Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary is the only place in Uganda that can make you achieve your dream of seeing the big Five animals. Why? This is the only place in Uganda where you can spot the Southern White Rhinos in the wild. Tourists can visit Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary for these unique Wildlife species then proceed to Murchison falls National Park, Queen Elizabeth National Park or Kidepo Valley National park to see four of the big five animals (Lions, Elephants, Buffaloes and Leopards) for the total satisfaction.
This Sanctuary is situated in Nakasongola district, 176 kilometers/100 miles North of the Kampala-Gulu Highway as you are heading to Murchison Falls National Park. There are currently 19 Southern White Rhinos that call this Sanctuary home. Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary covers an area of 70 square kilometers/7000 hectares (27 square miles) and was established in 2005 solely to conserve the endangered Rhinos that were facing extinction. This Sanctuary is governed by the Uganda Rhino Fund. Besides the Rhinos that the Sanctuary is known for, there are over 40 species of mammals and 300 bird species that call this Place home. These mammals include Mongoose, Vevert monkeys, Antelopes like Oribis, kobs, waterbucks, bushbucks, Reedbucks and grey duikers, Black and white Colobus monkeys, Hartebeests, Hippos, Leopards, Ground Squirrels, and reptiles like Large monitor lizards and Crocodiles.
Activities within the Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary
Rhino trekking
As earlier mentioned, the Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary is the only place in Uganda where you can track the Rhinos in their natural habitat (the wild) not in the Zoos. This starts with briefing of tourists on the dos and don’ts during tracking which involve walking through the tracks, because walking carelessly might be dangerous when then Rhinos attack unexpectedly. As you trek, the ranger guides will share information about these Rhinos, their behavior and how to respond when they attack or charge. The prices of this activity include $45 per person for adult non-resident, $35 per person for adult East African residents and Shs 30,000 per person for adult Ugandan citizens, $23 per person for non-resident children, $17 per person for East African Resident children and Shs 10,000 for Ugandan Citizen Children.
Shoebill Canoe ride
The shoebill stork is one of the most sought after attractions by tourists in this Sanctuary, and are mainly found within the Lugogo Swamp hence can be sighted through the canoe ride. Not only will you see the shoebill stork, but other bird species like the African King eagle and the Giant kingfisher among others. You can also opt for a night drive to sight the nocturnal birds. The shoebill canoe ride (for 3-4 hours) costs $30 per person for adult non-residents, $25 per person for adult East African Residents and Shs 25,000 for adult Ugandans and $15 for non-resident children, $12 for East African Resident children and Shs 10,000 for Ugandan Children.
Guided nature walks
Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary also offers guided nature walks through the open savanna plain to enjoy of the beautiful biodiversity which includes some plant/tree species, mammal species like elands, kobs, waterbucks, bushbucks and Duikers and bird species. The rates for the nature walks are similar to that of shoebill canoe ride
Bird watching
This remarkable site is a home to over 300 species of birds, which make this place a bird watchers paradise and place to be. Some of the bird species you are likely to see include the elusive Shoebill stork, Malachite Kingfisher, Pied Kingfisher, African fish eagle, the Speckled-breasted woodpecker, Giant kingfisher, the White-crested Turacco, African Jacana, Giant Kingfisher, Goliath Heron, Great egret, African open-billed stork, Egyptian goose and Black crake among others. The rates for bird watching are similar to that of the shoebill canoe ride and the guided nature walks.
Relaxation is another option a tourist can opt for while at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary.
What you Need for your Trip in Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary
When planning for a trip to this magnificent sanctuary, carry waterproof hiking boots or any other closed shoes not flip flops.
Carry a rain jacket/poncho and a sweater if you are travelling during the rainy season, and a hat and sunscreen to protect your head and eyes from the scotching sun if you are travelling during the dry season.
Insect repellant because there are so many mosquitoes within the area and avoid using flash cameras because they scare the Rhinos and may become aggressive and defensive.
Where to stay while at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary
After enjoying your time with the Rhinos, you enjoy your overnight in the Amuka safari Lodge that offers comfortable accommodation, on-site restaurant that serves mouth-watering dishes and has a swimming pool for tourists who wish to just relax. There are also self-contained luxury tents where tourists can relax and spend an overnight.
How to reach Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary
It is situated about 3 hours drive from Kampala, on the way to Murchison Falls National park in Nakasongola district near Nakitoma trading center where you will branch from.
In conclusion, Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary is the only place in Uganda where you can watch the Southern-white Rhinos in the wild, and achieve your dream of seeing the Big five animals while on a safari in Uganda. You will not only see the Rhinos but also other 40 mammal species including Mongoose, Vevert monkeys, Black and white colobus monkeys and Antelopes like the waterbucks and elands among others. Over 300 bird species including the rare shoebill stork and the Giant kingfishers call the Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary home.