Rhino Tracking in Uganda
Rhino Tracking in Uganda is a very unique activity that is only conducted at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary in Nakasongola district. The Rhino sanctuary at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary is the perfect destination to have a stopover on your way to or from Murchison falls national park. This is the only place in Uganda where visitors have a chance to see rhinos in their natural habitat.
About Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary in Uganda.
Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary in Uganda is managed by Ziwa Ranchers which is a private, non-profit organization partnering with Rhino Fund Uganda and Uganda Wildlife Authority. The rhino sanctuary was first established in 2005, with the aim of rein traducing the rhinoceros species back in to Uganda, and increase its population in the country. The sanctuary’s vision is to “build a sustainable rhinoceros population and relocate rhinos back to their original habitat in Uganda’s protected arrears.”
Uganda was once a habitant for the black rhinoceros and the northern white rhinoceros which were indigenous to the country. However, by 1982, the species was declared extinct due to a continuous series of poaching activities, along with prolonged civil wars, and encroachment on their natural habitat. The rhino sanctuary as worked tirelessly since its establishment, to ensure that the rhino species is re-introduced back into Uganda and that the number of rhinoceros in the country increases.
Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary currently has 23 southern white rhinos living in the sanctuary. It sits on a 70 square kilometer piece of land that has been enclosed with a 2 meter electric fence to protect the rhinos within the sanctuary from predators and poachers. There are approximately 78 park rangers and security guards in the sanctuary, and they keep 24 hour surveillance on the Rhinos. The sanctuary is also home to about 40 species of mammals and reptiles including; monkeys, crocodiles, hippos, antelopes and about 300 bird species.
Rhino Tracking in Uganda at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary.
Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary has been offering Rhino tracking to visitors since 2010. There is nothing as exciting as viewing rhinos in their natural habitats. The sanctuary begun its conservation journey, with only 6 rhinos; four of these were translocated from Solio Ranch in Kenya and two were transferred from Disney Animal Kingdom in Florida, USA.
Visitors doing rhino tracking in Uganda at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary can get a chance to see the rhinos up close grazing and relaxing in the savannah grasslands of the sanctuary. Rhino tracking in Uganda can be combined with a game drive or boat cruise in Murchison Falls National Park.
Rhino tracking in Uganda costs 50 USD per person at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary. Visitors at the sanctuary can also take part in other activities in the sanctuary such as; bird watching, Shoebill trekking, canoe riding, and nature walks among others. Visitors can trek rhinos in the sanctuary for 1- 2½ hours depending on the location of the rhinos.
What to pack when doing Rhino Tracking In Uganda at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary.
Visitors will need to wear a good pair of closed shoes (preferably hiking boots), long pants and an insect repellent cream to keep the creepy bugs and flies off you. Also, don’t forget to carry a bottle of mineral water to keep hydrated throughout your trip.
Best Time to do Rhino Tracking in Uganda at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary.
The best time for visitors to enjoy rhino trekking at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary in Uganda is between 8- 10 am in the morning and 4-6pm in the evening. However, the activity is available all day for tourists who wish to trek rhinos in the sanctuary.
Where to stay when doing Rhino Tracking at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary in Uganda.
The rhino sanctuary offers visitors a quiet and descent accommodation ranging from budget, mid-range and camping options. It also offers visitors luxury accommodation in Amuka Lodge. The lodge was built in the pristine savannah woodlands, in the heart of the sanctuary. The lodge offers its guests luxury services such as free WIFI, a swimming pool, exquisite dining area and cuisines among others. The sanctuary also has bandas and camping grounds for visitors who prefer budget or mid-range lodging options.
How to get to Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary in Uganda.
Ziwa rhino sanctuary in Uganda can be accessed by road from Kampala city. The sanctuary is located 176km from Kampala, along the Gulu-Kampala Highway. Visitors travelling to the sanctuary will have to branch off from Nakitoma trading center, which is about 7.3km away from the sanctuary. Travelers will have to embark on a 14 minute drive from the trading center to get to the rhino sanctuary at Ziwa.
The sanctuary can also be easily accessed from Murchison falls national park after enjoying a game drive or boat cruise in the park. The sanctuary is located 125km from the national park, which is about a 2½ hour drive.
