Protected Areas in Uganda: Even More Nature

Besides the national parks, Uganda has designated numerous other protected areas – wildlife reserves and community wildlife areas, mainly in the west, south-west and north-east. With the upgrading of six reserves to national parks (September 2025), the distribution of areas has shifted recently.

Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary

Among these protected areas, the Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary deserves particular mention. For here – supported by the Rhino Fund Uganda, the Uganda Wildlife Authority and international supporters – an attempt is being made to re-establish in Uganda the white rhinos that were once wiped out.

The project was begun in 2005 with six rhinos from Kenya and the USA, which were initially housed in the Wildlife Education Center in Entebbe. The animals live in a fenced area of roughly 70 km² under strict guard. Today more than 50 white rhinos live here – most recently eight more arrived from South Africa in December 2025. The release into the wild has already begun: in 2026 rhinos were settled in Uganda once more after decades – eight in Kidepo Valley National Park, four in Ajai Wildlife Reserve.

Help the white rhinos with your visit

To ensure the protection of the rhinos, several dozen full-time helpers and rangers are on constant duty. With a visit to the protected area you support the project and ensure that the helpers are paid adequately.

In return you get to see the rhinos. From the park entrance you drive with a ranger to the immediate vicinity of the rhinos. After a short walk through the area you can then observe the animals at close range in peace.

Further links

• Website of the Uganda Wildlife Education Center
• Photos from the Uganda Wildlife Education Center
• Photos from the Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary
• Website of the Rhino Fund