When you stand in the tall grasses of Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary, watching a rhino calf graze beside its mother, it’s impossible not to feel hope. These endangered giants, once declared extinct in the wild in Uganda, now number 48 individuals—a conservation comeback story that inspires the world.
But this story isn’t finished. Uganda has just launched a bold, first-of-its-kind initiative: the Rhino Naming Campaign, a call to action for Ugandans and the global travel community to help secure the rhino’s future.
A Campaign with a Heartbeat for Africa’s Big 5
The campaign, unveiled at the Sheraton Kampala Hotel, carries a simple but powerful rallying cry:
“Name it. Friend it. Save it.”
Here’s how it works:
- Name a rhino calf at Ziwa and leave a lasting conservation legacy.
- Befriend a rhino by making a financial contribution, no matter the size.
- Join the symbolic march that will culminate in the Rhino Naming Ceremony on September 22, 2025.
With 17 calves waiting for names, every pledge directly supports rhino conservation—expanding habitats, strengthening anti-poaching patrols, and funding vital veterinary care.
Global Voices Join the Cause
Earlier this month, H.E. Lisa Chesney, the British High Commissioner to Uganda, visited Ziwa ahead of the naming ceremony. After tracking rhinos with rangers, she described the encounter as “rare and moving,” adding:
“Uganda is the most beautiful country I have ever seen… I call on people everywhere, especially the global community, to come to Uganda, name a rhino, and experience the incredible beauty of the Pearl of Africa.”
Her words echo what so many safari travelers feel—Uganda is not just a destination, it’s a place where conservation and adventure walk hand in hand.
Why This Matters for Travelers
For safari lovers, rhinos are more than a checkmark on the Big Five list—they are living reminders of resilience. With plans underway to translocate 20 rhinos to Ajai Wildlife Reserve and introduce them to Kidepo Valley National Park, the campaign ensures future travelers will see rhinos thriving in multiple landscapes.
As Uganda Tourism Board’s CEO, Juliana Kaggwa Mukasa, put it:
“The Rhino Naming Campaign is more than conservation. It’s a tourism innovation that lets visitors actively participate in protecting wildlife.”
A Safari with Purpose
At Nandi Adventures, we believe every safari should tell a story. Joining the Rhino Naming Campaign is a chance to make yours unforgettable. Imagine trekking gorillas in Bwindi, cruising the Nile in Murchison, and then standing at Ziwa to witness the naming of a rhino you helped protect. That’s not just travel—that’s legacy.
