Are you interested in big game safaris in Uganda? Ever heard about the rare white rhinos in Ziwa sanctuary? A trek to see rhinos in their natural habitats is the most amazing encounter that offers you yet opportunity to add up the big five game viewing safaris in Uganda. Located in Nakasongola district, Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary is the only premier refuge to exceptional wild species in Uganda.
Most national parks in Uganda have the big four and the Ziwa sanctuary is the only place for you to make the complete big five game adventures. Rhino re-introduction project is a project of Rhinos Fund Uganda and Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA).
Getting There
Ziwa is located about 176 kilometers North of Kampala along the Gulu highway towards the Murchison Falls National Park. It spans 70 square kilometers and primarily dominated by woodlands with a mix up of thickets, grasslands and swamps and ponds.
Meet the White Rhinos
Rhino Trekking – Free to roam across the savannah, acacia woodlands and cool muddy swamps, Uganda’s only rhinos spend their day grazing on the thick shrubbery or resting under the shade of tall trees. The well trained and knowledgeable guides always lead the group to see Rhinos and offers security to the guests.
Although you can choose to do a rhino trek at any time of the day, the best time to go is between 8 am and 10 am and 4 pm and 6 pm. Make sure you wear comfortable closed shoes, long trousers, and bring plenty of water.
Activities within the Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary
Rhino trekking
As earlier mentioned, the Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary is the only place in Uganda where you can track the Rhinos in their natural habitat (the wild) not in the Zoos. This starts with briefing of tourists on the dos and don’ts during tracking which involve walking through the tracks, because walking carelessly might be dangerous when then Rhinos attack unexpectedly. As you trek, the ranger guides will share information about these Rhinos, their behavior and how to respond when they attack or charge. The prices of this activity include $45 per person for adult non-resident, $35 per person for adult East African residents and Shs 30,000 per person for adult Ugandan citizens, $23 per person for non-resident children, $17 per person for East African Resident children and Shs 10,000 for Ugandan Citizen Children.
Shoebill Canoe ride
The shoebill stork is one of the most sought after attractions by tourists in this Sanctuary, and are mainly found within the Lugogo Swamp hence can be sighted through the canoe ride. Not only will you see the shoebill stork, but other bird species like the African King eagle and the Giant kingfisher among others. You can also opt for a night drive to sight the nocturnal birds. The shoebill canoe ride (for 3-4 hours) costs $30 per person for adult non-residents, $25 per person for adult East African Residents and Shs 25,000 for adult Ugandans and $15 for non-resident children, $12 for East African Resident children and Shs 10,000 for Ugandan Children.
Guided nature walks
Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary also offers guided nature walks through the open savanna plain to enjoy of the beautiful biodiversity which includes some plant/tree species, mammal species like elands, kobs, waterbucks, bushbucks and Duikers and bird species. The rates for the nature walks are similar to that of shoebill canoe ride
Bird watching
This remarkable site is a home to over 300 species of birds, which make this place a bird watchers paradise and place to be. Some of the bird species you are likely to see include the elusive Shoebill stork, Malachite Kingfisher, Pied Kingfisher, African fish eagle, the Speckled-breasted woodpecker, Giant kingfisher, the White-crested Turacco, African Jacana, Giant Kingfisher, Goliath Heron, Great egret, African open-billed stork, Egyptian goose and Black crake among others. The rates for bird watching are similar to that of the shoebill canoe ride and the guided nature walks.
Relaxation is another option a tourist can opt for while at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary.
Accommodation facilities in Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary
The most comfortable lodges for you to spend a night at the Sanctuary include the Ziwa Rhino Lodge, Ziwa Rhino Guesthouse-Budget and Mid-range facility and Amuka Safari Lodge-Luxury facility
In conclusion, Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary is a must to visit destination for you to add your big five game safaris in Uganda. Your visit is important as you will support the Rhino Fund project to help protect these endangered mammal species in the wild.