Rhino trekking at ziwa rhino sanctuary
Rhino trekking at ziwa rhino sanctuary is one of the top Big 5 Uganda tours where travelers engage in a sightseeing tour to be able to explore the amazing endangered Rhino Species. Rhinos are part of the famous big five animals which are a major tourist attraction in the different national parks in Uganda. The rhino trekking activity involves watching the rhinos in their natural habitat. In Uganda, rhino trekking is done in the Ziwa rhino sanctuary located in Nakasongola district. This location is the only place in Uganda where the endangered white rhino species can be sighted.
Management of Zziwa rhino sanctuary is under Rhino fund Uganda with help from Uganda Wildlife Authority and efforts of the ranchers at the sanctuary. The aim of rhino fund Uganda was to reintroduce the endangered rhino species in Uganda which were hunted down by poachers and killed in Murchison falls national park and in Kidepo Valley National Park..
Rhino trekking has improved as an increase in the rhino population is observed as time goes on. The number of tourists at the rhino sanctuary is also increasing as the rhino species can be seen along with other bird species such as the rare shoebill stork which is a tourist favorite.
Other activities for tourists to engage in apart from rhino trekking include canoe rides, nature walks, and many others. Rhino trekking is done in the company of a well-trained guide to ensure that the tourists are safe and the guide also takes the tourists to the best location to see the white rhinos.
The white rhinos are of two different species which include the northern and the southern subspecies of white rhinos. The white rhinos are generally grazers and despite their name, white rhinos have a greyish color.
The white rhino is considered as the second-largest land animal after the African elephant. The female white rhinos move in groups with the younger rhinos while the males defend their territory from intruders.
During hot days, rhinos roll in mud to cool themselves from the scourge of the African sun. Rhinos are more active during the cooler times of the day such as in the mornings and in the evening time. During the day, the rhinos tend to seek shelter from the heat of the sun and are hidden making them a little difficult to see.
Countries, where these rhinos can be seen apart from Uganda, include Chad, the Central African Republic, Sudan and Democratic republic of Congo with a majority of white rhinos being in South Africa. The number of white rhinos in the wild has reduced due to increased poaching practices.
Other rhino species include the black rhino, Nile rhino, the greater one-horned rhino, Sumatran rhino, Javan rhino which are Asian rhino species.
Rhinos play an important role in the ecosystem by grazing which helps to shape the landscape since they consume a lot of grass and the vegetation around. The benefits of rhino trekking also benefit the local community through ecotourism.
Different organizations have also come up to help in the rehabilitation of the different rhino species which are poached due to their horns which are used for different purposes such as making jewelry, for medicinal purposes and many other purposes.
Guidelines followed during the rhino trekking activity include;
- Littering, feeding and touching animals is strictly prohibited
- Driving around or bush walks without a guide are prohibited.
- No jogging and cycling are prohibited in the park
- Drones, firearms are not allowed in the and are to be declared at the gate.
A fine is payable by the people who violate the rules and regulations of rhino trekking and a payment of about USD 100 is payable to the responsible authorities. Sudden movements during the rhino trekking activity are also discouraged.
A guide briefs the people who wish to engage in the rhino trekking activity and the trekkers are expected to listen carefully and follow the rules.
The prices for rhino trekking are as follows;
- Foreign nonresident, 45 USD
- African resident, 35 USD
- Ugandan citizen, 30,000 UGX
