Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary

Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary is a private Wildlife Ranch situated in northwestern Uganda established in 2005 mainly to reintroduce Southern White Rhinos in the wild.

Ziwa Rhino sanctuary is among those few  unique places where you can  interact with the rhinos eye to eye  one of the most majestic and endangered creatures in the world.

Adding to that ziwa is among the places that will offer you an eccentric wild life encounter though it is mainly famous for rhinoceros it also harbors other iconic animals such as leopards,Ugandan kob,oribi and many others.

The amazing Ziwa rhino sanctuary is located in the Northeastern Uganda in Nakasongola District.

Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary is a habitat for sustaining white rhinos, one of Africas most endangered species.

The rhino reserve is significant to  the world since it protects  one of the magnificent endangered animals in the world.

Different  tourism activities can be carried out from Ziwa such as tourists trekking rhinos,  nature hikes , night walks, shoe bill tracking plus birding.

Security.

Ziwa rhino sanctuary is an ultimate secure place for rhinos covering around 70 square km. It is a home  to over  40 mammals and man reptilian species. The place is managed by Uganda wildlife authority.

The security of the place is too tight that is  say over a team of approximately 78 park rangers and security guards keep watch of the rhinos. The place is also surrounded  with a 2 metre electric fence to prevent hindrances like poaching.

History about Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary

It is recorded that the number of of rhinos was to scarce due to many cases of prolonged droughts and also poaching during the years of 1982.

It was launched in 2005 to  re introduce  the southern white rhinoceros to Uganda with a main target of building a viable rhino population and also relocating these endangered species back to their natural habitats  in Murchison falls park.

In January 2010  6 rhinos were reintroduced, 4 were from Solio ranch in Kenya and 2 donated from Disney animal kingdom in Orlando. Fortunately ever since the number of these rhinos is just increasing day by day.

Today the place has over 20 rhinos and the sanctuary hopes to increase its number to brim.

Tourism Activities

Rhino Tracking

Rhino tracking is the main activity that takes place in Ziwa and is carried out in the morning and evening. In the morning it is between 8 am and 10 am while evening it is 4 pm and 6 pm . While tracking  rhinos you will go with an experienced ranger guide who will give you all the necessary information about the Rhinos.

The heart-pounding experience of tracking rhinos on foot is something that will arouse your nerves and love for nature. Wandering through the Savannahs, acacia woodlands and then silently approaching a you very large rhino, and observing it keenly is an incredible feeling that one gets.

When you find them, the ranger will position you at a safe distance of six to seven meters away for easy taking of photos.

Rhino tracking is among those exceptional activities that give rewarding and ever lasting memories.

Rhino Tracking Costs

Before carrying out rhino tracking you must have obtained a permit. The rhino tracking permits are as follows. Rhino Tracking permit costs $50 per adult and $30 per child for foreigners, $45 per adult and $20 per child for foreign residents, and UGX 40,000 per adult and UGX 10,000 per child for East African Citizens. The permit includes park entrance fees and an English-speaking guide.

Nature Walks

Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary is among those incredible places that give a wonderful trip to the nature lovers.

You can completely appreciate nature through a nature walk. Ziwa rhino sanctuary is completely composed of spectacular arrays of natural habitats for example woodland, swamps,  Savannahs and forests. where you can immerse yourself in the wonders of the wilderness.

The sanctuary is home to over 40 mammal and reptilian species, including antelopes, monkeys, hippopotamuses, crocodiles, and numerous bird species.

Further more Ziwa Rhino sanctuary also offers nature walks in the night. They normally start at 8pm.

The sanctuary also offers night nature walks between 8:30pm and end at 11 pm. A night nature walk is another activity that will give you another experience since you will be able to see nocturnal animals. Some of the nocturnal animals to see include leopards and many others.

The cost of a nature walk at Ziwa rhino sanctuary.

Day and Night Nature walks in Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary cost $20 per adult and $10 per child for foreigners while East African citizens pay UGX 20,000 per adult and UGX 10,000 per child.

Shoe bill  canoe ride.

The shoe bills are one of the rare birds in Uganda  but Ziwa Rhino sanctuary is one of those places that give you a chance to see them.

The canoe ride is always carried out from a 10 km Lugogo wetland.This bird mainly feeds on crocodiles, big fish like tilapia and Nile monitor lizards.

A reminder is that Ziwa is one of the few places in Uganda that almost guarantes one to also view endangered birds. A morning canoe ride is recommended because many per-historic birds can be seen.

Bird watching.

For bird lovers and enthusiasts Ziwa Rhino sanctuary is a perfect must-visit destination while on a trip in Uganda.

This is because the sanctuary boasts a remarkable diversity of over 300 bird species, including rare and migratory ones.  The sanctuary has over 3 briding trails found in the savannas,woodlands and in the swamps.

From the rare and elusive shoe bill stork to the majestic African fish eagle, there’s no shortage of fascinating avian life to discover here.

Other bird species that can be seen include the African Grey parrot,  African blue fly catcher,African pied wagtail, black-headed gonolek,  Brown parrot, Broad billed roller,Brown-throated wattle-eye, common bulbul, crested crane, giant kingfisher, green pigeons, and woodland kingfisher.

Best time to visit Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary.

The best time to visit Ziwa Rhino Reserve is during the dry season, which runs from December to February and from late June to October.

This is because the rhinos and other animals are drawn to watering holes, making them easier to find.

Further more, their a few chances of rain drizzling hence making the dry season is ideal for wildlife viewing.

How ever various tourists can still visit in the wet season. The wet season ranges from September to November,March to May and you can still enjoy different experiences.Adding to that the wet season is a very perfect time for bird lovers.

Packing list for Rhino Tracking.

Rhino tracking like any other activity it requires one to have certain requirements to carry. Some of the requirements to carry include.

Water proof rain jacket.

This is among those essential tools to carry since it protects one from rain.

Good Hiking shoes.

Make sure you carry comfortable hiking shoes to prevent cases of mud when it rains.

Insect repellents.

This is also another important instrument to carry in order to protect yourself from insect bites.

A pair of binoculars and a camera.

You will use the camera to take photos while binoculars for easy identifying of far away creatures.

Hat and sun glasses.

The following will be used to protect you from direct sunshine.

NB.

The following are some of the requirements to pack while on your rhino trekking safari though are other items to carry.

How to access Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary?

Ziwa Rhino  Sanctuary is just a 3 hour drive from Kampala.The wonderful scenery is found in Nakasongola district.

Where to stay while at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary?

Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary is among those places with a variety of accommodations. The accommodations are classified in to luxury, mid-range and budget.

Some of these accommodations include Amuka lodge, Ziwa Rhino camp,and many others. The lodges offer delicious meals,customer care and well organized rooms. Your trip is more interesting while at Ziwa since the place has good accommodations.