Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary, Rhino Tracking in Uganda, Wildlife Safari in Uganda

Ziwa Rhino and Wildlife Ranch popularly known as Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary is Uganda’s only place to have a foot rhino tracking experience. The sanctuary is located in the Nakasongola district and is the only home to wild rhino tracking in Uganda. The rhinos in the ranch are thriving as part of the Rhino re-introduction project by Rhino Fund Uganda and the Uganda Wildlife Authority.

The Ziwa Rhino and wildlife ranch is conveniently located 176km (100 miles) from Kampala, Uganda’s capital on the Gulu highway. Situated just off Nakitoma trading center the farm is situated on the same highway towards Murchison Falls National Park.

Activities in Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary

Rhino tracking in Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary

Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary is currently home to 22 southern white rhinos. This is the only place in Uganda to see rhinos in the wild which is part of the big five games. Rhino tracking in Uganda is such a relaxing and family-friendly activity where individuals enter the home of the southern white rhinos on foot.

Tracking can be done along with children above 6 years of age. The activity is guided by well-trained ranger guides who take individuals through the home of the rhinos. After briefing and entering the rhino habitat, individuals will get the opportunity to watch the endangered, magnificent creatures.

The rhinos move freely through the 7000 hectares of land.  From the reception, it is common to be driven by car to where the rhinos are before starting the bush trek. The rhino habitat also inhabits other wildlife species and it is possible to spot wildlife like the Uganda kobs, oribis, waterbucks, and bushbucks, among others. Several bird species can also be seen at the sanctuary.

The amount of time needed for rhino tracking is about 1 h 30 min and 2 h 30 min depending on where the rhinos are spending their day. This makes it ideal to go rhino tracking in Uganda on just a 1-day tour.

The recommended time for visiting the rhinos is from 08:00h to 10:00h in the morning or from 16:00h to 18:00h in the evening. Requirements for the trek include a permit, closed shoes, long pants, water, and insect repellent.

Shoebill trek and canoe ride

The shoebill stork is one of the sought-after prehistoric bird species. The shoebill stork is unique and found in places with water in most cases.

Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary is one of the places to spot the shoebill. You are almost always guaranteed of seeing the shoebill here. On a lucky day, you could see up to 10 of them.

To search and see the shoebill, the early morning shoebill trek, and canoe ride is best suitable to the sights of the sunrise.

Tourists must spend the night in the park since the activity starts early before the entrance to the park is opened.

Bird watching in Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary

Over 300 bird species can be seen in the sanctuary. Four bird sighting trails within the sanctuary cover the woodlands, swamp, and savannah.

Bird guides in the sanctuary are and can help spot the different bird species. You need about 2 hours to do the activity. Also carry closed shoes, water, long pants, and insect repellent.

Night walk

The guided night walk will introduce you to your night sounds and sensations you did not know existed! This is an experience you cannot exclude from your activities in the sanctuary. There are many nocturnal animals and who knows what you might bump into.

Nature Walk in Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary

Be at one with nature and its sounds and smells! One of the well-trained guides will take you on a walk through our lush bush. Who knows what you will see, the sanctuary is home to a wide variety of animals, birds, and reptiles. The guide will share his knowledge of not only the animals but botany and vegetation as well.

Wildlife Viewing – Best Uganda Wildlife Safaris

Uganda is home to a diversity of wildlife ranging from the “Big five” to the “small five” something that has made wildlife safaris in Uganda a top choice for tourists that tour Uganda. Uganda is home to about 345 mammal species found in the 10 national parks, wildlife reserves, and sanctuaries. These mammal species comprise East African and West African species found in forests and especially savannah plains. The top wildlife viewing parks in Uganda include Murchison Falls National Park, Kidepo Valley National Park, Queen Elizabeth National Park.