Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary is so far the only place in Uganda to see the Rhinos in the wild during your tours in Uganda, thus any tourist with the dream of seeing the Big five animals will be able to achieve the dream by visiting this site while the other four animals-Lions, Leopards, Elephants and Buffaloes are found in Queen Elizabeth, Murchison Falls and Kidepo Valley National Parks.
This Rhino Sanctuary is situated in Nakasongola District, about 180 kilometres north of Kampala City along the Kampala-Gulu Highway, near Nakitoma Village, and offers seclusion and serenity in stunning surroundings, but tourists can enjoy several activities. The site is about 3 hours’ drive away (about half way the journey to Murchison Falls National Park) and is known for several activities, including;
On-foot Rhino Tracking
Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary is home to more than 20 southern white rhinos. It is the only place in Uganda where visitors can track rhinos on foot with experienced ranger guides. During the walk, you can watch rhinos feed, mate, and groom themselves in their natural environment.
Rhino tracking takes about one to two hours, depending on where the rhinos are found. Visitors can get as close as 6–7 metres to observe them safely, take photos, and learn about their behaviour and habitat. You may also see other wildlife, including hippos and antelopes.
On-foot Rhino Tracking
Visiting Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary is a great addition to your trip to Murchison Falls National Park because it lies along the route to the park. It gives you a chance to see rhinos in the wild and brings you closer to your dream of spotting all the Big Five animals in Uganda: lions, leopards, elephants, buffaloes, and rhinos.
Day and Night Guided Nature Walks
The best way to enjoy your visit to the Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary is to take a nature walk. During the walk, you may see wild animals such as ground squirrels, waterbucks, hippos, warthogs, vervet monkeys, duikers, reedbucks, bushbucks, colobus monkeys, mongooses, and hartebeests. You may also spot reptiles such as monitor lizards, as well as different types of trees and butterflies.
A nature walk usually takes at least three hours, depending on your walking speed and the attractions you want to see. Trained ranger guides will accompany you, know the sanctuary well, and help you spot interesting wildlife and other attractions along the way.
Bird watching and shoebill canoe tours
Bird watching
While Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary is famous for its rhinos, it is also home to more than 350 bird species. You can see them on a canoe trip or while walking along the maintained trails. Some of the amazing birds you might spot include: The rare and mysterious shoebill stork, Blue-spotted doves, Speckled-breasted woodpeckers, African black crakes, Giant kingfishers, White-crested turacos, and many more!
Camping in Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary
Several peaceful campsites are near the Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary headquarters. These campsites have electricity, backup solar power, clean toilets, and running water. Camping is a great way to enjoy nature, surrounded by trees, wildlife, and singing birds that may wake you up in the morning.
Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary is a great destination for families, solo travellers, and nature lovers. Visitors can enjoy several activities, including on-foot rhino tracking, camping, bird watching, and guided nature walks. These activities make your visit to Uganda memorable.