All you need to know about Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary

All you need to know about Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary

All you need to know about Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary : Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary is a very beautiful home to the amazing Rhinos in the Pearl of Africa, it is the only safari destination where you find some of the remaining endangered Rhinos living in the wild. The sanctuary was established by the Uganda Wildlife Authority and the Rhino fund with a purpose of saving lives of these fabulous Rhinos that were almost getting extinct due to poaching as well as political wars that were in Murchison Falls National Park.

Location of Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary

Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary is located in Nakasongola district along Kampala-Gulu highway about 176 kilometers in the north. It occupies an area of 70 km hosting many impressive wildlife. On your trip to Murchison Falls National Park, you can branch off from Nakittoma Trading Centre and enjoy a tour to the Sanctuary.

Wildlife in Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary

There are over 32 southern Rhinos living in this sanctuary, about 300 bird species, over 40 mammals and some reptiles. Apart from the white Rhinos, other animals include; antelopes, hippos, monkeys, crocodiles and many more. The sanctuary is equipped with about 78 trained ranger guides to help you enjoy different beautiful Rhino families in this sanctuary. The sanctuary has a well-trained team which works day and night to ensure that the Rhinos and other animals living here are safe and sound thus allowing sustainable tourism efforts.

Historical background of Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary

Originally, this site was home to both northern white and black rhinos however, around 1970, a human conflict broke out which led to hunting, poaching and killing of these Rhinos. The two beautiful Rhino species were no more in the country by 1982 because of poaching.

Later on, in 2005 this amazing Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary was put in place therefore the rare southern white Rhinos were reintroduced, they were over 6 individuals got from several countries such as; Kenya in Solio ranch, united states in Florida, in Orlando, about two were brought from the Disney Animals Kingdom. Interestingly, by 2003 the number of Rhinos had increased to 13 individuals as it grew more to 15 Rhinos in 2014. As the time went by, the number of Rhinos continued rising to 22 individuals in 2018, the major purpose of establishing this ranch was to bring back rhinos in Uganda. The site is protected with a 2 meters electric fence to keep the wildlife in one place and solve the problem of poachers.  In the country, Ziwa Rhino sanctuary is the only place to see rhinos in their natural surroundings.

Activities done in Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary

There are various interesting activities you can enjoy while in this amazing sanctuary and they include;

Guided nature walks

Nature walks in Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary is an abundantly rewarding activity which offers you an opportunity to view fabulous animals like monitor lizards, monkeys, reed bucks, gray duikers, bush bucks plus the breath-taking tree species. The activity can take the whole day or even half a day to hike through the whole ranch.

Rhino tracking 

This is the main attraction carried out in the sanctuary, it is conducted with well trained ranger guides who help you go through the white Rhino’s territories on foot. As the tracking goes on, get a chance to view impressive wildlife species namely; crocodiles, hippos, bush bucks among others. The moment you come across a rhino family, feel free to take pictures as you watch them enjoy their natural environment.

Bird watching

The sanctuary is among the best places to watch colorful birds like the rare shoebill stork. The rest of the bird species include; cattle Egrets, blue spotted dove, African broad bill, African Jacana, African Fish Eagle and many more.

Night guided nature walks

It is usually carried out at around 7pm to 7:30 pm, it exposes you to spot nocturnal bird species as well as animals. Here you enjoy night sounds of nature.

What you should carry on your trip to Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary

• African hats
• Sunglasses
• Sunscreen repellent
• Water proof day pack
• Hiking boots
• Insect repellent

The best time to visit Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary

This ranch can be visited at any time throughout the year however it is better in the dry season which is experienced in the months of December to February and June to September. Its always good in the dry season because the routes are dry which makes it easy and comfortable to navigate through the sanctuary without any inconveniences of slippery and muddy ground.

Accessibility/ how to get to Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary

Ziwa rhino Sanctuary can be accessed by using Bombo route via Kampala-Gulu highway driving through Nakasongola town and Migera town. It is located a few kilometers from the capital, you branch off from Nakittoma trading Centre and it is a 3 hours’ drive.

Where to stay in Ziwa rhino Sanctuary

There’s only one superb lodge found within the sanctuary known as Amuka lodge endowed with two bedrooms, about 8 chalets followed by marvelous love and care expressed by the service providers in this place.

Without any doubt, Ziwa Rhino sanctuary is an incredible safari destination where you can decide to begin and end your Uganda safari. Are you searching for a Rhino experience this season or any other time? With no doubts the above information can be of great use to assist you have a great time of the only remaining Rhinos in wild that tourist destination in Uganda. For more information, don’t hesitate to contact our reservation team, simply send us an email info@gorillaugandasafaribookings.com or call us directly on +256-775630809 or +256-701343598 to speak directly to our reservations team.