Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary is a Wildlife Ranch located in the Nakasongola district and is a fantastic home of the only wild rhinos in Uganda. These rhinos were re-introduced in Uganda by a project of Rhino Fund Uganda (RFU) and Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA). This is the only place you in Uganda you will see on Rhinos in the wild.
This Sanctuary is located 176km north of Kampala on the Gulu highway close to Murchison Falls, branching off from Nakitoma Trading Centre.
Currently, the sanctuary is home to (22) twenty-two southern white rhinos. Ziwa Rhino sanctuary has become increasingly popular with tourists for Rhino Trekking and other related activities as below.
Other activities to engage in at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary
Rhino trekking
On your arrival to this Sanctuary, you will be allocated a well-trained ranger guide to take you through the bush for the Rhino trekking experience.
In the search, you will get the opportunity to watch these endangered, magnificent creatures in their natural habitat. As they are free to move around on 7000 hectares of land, it is often necessary to drive to the areas where the rhinos are before taking the bush trek. This drive is done in your safari vehicle with your safari guide.
You may also encounter a range of other wildlife species on your adventure at this sanctuary, including Uganda kobs, oribis, bushbucks, waterbucks, among others, and several other bird species.
Shoebill trekking
One of the most sought-after birds to be seen in Uganda is the shoebill stork. This is one of the only places that you are almost always guaranteed to see the storks. These birds' best sightings have been more than ten a trip, in swamps being their best habitat.
An early morning shoebill trek and canoe ride through the swamp not only allows you to find the shoebill but also to see the beautiful Ugandan sunrise over Lugogo Swamp. Waterbirds are plenty, and this activity is a must for anyone who loves nature or is interested in birding. All tourists interested in this activity are always requested to stay a night within because this activity begins early at 06h00 in the morning as you cannot enter the Sanctuary before 07h30. The activity approximately lasts 3-4 hours.
Night walks
This activity offers you an interesting special experience of the sound sensation of nature and wildlife you don’t know about.
Bird watching
The sanctuary contains over 300 bird species! There are four bird trails within the sanctuary which cover woodlands, swamp and savannah. The bird guides are excellent, and this is an activity that a bird lover cannot miss! You will probably get to see some of the other game on the sanctuary while doing your bird walk. Spend a night or two on the sanctuary and enjoy the array of several bird species and other wildlife you may encounter on this trip. It’s a real definition of experience that can’t be missed on your tour itinerary.