Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary is located in Nakasongola district in the River Kafu basin in the Northern part of Uganda along the Kampala – Gulu high way. Earlier in 1982, the population of Rhinos in Uganda was considered extinct due to poaching, hunting, and political instability. And currently, this is the only place in Uganda where White Rhinos are being protected in order to produce and increase in population.
Ziwa Rhino sanctuary is a private non-profit wildlife sanctuary that was established in 2005 in order to restore the Rhinos population again in Uganda that will then be re-introduced into the Uganda National parks. Ziwa Rhino sanctuary started with just 6 white Rhinos, but currently, there are 22 Rhinos protected in the sanctuary.
Visitors who wish to trek White Rhinos in their natural habitat usually combine the Murchison falls park trip with the visit to the Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary since they are located along the same direction. Visitors can visit the sanctuary on the way to the Murchison falls park or on their way from the Murchison falls park.
The following are activities carried out in Ziwa Rhino sanctuary;
Ziwa rhino sanctuary is not only known for Rhinos but also home for other several mammals which include monkeys, antelopes, crocodiles, and several bird species thus good destination for birding, nature walks, and canoe ride alongside rhino trekking as explained below;
Rhino Trekking: Rhino trekking is the major activity for the conservation of the sanctuary. Most visitors on the Murchison falls trip always add the Rhino Trekking activity on their bucket. During the Rhino trekking, visitors alongside experienced tour guides trail deep into the blush in search of the white rhinos as they graze in their natural habitat. Visitors are encouraged to first drive with in their travel vehicles deep into the sanctuary and when they reach near the Rhinos, they will move out of the car and trek on foot towards these endangered white Rhinos. This is done because the location of the rhinos is a bit far from the entrance thus driving in the car will shorten the trekking distance and offer the visitors a less tiresome trekking experience. Rhino trekking in Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary takes around 1–3 hours and it can be done at any time of the day according to the visitor’s interest. However, the best trekking time is early in the morning between 8:00 am to 10:00 am where visitors are able to see these mammals grazing on the fresh vegetation before the sun gets hot during the day and late in the evening between 4:00pm-6:00pm as the Rhinos graze in the sanctuary.
Birding: Ziwa Rhino sanctuary is home to several bird species which include the Shoebill stork that many birders do not want to miss out during their Safaris Uganda tour. Shoebill trekking can be done during the Canoe ride in the swamp where visitors are in a position to see several water birds and the sunrise just on top of the swamp. The best time for birding in Ziwa Rhino sanctuary is early in the morning or late in the evening where you will be in a position to trek a large number of shoebills, and other several bird species nesting in the swamp inside Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary while singing beautiful melodies. Some of the bird species seen during birding include, Shoebill stork, Blue – Spotted – Dove, Red-Headed-weaver, African –Crown –Eagle, Nubia n woodpecker, kingfisher, egrets, sunbirds, Abyssinian Hornbill, Hugli’s francolin and many more birds as they will be seen in the savanna grassland, and the swamp all inside the Ziwa rhino sanctuary.
Guided nature walks: While in Ziwa rhino sanctuary, visitors are in a position to carry out the guided nature walks with the help of the experienced game ranger. The nature walk at Ziwa rhino sanctuary can be done during the day or at night depending on the visitor’s choice. A walk deep into the savanna grassland offers the visitors a great opportunity to see various wildlife species including mammals such as mongoose, Bushbucks, squirrels, vervet monkeys, hartebeest, reedbuck black and white colobus monkeys, Reptiles such as lizards, frogs, and several butterflies.
Note: During the night walk, several voices of the nocturnal mammals and small mammals are heard with the bush and very few are seen.
What should I pack and wear for my Ziwa Rhino trekking activity?
Visitors interested in visiting the Rhinos in their natural habitat are advised to come along with a long sleeved shirt and a pair of long trousers, Hiking boots, Insect repellant, Sunglasses and a cap to protect you from direct sunlight and of course a camera to capture all the beautiful moments in the sanctuary
Where can I sleep while on Trip to Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary?
Amuka Safari Lodge is the best accommodation for Luxurious visitors. However, the sanctuary also has Bandas and camps which provide accommodation for the Budget visitors all located inside the sanctuary.
Visitors who wish to visit the Rhinos can use a tour company in Uganda such as “Focus East Africa Tours” to help them in organizing the full trips including the accommodation, transportation of 4X4 safari vehicles and the English speaking Tour Guide. This will ease your trip and you will surely enjoy it to the maximum.
Well, book your trip to Ziwa rhino sanctuaries now with “Focus East Africa Tours” for the best moments of enjoying your trip with the endangered white Rhinos in the wilderness keeping in mind that they are only found in one place and that is Ziwa Rhinos so enjoying the best rhino trek is worth your trip in Uganda in Ziwa rhino sanctuary
