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10 TOP REASONS TO VISIT ZIWA RHINO SANCTUARY IN UGANDA
Have a look at the 10 top reasons to visit ziwa rhino sanctuary. Did you know that in the whole of East Africa, it is only in Uganda where you can track rhinos on foot? At the time of writing, the sanctuary is home to 33 southern white rhinos.
Tourists increasingly go to the sanctuary for activities like rhino trekking, shoebill trekking, canoe rides, bird watching, night walks, nature walks, and relaxation.
At Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary, the travelers can decide to go for rhino trekking and view threatened white rhinoceros in its natural habitat. You will be piloted by an armed rangers who will escort you to the rhinos, you can as well take enough photos during trekking.
Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary Location
The only wild rhinos in Uganda are proudly housed in Ziwa Rhino and Wildlife Ranch, which is situated in the Nakasongola area.
The Uganda Wildlife Authority and the Rhino Fund Uganda collaborated on the rhino reintroduction effort.
The ziwa rhino sanctuary is ideally situated on the Gulu route towards Murchison Falls, 176 kilometers (100 miles) north of Kampala (branch off at Nakitoma Trading centre).
Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary is 7000 hectares of woodlands and savannah has come up with land for rhinos and over 78 park rangers and also security guards who keep 24 hours to ensure that rhinos are secure. The 70km is surrounded by electric fence which is 2m so as to keep the rhinos in.
History Of Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary
Ziwa Ranch, a cattle farm that imported exotic cattle into Uganda, was founded in 1983. Captian Roy and his family held the property outright.
After extensive deliberations with Yvonne Verkakik, the executive director of the Rhino Fund, in 2002, it was decided to move 7,000 heads of cattle to another area in order to create a rhino sanctuary.
Rhinos became extinct in Uganda as a result of poaching and illegal actions,
For the sake of the species’ survival and ongoing conservation, the concept of reintroducing rhinos into the nation sounded sensible.
Initiatives like the M2M Das Challenge and naming the Rhinos helped raise money for fencing, which was necessary to help protect the land from intruders and create enough security for the project to start in earnest in 2005. These fundraising efforts were made possible by the Roy family and friends of rhino rehabilitation.
To finally reintroduce southern white rhinos to their original habitat in the areas around Murchison Falls, Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary was created in 2005.
Since the project’s inception, six Southern white rhinos have multiplied to 33 and counting, proving its success.
The rhino population had increased to thirteen as of June 2013 from its original six animals, four of which were purchased from Solio Ranch in Kenya and two of which were donated by Disney’s Animal Kingdom in Orlando, Florida, in the United States.
The total rhino population at Ziwa Ranch increased to 15 after the birth of an additional calf in April 2014.
There were twenty-two rhinos at the refuge as of March 2018, and there will be 33 by December 2021.
The goal is to release these magnificent animals back into the wild so they can once again wander the plains and their natural habitats!
The goal of the initiative is to have these animals become a part of other national parks throughout Uganda, roaming the land with other wildlife species. It is a collaborative effort between the Uganda Wildlife Authority (the custodians of the species) and Ziwa Rhino and Wildlife Ranch Limited.
Ziwa Rhino sanctuary is a home to the only rhinos in Uganda and is one of the most wildlife conservation projects in Uganda. The rhinos are the main attractions but the sanctuary has a sizable number of butterflies reptiles and mammals. Other animals within the fence include, crocodiles, leopards, hippos and bushbucks
1. Rhino Tracking In Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary
The sanctuary provides visitors with the opportunity to participate in guided rhino treks, during which they can track and observe rhinos in their natural habitat. This is an incredible opportunity to get up close and personal with such amazing animals, and it won’t come around very often.
Rhino tracking the major activity carried out and the visitors usually trek the Rhinos on foot. Once you reach near the rhinos with a car, the guides will take you on foot 7 meters close to the rhinos. You will enjoy these animals continuously feeding on fresh vegetation without bothering your presence.
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2. Rhino Conservation
The primary purpose of visiting the sanctuary is to support and observe ongoing efforts to conserve the white rhino population. The sanctuary is extremely important because it helps to stop poaching and provides a secure environment for these endangered animals so that they can thrive.
3. Educational Opportunity
The Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary offers educational programs and guided tours that teach visitors about the importance of protecting wildlife, as well as local ecosystems and rhino conservation. It is a chance to get new insights into the issues that these creatures confront and the actions that are being done to solve those challenges.
4. Nature and Photography
Because the sanctuary is situated in a picturesque natural location, it provides opportunity for nature lovers and photographers to take photographs of breathtaking landscapes and wildlife.
5. Wildlife In Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary
The rhinos are the major attractions but the ziwa rhino sanctuary has a sizeable number of butterflies, reptiles and mammals. Small primates found in the sanctuary are the common black monkeys.
6. Birding / Bird Watching In Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary
In addition to rhinos, the sanctuary is home to a number of different species of birds as well. Those who enjoy birdwatching will find that the region is home to a wide variety of avian species. This activity can take the whole day and involves guided walks, driving and boat cruise through the four bird watching trails. You can also spot the African Black Crake, African Crowned Eagle and African Fish Eagle, Brown Parrot, and also Broad Billed Roller.
7. Supporting Local Communities
When you pay a visit to the sanctuary, you help the local economies and the ways of life of the people who live in the villages that surround the sanctuary. Ecotourism has the potential to offer financial incentives for conservation efforts that benefit both species and their ecosystems.
8. Contribution to Conservation
The monies generated by tourism activities are commonly utilized for the maintenance of sanctuary, the treatment of rhinos, and ongoing attempts to conserve their habitats.
9. Night Nature Walks In Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary
As you move through the night with the knowledgeable guides prepare to encounter some of the sanctuary`s animals, birds and bats. A guided nights walk will allow you discover new sounds under beautiful moonlight in the Africa wilderness
10. Tourist Facilities In Ziwa Rhino sanctuary
Ziwa Rhino sanctuary is supplied with Tourists facilities such as safari lodges, guest’s house. Peace and quiet are available at the Ziwa rhino sanctuary amid lovely surroundings. Ziwa Rhino sanctuary offers a range of lodgings to satisfy your needs for the night. Both private and communal indoor facilities are available in our guest houses.
The affordable rooms have complete facilities and a common bathroom.
Where To Sleep/Stay In Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary | Accommodation
Accommodation at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary is contributed in camping with all the essential facilities other accommodation units can be accessed at the nearby town lodges that is to say; Talemwa house, new court view hostel as well as Max hotel. Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary has the following lodges;
- Amaku Lodge. This lodge specializes in Safari Cuisine which integrates outdoor and indoor cooking as well as baking. At Amaku Lodge, the day begins with a hearty breakfast and a quality cup of the world famous Ugandan Coffee
- Mabamba Lodge. Mabamba Lodge celebrates culture and nature and aims to inspire a meaningful guest experiences through the understanding of how to hold interconnected relationship with nature as well as the surrounding communities.
- Ziwa Rhino Lodge. Ziwa Rhino Lodge is 45.4km from the centre of Nakasongola. The restaurant offers a variety of cuisines including continental cuisine and also complimentary breakfast is provided.
When To Visit The Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary
The best time to visit Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary is during the dry season in Uganda which is around June to September and December to February when the sunshine is at its peak.
How To Get To The Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary
By Air;
You do not have to worry about how to get to the ziwa rhino sanctuary because there are direct flights from Entebbe International Airport straight to Murchison Falls National Park, book a flight in less than 1.5 hours you would have reached. then from Murchison Falls National Park, you will be driven to Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary. If you are to use a flight from Entebbe Airport to Murchison Falls National Park, we suggest that you spend some nights in Murchison Falls National Park so that you have an opportunity of seeing the BIG Four and so many other animals.
Do not forget about the Murchison Falls, the most powerful waterfalls in the whole world. The mighty Nile flows through the park, creating a powerful spectacle at Kabalega Falls.
You get to enjoy the views of these magnificent falls, where the Nile forces its way through a gorge in the rocks and tumbles 43m below into Lake Albert. Did you know that Murchison Falls is the MOST POWERFUL waterfalls on the planet?
By Road;
You can also travel by bus or private vehicles and in 4-6 hours you would be at the park.
Murchison Falls National Park is a dream come true for lovers of nature, peace, beauty and breath-taking sights. And visiting the park is our way of showing appreciation to mother nature. You are most welcome any day, any time.
Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary Rates 2022/2023
Rates in Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary for 2021–2022.
Due to habitat destruction and rhino poaching for their horns, rhinos in all national parks have gone extinct. To safeguard rhinos, breed them, and eventually reintroduce them to the national parks where they once roamed, the Rhino Fund and the Uganda Wildlife Authority established the Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary.
Visitors are welcome to go rhino tracking at the Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary, however there is a small cost. The prices for the Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary for 2022–2023 are listed below.
| Adults | Children |
| Adult (Non Resident) $50 | Child (Non Resident) $25 |
| Adult (East African Resident) $40 | Child (East African Resident) $20 |
| Adult (Ugandan Citizen) 30,000 shillings | Child (Ugandan Citizen) 10,000 shillings |
Weather and Climate In Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary
Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary has a tropical and hot climate.
Temperatures are fairly consistent throughout the year.
Daytime temperatures of around 31°C/88°F are common, with nighttime temperatures dropping to around 18°C/64°F.
The rainy season lasts from March to November, with a dry spell from June to July.
During the Dry season, there is little rain (December to February).
December to February is the dry season. It’s hot and dry
- December, January, and February are the driest months.
The sky is mostly clear and sunny.
These are also the hottest months, with average afternoon temperatures of 32°C/90°F.
It drops to about 18°C/64°F at night.
March to November is the rainy season
It doesn’t rain much during the Wet season, but heavy storms are possible.
- March, April, and May – By March, the rains have begun, and the skies have become more overcast.
Rainfall is heavier in April and May.
Temperatures during the day average 31°C/88°F, while temperatures at night average 20°C/68°F. - June and July – This is a drier spell, but rain is still expected.
The average daytime temperature is 30°C/86°F. - August, September, October, and November are the wettest months, with October being the wettest.
It doesn’t rain every day, but when it does, it’s usually in torrential downpours.
By November, temperatures begin to gradually rise.
Frequently Asked Questions About Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary
- How many rhinos at Ziwa sanctuary? 33 rhinos
- Where is Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary located? Nakasongola area
- What animals will visitors see at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary? While rhinos are unquestionably the main attraction in this sanctuary, there are also 40 other species of reptiles and mammals, such as crocodiles, hippos, antelopes, monkeys, and an incredible array of birds.
- How much is rhino tracking at Ziwa rhino sanctuary?
Conclusion
Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary gives you a chance to experience the majesty of these creatures up close with a rhino trek, where an experienced ranger will lead you on foot to see them at a safe distance.
Where the magic happens is in Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary. We invite you to visit Uganda in our secluded sanctuary and look forward to giving you a thrilling vacation.