Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary
Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary
Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary stands as the only home to see wild rhinos, located in the Nakasongola district along the Gulu Highway, the same route to Murchison Falls National Park. Moreover, the sanctuary has been existing for years in Nakitoma village to protect the endangered wild rhinos.
It sits on an area covering 70 square kilometers, inhabiting more than 48 white Rhinos in the Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary. However, the sanctuary also boasts over 40 mammals, antelopes, hippos, crocodiles, reptiles and various bird species.
Historically, in the 1970s, Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary faced a massive war of killing, poaching, and hunting rhinos. During that year the area became home to both rhino species, the black and white rhinoceros, which were indigenous to Uganda. By 1982, both rare species were killed by poachers due to armed human conflict in the country. Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary was created in 2005 to reintroduce the southern white rhinoceros to Uganda.
They started with few animal species, but later on, animals were brought from different Kenyan countries to Solio Ranch. Two rhinos were donated from Disney’s Animal Kingdom in Orlando, Florida, United States, and in 2013, the presence of rhinos was officially recorded. In 2018, the number of wild rhinos increased to twenty-two.
The sanctuary’s goal is to restore the rhinoceroses’ population to its original habitat, which will be fully protected by 2-meter-long electric fences to ensure the safety of the rhinos in that area. Thus, Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary is the only place to observe rhinos in their natural environment.
Things to do in Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary, Uganda:
They include; Rhino Tracking, Unique shoebill tracking, Canoe Rides, Birding tours, Guided nature walks, Night walk and many more to discover on Uganda Wildlife Safaris.
Rhino tracking
This is a unique experience that involves a skilled ranger who guides visitors on foot to track these endangered rhinos in their habitat. As you trek, expect to see other wild species like hippos, bushbuck and crocodiles. Once you access them, you will observe them from about 6 to 7 meters away. Uganda’s Rhino tracking costs USD60 per person per day.
Birding
Birding in Ziwa Rhinos is known as a birding haven with over 350 bird species. During your bird viewing, expect to see various bird species, such as the prehistoric shoebill stork, African fish eagles, kingfishers, hornbills, grey-crowned cranes, sunbirds, and water birds like the African jacana, to name a few.
Guided nature walks.
Guided nature walks are quite rewarding with game viewing of wild animals such as gray duikers, reedbucks, bushbucks, monkeys, monitor lizards, and various butterflies, as well as tree species.
Night guided natural walk.
This is one of the activities to do in Ziwa, starting from 7:00pm to 7:40 pm, where you will be able to see nocturnal bird species and listen to sweet night sounds.
Shoebill bill trek experience
This activity can be done on a canoe ride on the swamps within the sanctuary to search for the shoebill stork, among others. Other birds to see are the Purple Heron, White-faced Whistling Duck, Pied Kingfisher, Saddle-billed stork, African Fish Eagle, African Jacana and others.
What to carry on your travel to Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary?
Things to carry during Rhino tracking safari include sunscreen, sunglasses, hats, a waterproof daypack, insect repellent, hiking boots and as many as you wish to like.
Best time to visit Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary.
Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary can be visited all year. However, the best time to visit is during the peak season, which occurs from June to September and December to February. Trails can be possible to navigate.
Accessibility.
Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary is located in Nakitoma Village in the Nakasongola district. The drive from Kampala to the sanctuary takes 3 hours.
Where to stay in Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary?
Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary has one suitable lodge for the visitors. Amuka lodge offers eight chalets with two equipped bedrooms for a comfortable night stay. Other nice accommodation facilities for a night stay include budget bandas and camping grounds near the headquarters.
In Uganda, Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary is the only place where tourists can visit for Rhino tracking experiences and other activities. Get started now!
