Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary is located in Nakasongola District north east of Kampala city Uganda. It is the only place in the country where you can observe white rhinos in their natural habitat. The sanctuary was established in 2005 as part of a collaborative effort between the Rhino Fund Uganda and the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA). Rhinos were reintroduced into Uganda after they were declared extinct in the country in the 1980s due to poaching and civil unrest. Ziwa serves as a breeding and conservation center for the southern white rhinoceros.
The northern white rhino was eradicated from Murchison Falls National Park and Kidepo Valley National Park. The sanctuary began with six southern white rhinos as four rhinos were donated by Disney Animal Kingdom in the USA, and Kenya. The other two were born in captivity from the Solio Ranch in Kenya. In addition to rhinos, the sanctuary has expanded its wildlife diversity with the recent translocations of giraffes and hartebeests from Murchison Falls National Park. This was done to enhance the ecological richness and offer visitors a broader wildlife experience.
Activities done in Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary
Rhino tracking
This is the main activity offered by the sanctuary and visitors get the opportunity to observe southern white rhinos in their natural habitat. Rhino tracking starts with a briefing from the ranger guide about the rules and regulations of tracking. The activity takes 1-3 hours guided walk within the sanctuary. Upon reaching the rhinos you are allowed to stand in the distance of 7 meters close to rhinos. You will have the opportunity to watch rhinos feeding.
Bird watching in Ziwa Rhino sanctuary
Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary is a home to over 300 bird species which can be spotted in swamps, savanna and woodland areas. Bird watching in Ziwa can be done either in the morning or in the evening and takes 2 hours. Birders look for birds like African Jacana, African Fish Eagle, White-crested Turaco, blue spotted dove, African blue flycatcher, African Grey Hornbill, Ross’s turaco, and African Black-headed Oriole.
Shoebill canoe ride in Ziwa rhino sanctuary
This activity is done from Lugogo wetland and it is led by the sanctuary ranger. Shoebill cane ride is mostly done in the morning and offers visitors the opportunity to spot other animals and bird species alongside the shoebill. Some of these may include; goliath heron, great egret, white crested turaco, egyptian goose, palm nut vulture, speckle breasted woodpecker and giant kingfisher. The canoes that are used are offered by the community and they are paid for their service hence playing a role in conservation partnership.
Guided nature walk
The nature walk offers visitors an opportunity to explore the sanctuary on foot or by car. The activity starts with briefing in the savanna plains headed by the sanctuary ranger who shares all the required information. During nature walk some birds and animals can be spotted like; orbis, giraffes, hartebeests, waterbucks, duikers, Uganda kobs, hippos among others.
How to access Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary
Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary is approximately 176 kilometers (109 miles) north of Kampala, on the Kampala-Gulu highway. Most tourists use the sanctuary as a stop en route to Murchison Falls National Park.
Best Time to Visit Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary
The sanctuary is open year-round. Dry seasons from months of December to February and June to August offer the best conditions for tracking and other outdoor activities.
Accommodation in Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary
Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary has a number of accommodation facilities and these range from budget to mid range and luxury. Some of these facilities include; Ziwa Rhino and Wildlife Ranch, Amuka lodge
