Reintroduction of Rhinos to Kidepo valley National Park in Uganda
Reintroduction of Rhinos to Kidepo valley National Park in Uganda: Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) has today March 17, 2026 started the historic reintroduction of Rhinos to Kidepo Valley National Park, marking the return of the species to the landscape 43 years after the last rhino was sighted in the area.
The Executive Director of Uganda Wildlife Authority, Dr. James Musinguzi, flagged off the translocation of the first two Southern White Rhinos from Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary to Kidepo Valley National Park. A total of eight rhinos will be taken to the park. Speaking during the flag-off ceremony, Dr. James Musinguzi described the exercise as a major revolutionary in Uganda’s conservation journey. “This moment marks the beginning of a new rhino story for Kidepo Valley National Park. The translocation of these rhinos is the first step in reestablishing a species that once formed part of the park’s natural heritage. Over time, additional rhinos will be introduced to progressively rebuild a viable and thriving rhino population in Kidepo.”
Dr. Musinguzi noted that the exercise is aligned with the National Rhino Conservation Strategy for Uganda, which provides the national framework for restoring rhino populations within their historical range and strengthening long-term rhino conservation efforts in the country. He further explained that the exercise is also informed by the possibility study for rhino reintroduction into the Wild undertaken by Uganda Wildlife Authority, which assessed suitable habitats, ecological requirements, and security conditions for restoring rhinos to protected areas in Uganda. The study identified Kidepo Valley National Park as one of the most suitable locations for reintroducing rhinos into the wild.
Extensive groundwork has been undertaken by partners to prepare Kidepo Valley National Park for the return of the species. Preparations include the establishment of a secure rhino sanctuary supported by perimeter fencing, access roads, firebreaks, ranger facilities, water infrastructure, and monitoring systems to ensure effective protection and management of the animals.
Dr. Musinguzi expressed appreciation to conservation partners whose collaboration has made the reintroduction of rhinos possible. The Commissioner for Biodiversity Management, Mr. John Makombo, emphasized the ecological and operational significance of the reintroduction, noting that the return of rhinos to Kidepo is a critical step in restoring the park’s ecological completeness. “Kidepo Valley National Park is one of Uganda’s most intact savannah ecosystems, and the reintroduction of Southern White Rhinos restores a key component of that ecosystem. This reintroduction strengthens not only species recovery but also ecosystem integrity and resilience”, he said.
The rhino reintroduction supported by Wild Landscapes East Africa (WLEA), Northern Rangelands Trust (NRT) and Uganda Conservation Foundation (UCF). These partners have supported sanctuary development, infrastructure preparation, equipment provision, and logistical planning necessary for the successful translocation and long-term protection of the rhinos.
Upon arrival in Kidepo Valley National Park, the rhinos will first be placed in a secure sanctuary within the park where they will be closely monitored by trained rangers and veterinary teams to ensure their successful adaptation to the environment.
The History of Rhinos in Uganda
Rhinos once roamed widely across the Kidepo Valley ecosystem. However, due to intense poaching and insecurity during the late 1970s and early 1980s, the species was wiped out from the area. The last rhino in Kidepo Valley National Park was killed in Narus Valley in 1983, marking the end of their presence in the park for more than four decades.
Uganda’s rhino recovery journey began in 2005, when a breeding programme was established at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary after the species became extinct in the wild in Uganda. The success recorded at Ziwa and the importation of an additional eight rhinos from South Africa late last year have enabled the gradual expansion of rhino restoration efforts to other suitable habitats within the country. Currently, Uganda has 61 rhinos.
The return of rhinos to Kidepo Valley National Park is expected to strengthen biodiversity conservation, enhance the park’s tourism potential, and contribute to Uganda’s broader efforts to restore endangered wildlife species within their historic ecosystems.
Kidepo Valley National Park
Kidepo Valley National Park is found in Karamoja region, in the Northeastern part of Uganda. This Park lies in the extreme corner of Uganda bordering South Sudan in the northwest and Kenya in the northeast. Its remote locations offer visitors a feel of true African wilderness with immense plains just like those of the Kenya’s Maasai Mara. Kidepo Valley Na tional Park was gazetted in 1962 and covers a total land area of 1442 sq. km and lies at an elevation of 914-2950m.
It has record of 77 mammal species and over 475bird species. The park had four of the big five which included; Lion, Elephant, Buffalo, and leopard. Now that Rhinos have been reintroduced in Kidepo national park after 43 years since the last Rhino was seen in the area, this makes a complete adventure for the big five animals in Uganda.
Accommodation Options in Kidepo National Park
Wide range of accommodation option in Kidepo valley national park vary from luxury, mid-range to budget and some of these include; Adere Safari Lodge, Kidepo Savanna Lodge, Apoka Rest Camp, Zebra Safari Lodge, Katurum Lodge, and others. The available lodges and camps in Kidepo offer budget, midrange, and luxury accommodation services.
When Is the Best Time to Go to Kidepo valley National Park
The park is open to visitors all year round, the best time to go for a safari adventure to Kidepo valley national park is during the dry season because the conditions during this period are most favourable for visitor experience. The driest months to visit Kidepo national park are from December to February and from June to September.
During this period of the dry season, the game tracks are always dry and animals are always seen often around water sources looking for water to drink due to the dry weather.
How To Get to Kidepo Valley National Park
From Kampala to Kidepo valley national park, the distance ranges between 571 km to 792 km by road, depending on the specific route taken. Driving takes between 10 to 13 hours.
Both road and air transport offer better alternatives for visitor connecting to Kidepo Valley National Park. By road, visitors must be ready to take about 10-12 hours, with the option of accessing the Park through the Eastern route via Jinja-Mbale route or Northern route via Kampala-Gulu Highway.
visitors can also make the long distance short by cutting on the long hours of travel by road and take a domestic flight. The flights can be arranged, and departure can be from the Entebbe International Airport to Kidepo Airstrip, our driver guide from Bujuku Eco-Tours and Travel can pick you up and safely drop you off at your pre-booked safari lodge in Kidepo.