Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary is a refinement program for Rhinos in Uganda that proposes to reestablish Rhinos back into Uganda’s wild and if you are organizing a short excursion in Uganda or a long safari vacation in Uganda and would like to grasp the Rhinos you should know that the Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary is the only habitation to perceive rhinos in the wild in Uganda.
Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary is almost 3-hour drive from Kampala, approximately intermediate to Murchison Falls National Park. The Sanctuary is a combined effort between Rhino Fund Uganda a none profit and the Uganda Wildlife Authority, of rebuilding the Rhinoceros populace in Uganda. Join in on Uganda safari as we protect this striking wildlife to save them.
Rhinos were re-introduced into Uganda in 2005 22 September by Rhino Fund Uganda. Southern White rhinos are now being bred again in the 70 km² Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary. A team of approximately 90 park rangers and security guards keep a 24-hour watch on the rhinos here to ensure their protection.
These are unsafe days for the rhinos all over the continent. Uganda was home to thousands of Rhinos until the war years of 1970s along with excessive hunting and poaching, which saw the country’s last wild rhino in Murchison shot in 1983.
After this this activity over affecting the rhinos in Uganda the government fought hard to see that rhinos are brought back in the country and the first six Rhinos at the sanctuary were donated by Kenya (4) and United States (2) these have been reproducing over the years, plus new Rhinos are brought in by the authority
ziwa rhino sanctuary was introduced then later to keep these endangered spices from danger and away from poachers, Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary covers 70 square kilometers of predominantly acacia dominated woodlands, with a mix up of thickets, grasslands and swamps & ponds.
Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary cannot be ignored if you are panning birding safari in Uganda. The sanctuary is very rich with woodland, grassland and some water birds at the swamps & valley dams. Up to 351 species of birds have been recorded so far. Your specification will include among others: Meyer’s Parrot (Brown Parrot), Ruppell’s Long-tailed Starling, Woodland Kingfisher, Fork-tailed Kingfisher, Butler Eagle, Martial Eagle, Gabar Goshawk, Levaillants Cuckoo, Purple-banded Sunbird, Black-headed Gonolek, African Thrush, Double-toothed Barbet, African Grey Hornbill, Common Bulbul, Green-winged Pytilia. The Lugogo Swamp which is the biggest of the swamps at the sanctuary is good for the Shoebill and a good number waders and water birds.
onto the other hand Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary is a habitant to an array of wildlife, including up to 26 mammal species these include; Leopard, Aardvark, Duiker, Oribi, Bushbuck, Waterbuck, Uganda Kob, Pangolin, Colubus & Vervet Monkey, and Mongoose.
The big swamps have Hippos, and Crocodiles. Valley dams have been constructed to supplement the available water sources and to cater for the rapidly increasing game at the sanctuary. They have also become habitats for crocodiles and other water wildlife.
Just as it harbors lots of wild life ziwa rhino sanctuary has got lots of safari activities to carry out in from and all these activities give a great experience in the country and are some you wouldn’t want to miss out on.
Birding at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary: Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary is one of the most famous destinations for birding in Uganda and this safari activity involves driving the dirt truck observing the edges of the woodland, and thereafter hike into the woodlands and bushes, scanning the vegetation for birds.
Sightsee the swamps and valley dams for some water birds, and coincidental to sight the Shoebill. Ziwa rhino sanctuary has knowledgeable bird guides/rangers who can identify over 350 species at the sanctuary. For just 4 – 5 hours, you can accumulate a list of up to 100 species out of the possible total 351 at the sanctuary.
Canoe rides are available at Lugogo Swamp in the sanctuary. Reminder that for a better chance to see the Shoebill the Mabamba wetlands are so the most best birding spot
Game viewing :Drive on the tracks and walk the trails over and done in the bushes for a fortuitous to view lots of wildlife though it is essential to take along an armed ranger from the sanctuary headquarters who knows the best trails for the best wildlife experience. Antelopes such as Bushbucks, Duiker, Oribi, and Uganda Kob are in plenty.
Rhino Tracking: Rhino tracking is the key safari activity at the sanctuary. It comprises trekking through the thickets to find the rhinos, and this safari activity usually lasts between two to three hours.
The trek starts from the sanctuary headquarters escorted by an armed ranger that is assigned by the sanctuary authority the rangers are very knowledgeable guides that will brief you on the safety precautions before trekking and also feed you with valuable information about Rhinos and wildlife of the sanctuary.
The White Rhinos, the only species of rhinos at the sanctuary, by nature are not as violent & aggressive compared to their counterparts the Black Rhinos. Hence there is little chance of a rhino attack as long as you observe the tracking guidelines as shall be laid out by your guide.
And for an adventurous 2023 allow Uganda safari give you the best explosive venture with the rhinos and this one of the best ways to enjoy your safari in Uganda.
