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Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary – Rhino Tracking Uganda
Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary is home to Uganda’s only endangered white rhinos. This is one of the places you will obviously visit on a Big Five safari in Uganda. Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary is the only wildlife reserve in Uganda where visitors can encounter these gentle giants, even on foot.
In this guide, therefore, we have shared every important detail to help you plan a thrilling and unforgettable safari experience in Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary.
Table of Contents
- Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary at a Glance
- Who owns Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary?
- How many rhinos are in Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary?
- Activities in Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary
- Is it safe to track rhinos in Uganda on foot?
- How much is Rhino tracking in Ziwa?
- When is the best time to visit Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary?
- How do I get to Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary?
- Where can I stay in Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary?
- What can I pack for a Safari in Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary?
- Combining Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary with other destinations
- Ready for an adventure?
Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary at a Glance
Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary is located in Nakitoma Village, Nakasongola District, 176 km (102 mi) north of the capital, Kampala, off the Gulu Highway. The drive time is about 3 hours, which is half way through the journey to Murchison Falls National Park.
Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary is a collaborative effort between the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA), the government body responsible for protecting Uganda‘s wildlife resources, and Ziwa Rhino and Wildlife Ranch, a private land management company committed to restoring Uganda’s only rhinoceros’ population.
It was established in 2005 with the aim of reintroducing the Southern White Rhinos to the wild. It also happens to be the only place in the country where one can observe these endangered creatures in the wild.
The sanctuary offers a secure place protected from human and non-human predators where the population of these gentle giants can multiply by breeding before being gradually reintroduced into Uganda’s national parks.
At the same time, the project allows the public to enjoy tracking these gentle giants. Tracking the rhinos on foot is one of the most thrilling wildlife experiences, offering visitors the opportunity to get closer to the rhinos than they ever could in a 4×4 safari vehicle.
It is scary, but entirely possible to get really up-close with these prehistoric-looking heavyweights on foot. It won’t be easy, but under the watchful eye of an expert ranger guide at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary, it can be done!
A team of approximately 78 park rangers and security guards keep watch on the rhinos 24 hours a day, seven days a week, to ensure their safety on the 70 square kilometres (7,000 ha) property. A 2 metre (6.6 ft) electric fence surrounds the sanctuary to keep the rhinos in and intruders out.
Uganda was originally home to both black and white rhinos, with the last one recorded in 1982, until recently, when the southern white rhinos were donated by the European Union, Disney World, and Kenya. These donations began the restoration process to reintroduce them to their natural habitat and help them thrive as they should.
Visiting Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary to track the endangered Southern White Rhinos is a great opportunity for every visitor to support an important conservation program for this highly threatened mammal species in Uganda.
Who owns Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary?
Captain Roy and his family own Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary which was formerly known as Ziwa Ranch. The privately owned cattle farm that introduced exotic animals to Uganda was founded in 1983 and operated for roughly 20 years. In 2002, owner Captain Roy and his family had in-depth conversations with Yvonne Verkakik, the then Executive Director of Rhino Fund.
Following this, the decision was made to convert the farm into a rhino sanctuary and consequently relocate about 7,000 head of cattle.
How many rhinos are in Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary?
The sanctuary started with six rhinos that were donated, and there are currently 33 rhinos so far. In addition to rhinos, the sanctuary is home to at least 40 other mammal and reptile species, such as crocodiles, hippopotamuses, monkeys, reedbucks, waterbacks, Uganda kobs, oribis, pythons, and several bird species.
Activities in Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary
1. Rhino tracking
Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary is the only wildlife reserve in Uganda where one can enjoy tracking rhinos. Rhino tracking starts with a briefing session at the entrance of the sanctuary, where guidelines are issued, among which is the need to walk in a single file or line. The rationale is that walking alone or off course makes one an obvious target for a rhino attack.
Trackers are reminded to follow instructions while tracking to ensure safety and avoid any regrets. Depending on the location of the Rhinos, you may drive to the nearest route to where they are to avoid walking a long distance. After finding them, you can take as many photos as you can and observe these endangered rhinos feeding in their habitat.
2. Birdwatching
Apart from tracking rhinos, the sanctuary is also a bird lover’s hub and home to over 300 bird species, including the sought-after shoebill. Four birding trails have been created at the sanctuary by the resident bird guides. Swamps, woodlands, and Savannah are some of the habitats for birds at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary.
The birds at the sanctuary include the Grey Kestrel, Grey-crowned Crane, Heuglin’s Francolin, Red-headed Malimbe, Marico Sunbird, Red-headed Bluebill, Namaqua Dove, Nubian Woodpecker, Pallid Harrier, Northern Carmine Bee-eater, and Shoebill, among others.
3. Shoebill Canoe ride
The Shoebill Stork is one of the most sought-after birds by many avid birders on a Uganda birding safari. The Lugogo swamp is particularly a hot spot for sighting the shoebill in Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary. Other water birds you can sight include the African Jacana, Pied Kingfisher, Black Crake, Malachite Kingfisher, Giant Kingfisher, African open-billed stork, and more.
The canoe rides are offered by the community, which in turn receives payment for their services. This relationship reinforces the conservation partnership between Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary and the community. When you stay at the sanctuary, you have the opportunity to take a night drive to see nocturnal birds.
4. Nature walks
The sanctuary has guided nature walks through the grand savannah, allowing visitors to enjoy the diversity of nature compressed on the sanctuary’s 70 square kilometres of acreage. You will walk with a ranger guide after a safety briefing and sharing about the botany, animals, birds, and general ecosystem of the sanctuary. You will see animals like waterbucks, bushbucks, kobs and duikers among others.
Is it safe to track rhinos in Uganda on foot?
Yes! It is safe to get close to the 3000 kg of fully grown wild rhino in Uganda on foot! It is extremely unlikely that anything bad will happen to you while enjoying tracking on foot, provided that you follow the ranger guide’s instructions. After all, these are wild rhinos, even though they are living in a fenced area.
These gentle giants have very poor eyesight, so while tracking them, you will always want to avoid them seeing you the entire time. Even if they can still hear you, they won’t be alarmed because most of them have no memories of being threatened by humans.
Keeping a distance of at least 6-7 meters from them and following the ranger’s instructions will guarantee your safety all the time you are around them. Avoid making sudden movements, speaking above a whisper, or using your camera’s flash.
White rhinos are less aggressive than their black rhino cousins. They only charge if they are surprised or threatened, and they usually give up quickly. If that happens, it is recommended to climb the nearest tree or hide behind a bush (they won’t charge through the bush, unlike black rhinos).
How much is Rhino tracking in Ziwa?
Rhino tracking in Ziwa, like any other wildlife safari, is reasonably priced, as shown below per visitor category.
Foreign Non-Residents
- USD 50 per adult
- USD 25 per kid
Foreign Residents
- USD 40 per adult
- USD 20 per kid
East African Citizens
- UGX 30,000 per adult
- UGX 10,000 per kid
When is the best time to visit Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary?
The best time to visit Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary is during the dry seasons from December to February, and then from late June to October. Generally, this is the best time to visit Uganda for wildlife viewing safaris since animals usually congregate around water holes, making them easier to find.
In the dry season, there are fewer chances of rain spoiling your planned activities. However, the wet seasons of September to November and March to May guarantee excellent bird-watching opportunities since the reserve is lush and green.
More important than the time of year, though, is the time of day. Rhinos are more active in the morning and late afternoon hours. So you want to plan your safari around that (seeing them napping isn’t nearly as fun).
It is recommended for those interested in doing the shoebill canoe safari to stay overnight at the sanctuary. The canoe ride is usually done with a departure between 6:30 and 7:30 a.m. This is also a convenient time to go bird-watching in general.
How do I get to Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary?
You will drive northwest of Kampala to Ziwa off Nakitooma (Nakasongola District) on the Gulu highway towards Murchison Falls National Park in 3 hours (176 km/100 mi). Divert from the main road for another 7 kilometers to the reception. You can visit Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary on a 1-Day Ziwa Rhino Tracking Safari trip from Kampala, which requires a very early start.
Alternatively, you can consider visiting Ziwa on a safari to Murchison Falls National Park or Kidepo Valley National Park, which offer more traditional Uganda wildlife game viewing opportunities.
Where can I stay in Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary?
Accommodation facilities at the sanctuary include a safari lodge, guest house, and campgrounds. They are two separate businesses, and both have restaurants that offer meals to tourists.
1. Ziwa Rhino Guest house and camping
Situated at the sanctuary’s headquarters, it offers a wonderful location with beautiful surroundings, and they take pride in creating a tranquil atmosphere for guests to unwind. A range of different accommodations are offered to suit every budget, with guests choosing from large family bandas, smaller bandas with shared facilities, or a well-equipped and secure camp site.
2. Amuka Safari Lodge
This mid-range accommodation option sits in a small woodland in the heart of the sanctuary. Guests are sure to get rewarded with the best safari experience in the African savannah, guaranteed by every aspect the lodge offers, from private, unfenced chalets named after the rhinos in the sanctuary to a fantastic restaurant serving safari cuisine, a swimming pool, and breathtaking vistas.
What can I pack for a Safari in Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary?
- Do not forget your closed or water-proof hiking shoes.
- No flash photography, lest you frighten the Rhinos into being defensive while rhino trekking.
- Rain poncho during the rainy season.
- Sun hat.
- Sunscreen.
- Insect repellent.
Combining Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary with other destinations.
Most visitors to Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary often visit on a day trip from Kampala or combine it with other parks like Murchison Falls National Park on a 3-Day Murchison Falls Wildlife Experience or Kidepo Valley National Park on a 7-Day Kidepo Valley and Murchison Falls safari.
