The Rhino Naming Ceremony in Uganda
The Rhino Naming Ceremony took place on September 22, 2025, under the leadership of the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) and the Ministry of Tourism, Wildlife, and Antiquities.
This public-facing event brings together citizens, corporate organizations, and global conservation partners in a shared mission to protect and restore Uganda’s rhino population. The ceremony celebrates the country’s ongoing efforts to conserve nature, enhance rhino habitats, and facilitate the planned relocation of rhinos from Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary to Ajai National Reserve.
During this year’s event, 17 rhinos at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary were officially named as part of the “Name a Rhino” Campaign, which invites both institutions and individuals to participate in wildlife conservation while enjoying exclusive privileges.
Institutional Rhino Naming Package – USD 30,000+
Organizations participating at this level receive prestigious recognition and benefits, including:
- Presidential Award & Rhino Naming Rights
- VIP Access to Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary
- 25 copies of UWA Rhino Family Magazine annually
- Free advertising in UWA Rhino Family Magazine
- 25 corporate lapel pins & UWA Rhino Family gifts
- Free admission for one person to two conservation talks (TV or radio)
- Free entry to all rhino habitats for up to 10 staff
- Participation in annual UWA nature walks and expeditions
- 30% discount on UWA Rhino Family merchandise
- Online access to the UWA Rhino Family platform
- 25 desk and wall calendars
Individual Rhino Naming Package – USD 10,000+
This option allows individuals to contribute to conservation while enjoying several rewards:
- UWA Certificate of Support & Rhino Naming Rights
- Access to Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary
- 15 copies of UWA Rhino Family Magazine annually
- Free advertising in UWA Rhino Family Magazine
- 15 corporate lapel pins & UWA Rhino Family gifts
- Admission for one person to two conservation talks
- Free entry to rhino habitats for up to 5 staff
- Participation in annual UWA nature walks
- 20% discount on UWA Rhino Family merchandise
- Online access to the UWA Rhino Family platform
- 15 desk and wall calendars
Friend a Rhino – USD 1,000
For those seeking to support rhino conservation at a smaller scale, the Friend a Rhino initiative provides meaningful participation:
- UWA Certificate of Support
- “Friend a Rhino” recognition and access to the sanctuary
- 10 copies of UWA Rhino Family Magazine per year
- Free advertising in UWA Rhino Family Magazine
- 10 corporate lapel pins & UWA Rhino Family gifts
- Admission for one person to two conservation talks
- Free entry to rhino habitats for up to 2 staff
- Participation in UWA nature walks and excursions
- 10% discount on UWA Rhino Family merchandise
- Online access to the UWA Rhino Family platform
- 10 desk and wall calendars
Rhino Tracking Experience at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary
Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary offers visitors an unforgettable on-foot rhino tracking experience — the only place in Uganda where you can observe white rhinos in their natural habitat. Guided by professional rangers, visitors walk through the savannah to observe rhinos up close while learning about their behavior, diet, and conservation journey.
This immersive experience also includes sightings of other wildlife species such as bushbucks, Uganda kobs, oribis, and over 300 bird species, making it a top highlight for nature lovers and photographers.
Best Time for Rhino Tracking at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary
Rhino tracking at Ziwa can be done year-round, but the best time to visit is during the dry seasons — from December to February and June to September.
During these months, the trails are drier, visibility is clearer, and wildlife is more active.
Tracking usually takes place in the morning (8:00 AM – 10:00 AM) and afternoon (4:00 PM – 6:00 PM) when temperatures are cooler.
How to Get to Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary
Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary is located about 176 kilometers (approximately 3 hours’ drive) from Kampala, along the Gulu highway.
It’s a convenient stopover for travelers heading to Murchison Falls National Park — Uganda’s largest and most spectacular park — located about 2.5 hours’ drive north of Ziwa.
Many safari itineraries include rhino tracking at Ziwa on the way to or from Murchison Falls, creating a perfect combination of Uganda’s “Big Five” safari experience.
The Grand Rhino Naming Ceremony in Uganda is more than a symbolic gesture — it’s a powerful movement connecting people to wildlife conservation.
Through initiatives like Rhino Naming and Rhino Tracking, Uganda continues to lead in sustainable tourism while inspiring global action to protect endangered species.
Whether you’re an individual traveler, a corporate sponsor, or a passionate conservationist, your participation helps write the next chapter of Uganda’s wildlife success story.