Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary Safari – White rhino tracking
Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary Safari – White rhino tracking Safaris & Tours, Location, Best time to visit, attraction, Safari accommodations and more
Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary Safari – White rhino tracking
Towards Murchison Falls National Park off the Kampala Gulu high way is the Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary located in Nakasongola district in the Kafu River basin. This Rhino sanctuary is approximately 176 kilometers an estimated 3hours drive northeast of Kampala
This 27 square miles private reserve is the only place you can go to track rhinos on foot offering an intimate and up-close encounter with wildlife in East Africa at large
The Sanctuary is a collaborative effort between the Rhino Fund Uganda, Uganda Wildlife Authority and Ziwa Ranchers Limited, a private management company with an initiative to increase the number of white rhinos in this sanctuary.
On top of that, they will be re-introducing rhinos into parks most especially the nearby ones like Murchison Falls National Park.
The large Sanctuary is not only home to the endangered rhinoceros but its vast land area is also a habitat to over 40 other mammal species including antelopes, monkeys, hippos, crocodiles and a vast variety of bird species.
It is also one of the best places in Uganda where you can see the ancient looking Shoebill Stork while traversing the swamp in a Canoe.
Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary
History of Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary.
Owned by the Roy family in the early 1980s, the land that is now Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary was initially a cattle ranch.
Both the black and white rhino species are native to Uganda, however, by 2002, after Uganda’s rhinos had been wiped off due to a number of factors that included prolonged armed human conflicts, mismanagement of the natural habitats and poaching, the family partnered with the Rhino Fund Uganda to transform the land into a secure refuge for rhinos.
They relocated thousands of cattle and created protected habitats to begin the process of rewilding. Thanks to this initiative, Ziwa currently has over 34 rhinos roaming the sanctuary after receiving its first six southern white rhinos in 2005 and that number continues to grow.
With this rapid increase in numbers, future plans to eventually release rhinos into Uganda’s National Parks, especially the nearby Murchison Falls National Park is one to look out for.
Rhino Tracking in Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary
Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary Safari – White rhino tracking Pictorial
Wildlife at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary
Although rhinos are the original inhabitants of the 27 square miles land of the sanctuary, the savannah, woodland, and wetland support a wide variety of wildlife.
During your visit to this beautiful wonderland, on a nature walk, game drive or canoe ride, possible sightings may include the following
Leopard
Waterbuck,
Bushbuck,
Oribi
Uganda kob
Pangolin and aardvark
Warthogs
Duikers
Vervet monkeys
Nile crocodile
Hippos
Activities in Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary.
Rhino Tracking
Being the most sort out activity carried out at the park, the sanctuary gives you a rare opportunity to see the rhinos not from a vehicle but on an up-close and intimate encounter and you get to have unusual photo opportunity in a close range.
You will be escorted by Sanctuary rangers who certainly understand the habits and ways of the white rhinos.
We already established the fact that rhinos are not the only wildlife species found here., you will also encounter a range of other wildlife species including Uganda kobs, bush bucks, oribis, rich bucks, hippos and crocodiles.
White Rhinos at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary
Recommended Safaris to Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary Safari
Bird Watching
The Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary is also home to over 300 bird species. Birds that you might encounter include the much sought-after bird in Africa, the pre-historic looking Shoebill Stork, the white crested turaco, the giant kingfisher, and the speckled breasted Woodpecker and many more.
Birding can be done by boat or you can take guided walks that range from half-day to full-day in length. For birders, Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary is one of those places in Uganda that should be on your must-visit list.
Nature walks
The nature walks will enable you experience the geography, fauna and flora of this beautiful part of Uganda.
You will encounter bushbuck, grey duiker, hartebeest, mongoose, vervet monkeys, black and white colobus monkeys, various reptiles such as monitor lizards, butterflies and rare insects, various species of birds to mention but a few.
Shoebill Treks & Canoe Rides
Head out at dawn for a guided canoe ride into the Lugogo Swamp, one of Uganda’s best shoebill habitats. These prehistoric-looking birds are easiest to spot between 6 and 8 am alongside stunning sunrise views leaving you with lifetime memories.
Shoebill Stork in Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary.
Best Time to Visit Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary
Just like every other safari destination in Uganda like Queen Elizabeth National Park, Bwindi Impenetrable National Park among others, this Rhino Sanctuary is open for visit all year-round, however, for an ultimate wildlife experience, the best time to visit is during the dry season that starts from December to February and between June and October.
This is because dry conditions make it easier to spot wildlife and enjoy treks without muddy trails. Bird lovers are as well encouraged to come during this period, when vegetation is thinner and migratory birds are present.
The green seasons (March–May and October–November) offer lush scenery, fewer tourists, and better photo conditions however, you need to have the right garments to combat the rain to avoid inconveniences.
Top Sightings in Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary Safari
African Fish Eagle
Banded mongoose
Black Rhino
Baboon
How to get to Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary.
This magical place that offers the only up-close encounter with rhinos in the wild –Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary is 176 km (109 miles) northwest of Kampala, along the Gulu Highway. The drive takes about 3 hours by car, and the road is in good condition
For a complete African big 5 encounter, this rhino sanctuary makes an ideal stop on the way to or from Murchison Falls National Park
Where to stay in Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary.
Amuka Safari Lodge
A night at Amuka Lodge located in Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary will give you a great African experience. Among its amenities is a swimming pool for your enjoyment.
The Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary is one of very few places to see the endangered rhinos in Africa. Trekking these animals can be very exciting, there are a lot of other animals in the Sanctuary and a large species of bird.
Amuka Safari Lodge
Ziwa Rhino Ranch Campsite
For budget travelers, Ziwa also offers basic rooms and camping, with extremely friendly prices .Meals and a bar are available at the main lodge.
However, the experience can never be fully expressed in this short article. To encounter the real adventure, you need to visit Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary.
If you would like to book a tour to Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary or send any inquiry, Nata Adventures is just an inquiry away from this once in a life time encounter.
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