing and Availability
Like most Ugandan safari properties, Ziwa Rhino Lodge experiences highest demand during the dry seasons from June to September and December to February, when road conditions are best and wildlife viewing is most reliable. During these periods — and whenever safari groups travel the northern corridor — popular room types such as the Obama Suite and family room fill quickly. Low-season months from March to May and October to November may offer greater availability, though afternoon rains can affect road access to the sanctuary.
Payment and Booking
Reservations can be made directly with Ziwa Rhino and Wildlife Ranch via bookings@ziwarhinoandwildliferanch.com or through licensed Uganda tour operators. The ranch is cashless: payments are accepted by Visa, Mastercard, debit card, and bank transfer. A 50% non-refundable deposit is required to confirm overnight accommodation. Guests arriving after the sanctuary gates close at 18:00 may be charged an escort fee of around 10 US dollars per person to reach the ranch safely.
Value for Money
Ziwa Rhino Lodge represents strong mid-range value because the room rate buys far more than a bed alone. Guests sleep inside Uganda's only rhino sanctuary, walk to rhino trekking briefings, qualify for the early shoebill canoe departure, and enjoy a well-regarded restaurant and professional ranger team — all at a fraction of luxury-chalet or premium-lodge prices elsewhere in the country. For couples, families, and safari travellers building a Murchison Falls and Big Five itinerary, the lodge remains one of the smartest accommodation investments on the northern route.
Rates Summary
Ziwa Rhino Lodge offers transparent bed-and-breakfast pricing from around 85 to 140 US dollars per room, with family rates charged per person. Combined with park entry that includes rhino trekking, the lodge delivers exceptional mid-range value inside Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary. For the latest rates, availability, and activity pricing, contact the ranch directly or request a quotation through your tour operator before confirming your reservation.