Super User 05 September 2023

Best Travel Guide To Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary Wildlife in Uganda

Ziwa Rhino and Wildlife Ranch is the proud home of the only white rhinos in Uganda. Not only can you find rhinos, but Ziwa is also home to almost 40 other mammal species, including crocodiles, hippos, leopards, oribis, bushbuck, and approximately 300 species of bird, which can be observed with a game drive, canoe trip, or night walk.

Located halfway between Kampala and Murchison Falls National Park, Ziwa is a worthwhile overnight stay if you wish to see all the Big Five but also works as a stop-off en route to Murchison.

Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary Overview:

Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary is a private, animal sanctuary in Uganda. Established in 2005 to re-introduce Southern White Rhinos in the wild, the sanctuary is the only place in the country, where one can observe these endangered creatures in the wild.

Joseph C. Roy, the owner of Ziwa Rhino and Wildlife Ranches (ZRWR) offered his 16,000 acres of land in 2002 to act as a sanctuary for the rhinos for 30 years. ZRWR then signed a memorandum of understanding and license agreement with Rhino Fund Uganda (RFU).

The sanctuary is a collaborative effort between Ziwa Rhino and Wildlife Ranch, who own the land on which the sanctuary sits, and the Uganda Wildlife Authority, the government agency responsible for protecting Uganda's wildlife resources. As of June 2021, the ranch was home to 33 rhinos.

A team of approximately 78 park rangers and security guards keep watch on the rhinos 24 hours daily, seven days a week, to ensure their safety. The 70 square kilometers (7,000 ha) sanctuary is surrounded by a 2-meter (6.6 ft.) electric fence to keep the rhinos in and the intruders out.

The sanctuary offers a secure place where rhino populations can be expanded by breeding, protected from human and non-human predators, and gradually re-introduced into Uganda's National Parks, while at the same time, allowing the public to enjoy these majestic animals, as the project moves forward.

Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary Location:

The sanctuary is located approximately 164 kilometers (102 mi), by road, north of Kampala, Uganda's Capital and largest city. This location is near Mukerenge Village, Nakasongola District, in the Kafu River Basin, off of the Kampala–Gulu Highway.

Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary History:

Both the Black Rhinoceros and the Northern white rhinoceros are indigenous to Uganda, however, due to several factors, including prolonged armed human conflict, poaching, and the mismanagement of their natural habitat, by 1982, both species had been wiped out in the country. Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary was established in 2005 to reintroduce the southern white rhinoceros to Uganda.

The long-term goal of the sanctuary is to "build a sustainable rhinoceros population and relocate rhinos back to their original habitat in Uganda's protected areas". Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary is the only location in Uganda, where rhinos can be observed in their natural habitat.

Starting with a total of six animals, four that were bought from Solio Ranch in Kenya and two donated from Disney's Animal Kingdom in Orlando, Florida, in the United States, the rhino population had grown to thirteen as of June 2013. Following the birth of another calf in April 2014, the total rhino population at Ziwa Ranch rose to 15. As of March 2018, the rhino numbers at the sanctuary had increased to twenty-two animals, and 33 in December 2021

Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary Tourist Activities:

Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary Tracking:

Free to roam across the savannah, acacia woodlands, and cool muddy swamps, Uganda's only rhinos spend their day grazing on the thick shrubbery or resting under the shade of tall trees. An experienced and knowledgeable ranger will guide you to them, and educate you on their habits and behaviors in their natural habitat.

You will be positioned a safe six to seven meters away, and there will be plenty of photo opportunities. Depending on their location in the Park, you may need to drive to where they are and then trek the remaining distance on foot.

Although you can choose to do a rhino trek at any time of the day, the best time to go is between 8:00 am and 10:00 am and between 4:00 pm and 6:00 pm.

Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary Shoebill and canoe ride:

Head out on an early morning canoe ride in the adjacent swamp, to see this prehistoric-looking bird and enjoy a beautiful sunrise over the Lugogo Swamp.

Ziwa is one of the few places in Uganda where you are almost guaranteed to see this endangered bird.

Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary Bird watching:

Alongside rhino trekking, Ziwa Rhino Reserve also offers several other walks. For those keen on bird watching, there are four different trails to choose from which take you across the savannah, woodlands, or swamps, each a habitat to the various species of bird that live here. The best time to go birding is in the early morning between 6:00 am and 8:00 am or the early evening between 4:00 pm and 6:00 pm

Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary Nocturnal Walks:

Ziwa is home to many nocturnal animals and the best way to catch a glimpse of them is with a night walk between 8:00 pm and 11:00 pm. During these nature walks, a ranger, who will ensure your safety and are also knowledgeable about the flora and fauna present in the sanctuary, will accompany you.

Nature walks often take between 1-3 hours and can be quite physically demanding.

Where to stay In Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary:

Situated near the Headquarters of the Reserve, Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary offers a wonderful location with beautiful surroundings. They pride themselves on creating a tranquil atmosphere for their guests to unwind. They have a range of different accommodations to suit every budget, guests can choose from large family bandas, smaller bandas with shared facilities or staying in a tent. The on-site restaurant serves a great selection of food, both international and local dishes, and has a fully stocked bar.

Amuka Safari Lodge:

Nestled in a small woodland in the heart of the reserve, Amuka Safari Lodge offers its guests a luxury experience.

From secluded unfenced chalets, named after the rhinos in the park, to a fantastic restaurant serving safari cuisine, a swimming pool, and exquisite views, staying here will guarantee the serenity feeling that only the African Savannah can provide.

Best Time to visit Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary:

The best time to visit is during the dry season, which takes place from December to February, and then late June to October. This is the best time for general wildlife viewing, as the animals will be drawn to watering holes, making them easier to find.

In the dry season, there is a smaller chance for rain to spoil your planned activities, and with most of the activities at Ziwa Rhino Reserve being outside, this is an important consideration. However, in the wetter months from September to November and March to May, the Reserve is beautifully green and is a great time for bird watching. The Shoebill is one of the most sought-after species for birders.

How To Get To Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary:

Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary is a 3-hour drive (176 km/100 mi) from Kampala to Ziwa Rhino Reserve. It is conveniently located in Nakitoma on the Gulu highway towards Murchison Falls, and makes the perfect stopover, either to or from the National Park.

Book with Ultimate Wild Safaris for a wildlife tour of Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary in Uganda.

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