Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary

Vibrant Holiday Safaris brings you Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary which proudly harbors Uganda’s wild endangered rhinos. It is situated in Nakasongola District, near Nakitoma Village, in the north of Kampala along Kampala – Gulu highway approximately 180km by road; it covers around 7,000ha (70 sq km). It takes about 3 hours to drive there; this is about half way of the journey to Murchison Falls National Park.

Uganda used to have a big number of Rhinos in the 90’s but during the massive wars in the 1970s, there were serious killings, poaching and hunting and by 1983 there was extinction of Rhinos. In 2005 the sanctuary was established and rhinos were re-introduced by the Rhino Fund Uganda. Ziwa is the only place where you can track rhinos on foot; it is really great and exciting as you watch the white rhinoceros! This place has a tight 24-hour security, after the actions done in the 90’s.

The sanctuary has around 78 amazing trained and skilled park rangers; it works hand in hand with the Uganda Wildlife Authority and Ziwa Ranchers Limited. It started with 6 rhinos but currently number has grown to about 19 animals. Apart from rhinos, Ziwa is also home to a number of bird species, reptiles, and 40 mammal species including antelopes, crocodiles, hippos, monkeys among others. There is surely a lot to do and see in the sanctuary such as birding and Nature walks though Rhino tracking is the major activity.

Activities At Rhino Sanctuary

Rhino Tracking

It is only in this sanctuary that one can enjoy the rhino trekking experience in Uganda. This activity will start with a briefing session at the entrance of the sanctuary in which several instructions are given among which is the need to walk in a single file or line. The rationale for this is that walking alone or in isolation from the line renders you an easy target for the rhinos in the event of an attack. It is essential that you heed to the ranger’s instructions while on this trek  to avoid any regrets.

Depending on location of the Rhinos, you may drive to the closest route nearest to where they are located to avoid walking for long distance. The ranger guide will further share more information on the behavior of Rhinos and how you ought to respond in case of anything.

Birdwatching

Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary is not exclusively rhino oriented but is a hub of many other interesting activities such as bird watching. The sanctuary is home to over 300 bird species including the sought after Shoebill. Four birding trails have been developed by the resident bird guides at the sanctuary. Woodlands, Swamp and Savannah are some of the habitats for birds at Ziwa rhino sanctuary. The birds at the sactuary include; Grey-crowned crane, Grey Kestrel, Heuglin’s Francolin, Red-headed Bluebill, Red-headed Malimbe, Marico Sunbird, Namaqua Dove, Northern Carmine Bee-eater, Nubian Woodpecker, Pallid Harrier, Shoebill etc.

Shoebill Canoe Ride

The Shoebill is one of the birds sought after by many birders in Uganda and the world over. There are high chances of sighting the Shoebill while at Ziwa Rhino sanctuary in the lugogo swamp. Other water birds sighted while on this canoe ride include; African Jacana, Black crake, Pied Kingfisher, Malachite Kingfisher, Giant Kingfisher, African open-billed stork, Great egret, Egyptian goose, African fish eagle, Goliath Heron,

The canoes are offered by the community who in turn receive payment for the service offered. This re-enforces the community conservation partnership between Ziwa Rhino sanctuary and the community. When you stay at the sanctuary you have opportunities of a night drive for the nocturnal birds.

Nature Walks

The sanctuary has guided nature walks through the grand savanna, allowing you to enjoy the diversity of nature compressed on the Sanctuary’s 70 square kilometers acreage. You will walk with a ranger guide and receive instructions on how to behave and various information on the botany, animals and birds learning about the general ecosystem of the sanctuary. Some of the animal sightings on this nature walk include Waterbucks, Bushbucks, Kobs, Leopard, duikers etc.

What To Carry For Rhino Tracking

• Do not forget your water proof hiking shoes or closed shoes,
• Rain poncho during the rainy season
• Sun hat
• Sunscreen
• Insect repellent
• No flash photography lest you frighten the Rhinos into being defensive while rhino trekking.

If one visits Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary and he is to do all activities it means they can have an overnight stay, so there are no worries of where to stay or where to eat from, since the sanctuary has a restaurant and affordable comfortable accommodation facilities like; Amuka Safari lodge and Vibrant Holiday Safaris is licensed to give its clients a perfect Rhino Tracking experience.