Ziwa rhino sanctuary was established in 2005 to further the longevity of the conservation of the white rhinos in Uganda after the last rhino was killed in Murchison falls national park by the poachers in 1983. Ziwa rhino sanctuary is a private and non- profit conservation project for the endangered animals in Uganda. It proudly harbours a unique animal species called the white rhinos and it is the only place you can find the rhinos in Uganda after getting depleted from Murchison falls national park and kidepo national park during the massive war in the 1970s together with the rampant poaching in the 90s.
The establishment ziwa rhino sanctuary saw its fortune after the extinction of all the white rhinos from all over Uganda following the wars in the 1970s in northern Uganda which resulted into extensive killings of the wild animals in the national parks of kidepo and Murchison falls national park. The poachers and the hunting of the rhinos for ivory heightened the rate of depletion of the animal from Uganda.
The establishment of ziwa rhino sanctuary in 2005, paved way for the reintroduction of the white rhinos into Uganda. Ziwa rhino sanctuary was a project initiated by the rhino fund Uganda who also introduced the rhinos back in Uganda.
The Ziwa Rhino sanctuary was launched starting with 6 Rhinos enclosed in land measuring 70 sq Km and protected by 2m high electric fences. The sanctuary is located in Nakasongola District along the Kampala – Gulu Highway just before reaching Murchison Falls National Park. It currently has a total of 22 white Rhinos thanks to efforts of highly trained and committed researchers, rangers and donors.
It is one of the 20 best places to visit on a Uganda safari. The Sanctuary is the only place in Uganda where visitors can track the endangered White Rhinos by foot and at a close range. Because of the sanctuary, Uganda is one of the few countries in the world where the Big 5 (lions, leopards, rhinoceros elephants, and buffaloes) can be spotted.
The best time for tourists to go for Rhino Trekking in Rhino Sanctuary is in the morning from 8-10 am and in the evening from 4-6pm. However, this activity is available at any time that tourists prefer to trek rhinos in the Sanctuary. Rhino trekking is also best to be during the two dry seasons; from June to August and then December to February though visitors can still go Rhino trekking at any time of the month they choose to travel.
The Ziwa Rhino offers comfortable, decent, and affordable accommodation facilities to their visitors, which range from; Budget, Mid-Range, and Luxury. These lodge facilities include; Amuka Lodge, which was, built in the pristine savannah Woodlands, which are located in the heart of the Sanctuary, Ziwa Rhino lodge, Nkuruba Nature reserve, Zebi Eco lodge. Visitors are able to rest well depending on their choice on what lodge they like most and feel comfortable with. For example, guests who opt for Luxury lodge facilities are offered free WIFI, executive dining areas, swimming pool among others. The Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary also has good Banda’s and camping sites where visitors who opt for mid-range and budget lodging facilities can also enjoy.
Tourists can easily access the Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary through a two and a half drive from Murchison Falls that is located 125 kilometers away from the sanctuary.
Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary is located 176 kilometers from Kampala city via the Gulu- Kampala Highway. Tourists heading to the Sanctuary will branch off from Nakitoma trading center, which is about 7.3 kilometers away from the Sanctuary. Therefore, travelers will need to continue and take a 14-minute drive from the Nakitoma trading center.
Furthermore, Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary is known to be the only Haven in the country where it is possible for visitors to trek Rhinos.
Rhino tracking is the main activity at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary, offering visitors the unique opportunity to see the endangered rhinos up close. During the rhino tracking experience, you can approach the rhinos on foot, maintaining a safe distance of about 6 meters. This activity allows you to observe the rhinos as they feed and interact in their natural habitat, providing excellent photo opportunities and insights into their behavior. Adding rhino tracking at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary to a Murchison Falls National Park safari completes the “Big Five” game safari experience in Uganda. The cost for rhino tracking is $45 for international visitors.
Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary is a haven for bird enthusiasts, home to over 350 bird species. Bird watching can be enjoyed as a half or full-day activity and can be conducted through guided nature walks or boat rides. During birding, you can spot a variety of interesting species, including the blue-spotted dove, the shoebill stork (one of Uganda’s most sought-after birds), Abdim’s stork, and the African black crake. The sanctuary’s diverse habitats, including swamps, woodlands, and savanna plains, provide excellent bird-watching opportunities.
Nature walks in Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary offer a chance to explore the beautiful scenery of green tropical vegetation and diverse wildlife. While the rhinos are the main attraction, the sanctuary also hosts a variety of butterflies, reptiles, primates, and other mammals. Visitors can encounter bush duikers, waterbucks, ground squirrels, oribis, hartebeests, mongooses, grey duikers, reedbucks, and bushbucks. The sanctuary is also home to common vervet monkeys and black-and-white colobus monkeys. During your walk, keep an eye out for large lizards, pythons, insects, and numerous butterfly species.
Night walks at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary provide a unique opportunity to explore the African wilderness under the moonlight. Guided night walks allow you to discover the sanctuary’s nocturnal residents, including bats and nocturnal birds. With knowledgeable guides leading the way, you can experience the sanctuary’s nighttime sounds and sights, adding a thrilling dimension to your visit.
Like any organized and reputable establishment, the Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary has got set rules that need to be strictly adhered to by visitors. There is a fine of $100 for those who deliberately refuse to abide by the rules. The Guides have full authority to end any activity abruptly if they feel that certain rules are not being followed: Visitors should follow these rules while at the sanctuary:
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