Introduction to Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary
Uganda’s wild rhinos became extinct in the early 1980s. Poaching, human settlement, and years of conflict caused their numbers to fall until they disappeared from the wild.
In 2005, rhinos were brought back to Uganda. Six southern white rhinos were introduced to Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary, a 70-square-kilometre private, non-profit wildlife sanctuary. The main goal was to protect rhinos and increase their numbers. The long-term plan is to return rhinos to Murchison Falls National Park.
Today, Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary is home to 41 southern white rhinos. This includes nine young rhinos. Their birth was an important milestone because rhinos had not been born in Uganda for almost 30 years.
Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary is located between Kampala and Murchison Falls National Park. It is a great place to stop and see rhinos during a Uganda safari. You can also spend a night at the sanctuary before continuing to Murchison Falls National Park.
A visit to Ziwa is especially useful for travelers who want to see Uganda’s Big Five. The sanctuary is also a convenient stop on the way to Murchison Falls.
What to Expect at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary Uganda
At Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary, you can see rhinos up close on a guided rhino trek. An experienced ranger will lead you on foot. The ranger will help you stay safe while you watch the rhinos from a safe distance of about 6 to 7 metres.
Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary is also home to many other animals. You may see hippos, crocodiles, leopards, oribis, and bushbucks. The sanctuary also has around 300 bird species, making it a great place for bird lovers.
You can explore the sanctuary in different ways. These include a game drive, canoe trip, and guided night walk. Each activity gives you a different way to enjoy the wildlife and nature at Ziwa.
Things to Do At Ziwa Rhino sanctuary Uganda
Rhino Tracking at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary Uganda
At Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary, rhinos roam freely across the grasslands, acacia woodlands, and wet areas. They spend much of their day grazing on plants or resting under the shade of trees.
An experienced ranger will guide you during the rhino trek. The ranger will take you to where the rhinos are and explain their habits and behavior. You will also learn more about how they live in their natural environment.
You will watch the rhinos from a safe distance of about 6 to 7 metres. This gives you a good chance to see them closely and take beautiful photos.
The rhinos can move to different parts of the sanctuary. If they are far away, you may first drive closer to their location. You will then continue the rest of the journey on foot with your ranger.
You can take a rhino trek at different times of the day. However, the best times are usually 8:00 am to 10:00 am and 4:00 pm to 6:00 pm. Wear comfortable closed shoes and long trousers. It is also important to carry enough drinking water for the trek.
Shoebill Stork and Canoe Ride at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary Uganda
The shoebill stork is one of Uganda’s most unusual birds. It has a large bill that looks like a Dutch wooden clog. This gives the bird a unique and interesting appearance.
The shoebill may look calm, but it is a skilled hunter. It feeds on fish, Nile monitor lizards, and even young crocodiles.
You can take an early morning canoe ride on the nearby Lugogo Swamp. This is a good time to look for the shoebill in its natural habitat. You can also enjoy the peaceful swamp and watch the sunrise over the water.
Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary is one of the best places in Uganda to look for the endangered shoebill stork. A canoe trip gives you a good chance to see this rare and fascinating bird.
Bird Watching at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary Uganda
Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary offers more than rhino trekking. You can also enjoy bird watching and nature walks around the sanctuary.
Bird lovers can choose from four birding trails. The trails pass through different habitats, including savannah, woodlands, and swamps. Each area is home to different bird species.
The best time for bird watching is early in the morning between 6:00 am and 8:00 am. You can also go in the late afternoon between 4:00 pm and 6:00 pm. These are good times to see many birds as they become active.