Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary Uganda

Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary is a non-governmental project that was formed by Rhino Fund Uganda in 2005 and its main purpose was to repopulate Uganda with the extinct, endangered wild Rhinos in the future. It is located in Nakasongola District near Nakitoma Village in Kafu River Basin off the Kampala-Gulu Highway.

The sanctuary seats on a 7000 hectares of savannah and woodlands which is owned by Captain Joe Roy a Ugandan citizen, surrounded by a 2 meters (6.6ft) electric fence to keep the rhinos in and intruders out.

Ziwa is home to at least 40 mammals and reptilian species including monkeys, antelopes, hippopotamuses, crocodiles and numerous bird species like the red-crested turaco, shoebill and white-tailed tropicbird.

In 1982, both the black and white Rhinoceros were declared extinct in Uganda and in 2005/6, the first six southern white rhinos were translocated with four from Solio Ranch in Kenya and two from the Disney Animal Kingdom in Orlando Florida (USA).

The sanctuary offers various activities which include;

On-Foot Rhino Trekking

During this activity, the trained rangers guide the tourists through the bush to where the Rhinos are freely moving around their natural habitat, one can drive to where the rhinos are before taking a bush trek and is advised to listen to the instructions and guidelines given to him by the guide.

The recommended time needed at the location of the rhinos is 11/2 to 21/2 hours and one needs closed shoes, long pants, water, and insect repellent for a successful trek.

Shoebill Trek and Canoe Ride

At Lugogo swamp, one can get a chance to view the prehistoric-looking birds. One needs an early morning shoebill trek and canoe ride to also get the opportunity to see the beautiful Ugandan sunrise over the swamp.

The recommended time for this activity is 06H00 to 10H00 and approximately 4 hours are needed to spend at the place. One needs the following to successfully carry out this activity; closed shoes, water, long pants, and insect repellent.

Night walk at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary

This will expose you to the nocturnal animals that are not usually seen during the day and the various sounds of the night. The recommended time is 20H30 to 23H00 and the needed time to carry out this activity is approximately 21/2 hours. For a better experience, you may need to wear closed shoes, long pants, insect repellent, water, and a flashlight.

Bird Watching

The sanctuary has four bird trails in which covers woodlands, swamp, and savannah that can lead you to view some of the 300 bird species found there. It is an ideal place for birders as it offers a variety of bird species. The best times for this activity are 07H00-09H00, 16H00 to 18H00 and the needed time is 2 hours.

Guided Nature Walk

The sanctuary is home to a wide variety of animals, birds, and reptiles gave that is also home to the endangered rhinos, it offers memorable guided walks with the help of their trained guides who share knowledge of not only the animals but also the vegetation.

The recommended time to visit is anytime between 07H30 and 16H30 and one needs to spend 2 hours doing this activity. The items one should carry include; closed shoes, water, long pants, and insect repellents

The accommodation found at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary is; Amuka lodge and mid-range lodge which is child-friendly with a swimming pool.

One can get there through driving from Kampala to Masindi via the Kampala-Gulu highway which lasts approximately 3h and 15 mins (176.0km) and the best time to visit is during the dry season in December-February and June to July. For a great experience, one should include Ziwa rhino Sanctuary on his itinerary.