Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary Uganda
Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary Uganda : Ziwa rhino sanctuary is the only area that harbors the wild rhinos located in the northern part of Kampala along Gulu highway in Nakasongola district. Rhinos in Uganda were becoming extinct in all national parks due to encroachment of their habitat and poaching for their horns. In order to prevent extinction of the white rhinos, the rhino fund was formed and it was working hand in hand with Uganda Wildlife Authority to reintroduce white rhinos to the national parks in future. Ziwa rhino sanctuary was launched in 2005 and it started with 6 white rhinos and presently it’s a home to 32 southern white rhinos hence becoming one of the popular safari destinations in Uganda. Ziwa rhino sanctuary offers various interesting activities that tourists can engage including
Activities in Ziwa rhino sanctuary
Rhino tracking
Rhino tracking is the most famous activity carried out at Ziwa rhino sanctuary that attracts big numbers of tourists. Rhino tracking at Ziwa rhino sanctuary takes about 1 to 2 hours and it involves visitors moving on foot within the sanctuary in search of the rhinos and once found you will be able to view the endangered white rhinos feeding, resting among others which gives you an opportunity to learn more about their behaviors, take photos and record videos of the moment. Rhino tracking at Ziwa rhino sanctuary costs 50 USD per person for foreign non residents, 40 USD per person for foreign residents and 30,000 UGX per person for East African citizens.
Bird watching
Ziwa rhino sanctuary is a home of over 350 recorded bird species which makes it one of the top bird watching destinations in Uganda. Bird watching at Ziwa rhino sanctuary can either be done during the nature walk, canoe ride or game drive following different birding trails with an experienced bird guide who will help you to spot different bird species including the elusive shoebill stork, African Black Crake, Bronze Manikini, Giant Abdims stork, Blue Spotted Dove, African Golden Breasted Bunting, African Black Headed Oriole, Booted Eagle, Broad Billed Roller, African Darter, Cardinal Woodpecker, African Crowned Eagle, Speckled Breasted Woodpecker, Brown Throated Wattle Eye, Brown Crowned Tchagra, Brown Parrot among others.
Canoe ride
Canoeing is another interesting activity at Ziwa rhino sanctuary where visitors will be able to explore the Lugogo wetland in a canoe. Canoe rides at Ziwa rhino sanctuary are best done very early in the morning and takes about 4 hours ride. During the canoe ride, you will be able to view different animals, variety of water bird species like the prehistoric shoebill stork, speckled-breasted woodpecker, Palmnut vulture, giant kingfisher, white crested turaco among others.
Nature walk
Nature walk is an adventurous activity at Ziwa rhino sanctuary where visitors will be able to explore the sanctuary on foot with the company of an experienced ranger guide. Guided nature walks at Ziwa rhino sanctuary can either be done during the day or at night where you will be able to get up-close and personal with different wildlife species including animals like waterbucks, reedbucks, mongoose, duikers, bushbucks, primates like vervet monkeys, black and white colobus monkeys, large lizards, insects, colorful butterflies, view nocturnal animals, birds, bats, enjoy the beautiful moonlight, listen to sweet sounds of bird species among others.
Best time to visit Ziwa rhino sanctuary
Ziwa rhino sanctuary can be visited anytime throughout the year though the best time is during the dry season in the months of June, July, August, September, December, January and February. During the dry season the sanctuary receives less rainfall therefore nature walk, birding and tracking trails will be dry and passable which makes trekking easy compared to the rainy season when the trails are muddy and slippery which make trekking difficult.
How to get to Ziwa rhino sanctuary
Ziwa rhino sanctuary is located in Nakasongola district on the way to Murchison falls national park and can be accesses by road transport means where you will drive from Kampala along Gulu highway to Nakasongola district which takes about 3 hours drive.
Where to stay at Ziwa rhino sanctuary.
There are limited accommodation facilities where visitors can stay during the safari at Ziwa rhino sanctuary including Amuka safari lodge, Ziwa rhino lodge among others.
Ziwa rhino sanctuary offers interesting activities like rhino tracking, bird watching and nature walk that can be combined with activities in Kibale national park for unforgettable experiences. For more information about Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary, do not hesitate to contact us at Achieve Global Safaris or visit our website for various safari packages.
