All You Need To Know About Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary

Ziwa Rhino sanctuary is an amazing proud home to the wild Rhinos in Uganda, it is the only place in the Pearl of Africa where you encounter the remaining endangered Rhinos surviving in the wild. The Rhino sanctuary was established by Rhino fund and the Uganda Wildlife Authority with an aim to save the life of the endangered Rhinos that had run extinct from the national parks of the country due to poaching habits plus the political wars in Murchison falls park.

Location of Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary

The Sanctaury is situated about 176 kilometers in the north regions along the Kampala -Gulu highway in Nakasongola districts. While on a tour to Murchison falls national park, you can branch off from Nakitoma Trading Centre. It is found on an area of 70 square kilometers harboring a lot of interesting wildlife.

Wildlife in Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary

Apparently there are about 32 southern white Rhinos surviving in this place, about 40 mammals, over 300 bird species with about four birding trails and a few reptiles. Besides the white rhinos other wildlife include; hippos, crocodiles, antelopes, monkeys among others. The Sanctuary has about 78 team of trained ranger guides to assist you enjoy a perfect encounter with the Rhino families in this site, they also work 24 hours to ensure the safety of these rare endangered species.

The historical background behind Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary

Originally, this site used to harbor the indigenous black and northern white rhinos, but around the year 1970, there was a human conflict that led to the poaching, hunting and killing of these Rhinos. By 1982, these two rhino species were no more in the country due continued poaching.

In 2005, the Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary was established and the rare southern white Rhinos were reintroduced and these were about 6 individuals that was got from different countries namely; united states, Florida, Kenya in Solio ranch and about two were brought from Disney Animals Kingdom in Orlando. By 2013, the number of rhinos had grown to 13 individuals and in 2014 the number turned to 15 rhinos. The rhino population continued to grow by 2018 to 22 rhino individuals, the ranch was established with a major aim to revive back rhinos in Uganda and the site is strictly protected with a 2 meters long electric fences, just to keep the Rhinos in one place and manage the poachers. Apparently Ziwa Rhino sanctuary is the only place to see Rhinos in their natural environment.

Activities Carried out in Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary Uganda

There is a lot of breath taking activities you can enjoy when you visit Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary and they include;

Rhino Tracking

This is key attraction done in this places, it is conducted with well trained ranger guides who take you through the southern White Rhino’s territories on foot, as you track the Rhinos, grab chance to sight enthralling wildlife species like Bush buck, crocodiles, hippos, crocodiles and many others. Once you locate the Rhino family, feel free to take photos with them as you enjoy watching them in their natural environment. To track Rhino at this site, you are required to pay USD $60 per person per day.

Guided Nature Walks

Nature walk at Ziwa is extremely rewarding, it can be done half day or the whole day and it takes you too hike through the Sanctaury. A guided walk offers you chance to see stunning animals like Gray duikers, Reed bucks,  monitor Lizards, bush bucks, Monkeys, butterflies plus tree species among others.

Bird Watching in Ziwa Rhino

Ziwa Rhino Sanctaury is one of the great birding sites with over 350 colorful bird species including the rare shoebill stork. Other bird species include; African Fish Eagle, Cattle Egrets, African black crake, blue spotted dove, Golden breasted bulbul, African broad bill, African Jacana and many others.

Guided Night natural walks

The night guided walks are done around 7pm to 7:40pm, it gives you chance to sight the nocturnal bird species as well as listen to the night sounds of nature.

What to carry on your travel to Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary

• Sunscreen repellent
• Sun glasses
• Insect repellent
• African Hats
• Hiking boots
• waterproof day pack

What is the best time to Visit Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary

The Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary can be visited anytime of the year but we recommend the dry season as the time to take a trip to this place. This is experienced in the months of December to February and June to September, at this time of the year the site is dry and there is easy penetrations while tracking Rhinos.

Accessibility

Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary is found a few kilometers from Kampala city, you branch off from Nakitoma trading centre, by road you can access the Rhino Sanctuary using Bombo route on the Kampala-Gulu highway while driving through  Nakasongola town and Migera town. From Kampala to Ziwa Rhino sanctuary, it is about 3 hours drive and upon arrival you are given a warm welcome by the team at the Ranch.

Where to stay in Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary

With in Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary, you encounter only one good lodge known as Amuka lodge features about 8 chalets that is equipped with two bedrooms providing comfortable beds plus Quality services.

Ziwa Rhino sanctuary is a great off beaten safari destination where one can start and end a Uganda safari. Incase you are planning to experience Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary this season, we hope that above information will be of help to assist you enjoy a rewarding safari experience at Ziwa. To book a tour to this place, please feel free to get in touch with our reservation team by sending an inquiry on info@mumwesafarisuganda.com or call us on  +256-700135510 / +256 414-699459 to speak to reservation team.