Explore the Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary in Uganda : Early in the 1980s, poaching, violence, and human encroachment drove Uganda’s wild rhino population to extinction. Nevertheless, six rhinos were brought back to Uganda in 2005, twenty years later, at Ziwa Rhino Reserve, a 70-square-kilometer private, nonprofit refuge established with the ultimate objective of reintroducing rhinos into Murchison Falls National Park.
There are nine baby rhinos, the first in nearly thirty years, among the 22 southern white rhinos that currently exist. Ziwa, which lies halfway between Kampala and Murchison Falls National Park, is a good place to spend the night if you want to see all five of the Big Five. It’s also a good place to rest if you’re traveling to Murchison.
WHAT TO EXPECT AT ZIWA RHINO SANCTUARY IN UGANDA
With a rhino trek at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary, you can get up close and personal with these magnificent animals. A knowledgeable ranger will lead you on foot to observe them from a safe distance (6-7 meters away). Nearly 40 other mammal species, such as crocodiles, hippos, leopards, oribis, and bushbuck, as well as about 300 different kinds of birds, can be seen in Ziwa through game drives, canoe trips, and night walks.
THINGS TO DO AT ZIWA RHINO SANCTUARY IN UGANDA
Rhino Tracking
The sole rhinos in Uganda are allowed to roam freely over the savannah, acacia forests, and cool, muddy swamps, where they spend the day munching on dense undergrowth or napping beneath towering trees. You will be escorted to them and given information about their routines and behaviors in their natural environment by a knowledgeable and experienced ranger.
There will be numerous photo chances, and you will be positioned at a safe distance of six to seven meters. You might have to drive to where they are in the park, then walk the remaining distance to reach them.
While you can go on a rhino trek at any time of day, 8 a.m. to 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. are the ideal times to go. Make sure you pack a lot of water, wear long pants, and wear comfy closed shoes.
Shoebill, Stork, and Canoe Ride
The foot-long bill of shoebill stalks, resembling a Dutch clog, lends them an adorable yet silly appearance. Contrary to popular belief, this stork is a timid predator that preys on Nile monitor lizards, large fish like tilapia, and juvenile crocodiles.
Take a canoe ride in the nearby swamp early in the morning to witness this bird that resembles a dinosaur and take in the stunning sunrise over the Lugogo Swamp. One of the few locations in Uganda where seeing this endangered bird is nearly a given is Ziwa.
Bird watching
Ziwa Rhino Reserve provides several different hikes in addition to rhino trekking. There are four paths to pick from: savannah, forests, or swamps, each of which serves as a habitat for different species of birds that call this area home. These trails are ideal for birdwatchers. Early in the morning, between 6 and 8 a.m., or early in the evening, between 4 and 6 p.m., are the ideal times to go birdwatching.
Nocturnal Walks
There are a lot of nocturnal animals in Ziwa, and going on a night walk between 8 and 11 p.m. is the best way to see them. A ranger will accompany you on these nature excursions, ensuring your safety and providing you with information about the local flora and wildlife. Nature treks may be very physically taxing and typically last one to three hours. Make sure you have bottled water, long pants, insect repellant, a torch, and comfy walking shoes.
WHERE TO STAY
Ziwa Rhino Reserve
Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary is in a great setting with lovely surroundings, close to the reserve’s headquarters. They take great satisfaction in establishing a calm environment so that their visitors can relax.
There are several lodging options available to fit every budget, including tent camping, smaller bandas with shared amenities, and spacious family bandas. The on-site restaurant features a fully stocked bar and serves a wonderful selection of both local and international foods.
Amuka Safari Lodge
The luxurious Amuka Safari Lodge is tucked away in a little wood in the center of the reserve. From private, unfenced chalets named for the park’s rhinos to an amazing restaurant offering safari fare, a swimming pool, and breathtaking vistas, a stay here is sure to deliver you the sense of tranquility that only the African Savannah can offer.
WHEN TO GO
The dry season, which runs from December to February and then late June to October, is the ideal time to go. The greatest time to see wildlife in general is now, when it will be simpler to discover the animals because they will be lured to watering holes.
Since the majority of activities at Ziwa Rhino Reserve take place outside, it is vital to keep in mind that there is a lower likelihood of rain ruining your planned activities during the dry season. However, the area is exceptionally green and offers excellent birdwatching opportunities throughout the wetter months of March to May and September to November.
HOW TO GET THERE
Ziwa Rhino Reserve is 176 km (100 mi) away and takes three hours to get to from Kampala. It is the ideal place to stop over on the way to or from the national park because of its handy location in Nakitoma on the Gulu Highway heading towards Murchison Falls.
