Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary

The endangered wild white rhinos of Uganda are proudly kept at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary. It is located northeast of Kampala in Nakasongola District close to Nakitoma Village. It is positioned on a modest plot of land that is 70 square kilometers in size. It is around 176 kilometers long and takes three hours to drive from Kampala city to Murchison Falls National Park via the Gulu route.

In the 1990s, there were many rhinos in Uganda, but because of significant homicides, poaching, and scavenging committed during the devastating wars of the 1970s, all rhinos in Kidepo National Park and Murchison Falls National Park had disappeared by 1983. The Rhino Fund of Uganda built the reserve and reintroduced rhinos in 2005. The sanctuary began with a total of six rhinos, and at this time, visitors are tracking 22 rhinos there.

Because Ziwa ranchers collaborate with the Uganda Wildlife Authority and the Rhino Fund of Uganda to launch the strategy, the rhino conservation initiative will become feasible sooner and the number will increase and get introduced to different reserves. however, as of now the white rhinos in Uganda can be seen in only two places; Uganda Wildlife Education and Conservation Center former Entebbe Zoo, and Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary.

Other attractions at Ziwa rhino sanctuary   

Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary is more than just a place for rhinos to live; it also offers rhino treks that let you witness the majestic nature of these animals up close and from a safe distance (6-7 meters away). The Ziwa rhino refuge is home to a variety of different species. A game drive, canoe tour, or night walk can be used to watch its more than 40 animal species, which include antelopes, buffalos, hippos, crocodiles, leopards, bushbucks, and Oribis, as well as about 350 different bird species.

Rhino tracking

The only rhinos in Uganda, which are the face of the sanctuary, spend their days grazing on the dense undergrowth or relaxing in the shade of large trees. They are free to roam across the savannah, acacia woodlands, and chilly muddy swamps.

You might need to drive to where they are in the park, then walk the remaining distance, depending on where they are in the park. With a safe distance of six to seven meters between you and the rhinos, you may snap a lot of pictures and learn about their grazing routines. A skilled and informed ranger will direct you to them and provide you with information on their habits and ways of life in their natural environment.

The best times to go on a rhino trek are between 8 and 10 am and 4 and 6 pm, though you can choose to go at any time of the day. To experience a big five animal adventure in Uganda, it is preferable to blend rhino tracking in the sanctuary with game drives in Murchison Falls National Park.

Canoe riding

Since the shoebill stork is typically seen in swampy places, shoebill stork tracking is occasionally done independently in this sanctuary, but it is often combined with canoeing to building an adventure package for the day. The foot-long bill of shoebill gives them a Dutch Clog-like attractiveness at a first impression.

Contrary to first perceptions, this stork is a stealthy predator known to feed on young crocodiles, large fish like tilapia, and small related reptiles found in swampy and dry environments.

Take a canoe ride early in the morning through the nearby swamp to spot this dinosaur-like bird and take in the stunning dawn over the swamp. Among the few locations in Uganda in which you are fairly certain to encounter this threatened species is the Ziwa rhino sanctuary.

Nature walks

Ziwa is home to a variety of nocturnal species, and the ideal time to spot them is between 6 and 8 p.m. during an evening or night walk. During these nature walks you will be accompanied by a ranger, who will ensure your safety and are also knowledgeable about the flora and fauna present in the sanctuary such as the duikers, bushbucks, reedbucks, reptiles, butterflies, and different plants

A ranger who is educated about the wildlife found in the sanctuary, including the duikers, bushbucks, reedbucks, reptiles, butterflies, and various plants, will accompany you on these nature hikes while also ensuring your safety.

Walking through nature may be fairly physically taxing and typically lasts between one to three hours. A lamp, bottled water, long pants, suitable walking shoes, and insect repellent are all essentials.

Bird-watching

Ziwa rhino sanctuary, which is home to roughly 358 different kinds of birds, there are four distinct walks to pick from that will take you through the savannah, forests, or swamps, each of which is a home for the numerous species of birds that reside here, for those who are passionate about bird watching. The shoebill stork, blue-spotted dove, African black crake, and other birds are among those to look out for.

The greatest time to go birding is in the early morning between 6 and 8 am since you may see the early birds as they leave their nests in search of food, or in the early evening between 4 and 6 pm.

When to visit the Sanctuary

The best time to visit is during the dry season which takes place from December to February, and then from late June to October. This is the best time for general wildlife viewing, as the animals will be drawn to watering holes, making them easier to find. In the dry season, there is a smaller chance for rain to spoil your planned activities, and with most of the activities at Ziwa Rhino Reserve being outside, this is an important consideration.

However, in the wetter months from September to November and March to May, the reserve is beautifully green and is a great time for bird watching.

How to access the sanctuary

It is located in the Nakasongola district adjacent to Nakitoma village in the northeast of Kampala. it lies on a small piece of land approximately 70 square kilometers. It covers a distance of about 176km which requires a 3 hours drive from Kampala city via Gulu highway which is a half distance to Murchison falls national park. Therefore you can decide to visit the sanctuary on your way to Murchison falls national park or from visiting it.

Accommodation

Accommodations are available at the Ziwa rhino sanctuary so that you can stay the night and then take advantage of the sanctuary’s top attractions the next day.

Amuka Lodge, located in the center of the sanctuary in a little woodland, offers reasonably priced accommodations with the best standard amenities in addition to a swimming pool. It has a restaurant with a variety of cuisines from which you can dine comfortably. You can also enjoy the outdoor camping area with armed guards that stay up all night long for your protection. The breathtaking vistas ensure the sensation of peace that only the African plains can offer.