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The Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary has a fascinating history. Because of Uganda’s diverse fauna in the early twentieth century, the tourism business boomed. One key factor for the tourism growth was the large population of rhinos that roamed freely in Kidepo and Murchison Falls National Parks.
The Colonial government and Uganda’s first government after independence had strict regulations against poaching white rhinos. Everything changed due of insecurity in the late 1970s and early 1980s, which allowed for tremendous poaching, finally wiping out wild White Rhinos in Uganda’s national parks. Ziwa Rhino Tracking However, everything was not lost.
The Rhino Fund Uganda was founded in 2005 and collaborated with the Uganda Wildlife Authority to reintroduce white rhinos. The goal is to reintroduce white rhinos to national parks in the future.
In order to achieve their long-term aim of reintroducing rhinos into the Ugandan wild, it was decided that a sanctuary would be established to serve as a safe breeding area away from poachers.
The Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary opened with six rhinos (2 from Disneyland America and four from neighboring Kenya) surrounded in a 70-square-kilometer plot of land and safeguarded by 2m-high electric fencing.
The sanctuary is located in Nakasongola District on the Kampala-Gulu Highway, right before reaching Murchison Falls National park. It now has 22 white rhinos because to the efforts of highly qualified and dedicated researchers, rangers, and donors.
Why you must visit the Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary
Although most people visit Uganda to view the mountain gorillas in Bwindi/Mgahinga or to go on safari in the other big national parks, the Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary has become a hidden gem for the more daring.
Visiting the Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary has become a must for visitors seeking a complete African Safari in Uganda. Aside from tracking rhinos, the refuge offers a variety of other activities that attract tourists. They include.
Rhino tracking at the Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary
Rhino tracking is the sanctuary’s major activity and serves as an excellent warm-up before heading to Murchison Falls National Park for even more exciting adventures.The program includes a 1- to 2-hour guided walk or drive within the sanctuary.
Once you are near the rhinos via car, the guides will walk you 7 meters closer to the rhinos. You will appreciate seeing these endangered animals feed on fresh flora without being concerned about your presence.
Tracking rhinos costs $45 for international tourists. Birdwatching is another popular pastime for tourists visiting the sanctuary. This excursion can take all day and includes guided walks, driving, and a boat trip along the four birding trails.
As you go through the marshes, woodlands, and savanna plains, you will be able to see 350 different bird species. The majority of them are from the nearby Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary in Uganda’s Murchison Falls National Park, while others are residents.
The Shoebill Stork is a rare yet highly sought-after species. African Black Crake, African Black Headed Oriole, African Citril, African Crowned Eagle, African Darter, African Fish Eagle, African Golden Breasted Bunting, Blue Spotted Dove, Booted Eagle, Broad Billed Roller, Bronze Manikini, Brown Backed Srub Robin, Brown Crowned Tchagra, Brown Parrot, Brown Throated Wattle Eye, Cardinal Woodpecker, Giant Abdim’s Stork, Speckled Breasted Woodpecker, White Crested Turaco, and many others can also be seen.
Nature Walks
Walking through the Sanctuary rewards visitors with stunning views of verdant tropical foliage and bushes. Uganda the rhinos are the main attraction, but the sanctuary also houses a large number of butterflies, reptiles, primates, other mammals.
Other mammals that inhabit the sanctuary include the Bush Duiker, Waterbuck, Ground Squirrels, Oribi, Hartbeest, Mongoose, Grey Duiker, Reedbuck, and Bush Bucks. Small primates found in the refuge include the common Vervet Monkey and the black and white Colobus Monkeys. During your nature stroll, look for huge lizards, pythons, insects, and a variety of butterflies.
Night walks
Your visit at the Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary does not have to finish during the day; it can continue long into the night. A guided night stroll in Africa’s nature will allow you to discover new noises beneath the lovely moonlight. Prepare to meet some of the sanctuary’s nocturnal residents, including bats and birds, as you walk through the night with trained guides.
International guests interested in activities other than rhino tracking, such as kayaking, nature hikes, birding, and night walks, typically pay a flat price of $30. There are packages available for individuals who want to combine rhino tracking with any of the other activities, which cost up to $65.
Those who merely want to enter the Sanctuary have to pay. The tour operator from Naleyo tours and travels will not only pay the costs on your behalf, but will also assist you in arranging transportation and accommodations for your tour.
Rules and guidelines for tracking rhinos at the Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary
The Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary, like any other well-organized and reputable organization, has severe guidelines that visitors must follow. Those who actively refuse to follow the regulations will face a $100 fine. The Guides have full discretion to interrupt any activity quickly if they believe that certain guidelines are not being observed.
Visitors should respect the following guidelines while at the sanctuary
Always follow the advice given by the Sanctuary guides. Please feel free to ask them any questions about the regulations and the animals. Please notify the Rhino Fund Reception of any illegal wildlife deaths along the road. Any unguided or unauthorized tour activity is deemed criminal.
This is especially true if it is completed after 17:30 pm.Any efforts to feed or contact the animals are strictly prohibited for your own and their safety. Littering is strictly forbidden in the park. Any litter should be disposed of appropriately in the designated containers.
Cycling and jogging are not permitted anywhere or at any time in the Sanctuary. Declare any firearms, GPS devices, pets, drones, or other items that may raise suspicion. Any unnecessary noise within the sanctuary is absolutely prohibited.
While around the animals, turn off your cell phones or simply place them.Turn off your cell phones or set them to silent mode while you are with the animals. After you have covered the necessities, make sure you have your travel schedule, local cash, and an emergency local network shim card.
Before coming to Uganda, make sure you have medical and travel insurance.Tracking rhinos is less taxing than other wildlife activities in Uganda, such as gorilla tracking. The dress code can be basic.The clothing code might be as simple as a light shirt and dull-colored pants.
Hotels and Lodges at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary
Bring a sweater or waterproof rain gear because it could rain at any time. Wear simple, comfortable walking shoes, sunglasses, and a hat throughout the dry season. Aside from the goods already mentioned, consider carrying insect repellent, pain relievers, vitamins, anti-malarial and anti-allergy medications, hand sanitizers, teeth brush, tooth paste, Vaseline, hair shampoo, lip balm, flash lights, and a camera (for memories).
Accommodation at the Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary
To guarantee that visitors to the refuge had all they needed while there, the Rhino Fund Uganda proposed a Lodge within the sanctuary. They pitched the idea to the Genade Family, who were delighted to offer cash for a high-quality safari lodge.
The lodge is constructed with finely molded timber, natural stones, and canvas finishes. It includes eight units, including four luxury suites with private bathrooms and balconies. Both international and local cuisines are available, including the famous Rolex. Other amenities include a well-stocked bar, a swimming pool, and power (available around the clock).
N.B:
There are various alternative lodges and motels that provide decent services, however we recommend them with reservations because there are various additional lodges and hotels that provide excellent services, but we recommend them with reservations because none are located on the sanctuary grounds.