Zziwa Rhino Sanctuary

Situated in Nakasongala district, near Nakitoma village, in the north parts of Uganda’s capital city, lies the beacon of hope for conservation of Rhino species which is Zziwa rhino Sanctuary. Zziwa Rhino sanctuary spans over 70 sqkms of pristine wilderness, and is majorly composed of grasslands, acacia woodlands, wetlands, and has the largest concentration of bird species including the most sought bird the shoe bill.

Today Zziwa Rhino sanctuary is an epitome for conservation and protection of wildlife due to its high number of tourists that it receives day by day. This is the only home of white rhinos within the pearl of Africa, and it is composed of rich biodiversity.

Brief history of Zziwa rhinos

During the years of 1982, the number of the rhino population was reducing because of various reasons and one of the key reasons is poaching.

However, in 2005 Zziwa Rhino sanctuary was established mainly to conserve the number of rhino species. Adding to that southern rhinos were also introduced in Uganda with an aim of conserving and increasing the number of rhinos.

By January 2010, Zziwa Rhino sanctuary was the only gazetted area with rhinos and they were 6 in number, efforts were strategized and now ziwa is a home to over 20 species of Rhinos.

Tourist activities at Zziwa rhino sanctuary

Rhino tracking

This is the main activity which is done at Zziwa since the place is a habitant to many rhino species which are the white rhinos.

It is done in two phases that is the morning and evening. Rhino tracking requires being carried out with an experienced guide who will equip you with vast knowledge about the rhinos. The morning tracking starts from 8 am to 10 am while in the evening it starts from 4 pm.

Before you go for tracking make sure you have the necessary requirements for trekking such as the comfortable closed shoes, long trousers, and also plenty of water. Rhino tracking like any other activity it opens up with a briefing that gives you vast information about rules and regulations to follow while you are with the rhinos.

When you are done with the briefing you will go with your ranger guide to trek the Rhinos. Rhinos are one of the big giant animals on planet earth. Upon having a glimpse at the rhinos, your ranger guide will tell you the necessary information about the rhinos for instance their feeding habits, and many more.

Rhino tracking at Zziwa rhino sanctuary is one of the exceptional activities to carry out because it leaves tourists mesmerized with the beauty of nature.

Cost of Rhino Tracking at Zziwa Rhino Sanctuary

The current cost of tracking rhinos at Zziwa Rhino sanctuary for foreign residents is $50 and Ugsh 30,000 including the park entrance. You need to know that before one engages in Rhino trekking, he/she must have paid the fee. This fee helps in conserving and protection of the rhinos.

Shoe bill stork and canoe ride

The shoebills are one of the scarce and most sought-after birds by many tourists especially on their birding safaris with in the pearl of Africa. This bird mainly feeds on crocodiles, big fish like tilapia and Nile monitor lizards.

Canoe rides with in the sanctuary are usually conducted at the 10km Lugogo wetland where they are able to view a variety of many animals and other bird species. Some of the birds that can be seen during your canoe ride include the giant king fishers, Egyptian goose, African fish eagle, herons and many more.

Bird watching at Zziwa rhino sanctuary

Ziwa Rhino sanctuary is one of the incredible and out standing birding destinations with in the pearl of Africa. The sanctuary is home to over 350 bird species both endemics, Uganda’s most sought after and also migratory birds. Zziwa rhino sanctuary is composed of over 4 birding trails which tourists use especially on their birding safaris. The birding adventure can be carried out both in the morning and evening.

Some of these birds include shoe bills, pied king fishers, African Jacana, African fish Eagle, African Grey Horn bill, Marabou stork, red headed weaver, African blue fly catcher, saddle billed stork, broad billed roller, ring necked dove and many more. Birding with in Zziwa can be done on guided nature walks or boat rides.

Nature walks

To all nature lovers, one of the wonderful destinations in Uganda that allow tourists to explore flora and fauna, the diverse landscapes is Ziwa rhino sanctuary. The sanctuary is blessed with a rich bio diversity and tourists are able to see a variety of wildlife. Nature walks are usually carried out with an experienced and armed ranger who gives tourists detailed information of different animals seen.

Adding to that, during nature walks, one is still able to see a variety of many bird species, plant species and many more.

Night walks

This is one of the new activities that have been re-introduced with in Ziwa rhino sanctuary. Night walks are done in the night and are usually conducted from 8:30 pm to 11:00pm. Night walks are one of the unique activities that grant tourists with opportunities to spot a variety of nocturnal animals including the leopards, bats aardvarks and many more as they still appreciate the beauty of nature in the night.

HOW TO ACCESS ZIWA RHINO SANCTUARY?

Ziwa rhino sanctuary can be accessed either by road or air. The sanctuary is located within Nakasongala district in the northern parts of Kampala. The journey from Kampala to Ziwa rhino sanctuary is just a 3 hours’ drive using the Kampala -Gulu high way.

Ziwa rhino sanctuary is situated in Nakasongala district and it is one of the main stop overs while on your journey to Uganda’s largest national park which is Murchison falls.

A lot of tourists visiting Murchison falls national park usually combine their safari with Ziwa rhino sanctuary and enjoy the un beatable experiences of Uganda’s attractions.

By air

Tourists interested in using faster means then air transport is the most convenient means to use in order to access Ziwa Rhino sanctuary. Tourists can fly from Entebbe international airport to Pakuba air field which is very close to Murchison falls national park.

Upon your arrival at Pakuba, then embark on a journey of 2 to 3 hours to access Ziwa rhino sanctuary. During your journey at Ziwa, you will enjoy the clear views of the country side.

THINGS TO PACK FOR YOUR SAFARI AT ZIWA RHINO SANCTUARY

Tourists should make sure they pack the necessary requirements while preparing to have a safari at Ziwa Rhino sanctuary. Some of the things to pack include.

 Good Hiking shoes

While you are planning to have a safari at Ziwa Rhino sanctuary, make sure you pack comfortable good hiking shoes that will keep your feet dry.

Insect repellants

Please pack your insect repellant that will protect you from insect bites for example the mosquitoes and many more insects.

Rain jackets

Do not for get to put in your rain jacket in your bag. This is to protect you from rain in case it rains.

A camera

This is one of the main things you should not forget to pack in your bag. This is because it helps you to keep your interesting memories, you will be able to take photos of the rhinos and also record videos.

Binoculars

The binoculars help you to identify far away animals such as the birds and any other wildlife that may be far away from you.

Sun protection

Pack your sun screens, sun glasses and a hat that will protect you from the sun while on your safari.

The following above are one of the essential requirements to pack while on a safari at Ziwa Rhino sanctuary though there are other things to carry that we have not listed above such as the first aid kit, snacks, water and many more.

BEST TIME TO VISIT ZIWA RHINO SANCTUARY

Ziwa rhino sanctuary is an all-year round destination and can be visited at any time of the year though it is very advisable to visit in the dry seasons which runs from June to September, then from December to February. The dry season is the more appropriate time for visiting ziwa rhino sanctuary.

This is because during the dry season the rains are few, the place is also not filled with mud thus easy movements of people. Furthermore, the dry season is the perfect time for wildlife viewing since the vegetations are too lush.

However, for the bird enthusiasts, visiting Zziwa rhino visiting Zziwa rhino in the rainy season will give you a chance to encounter various migrant bird that come from Asia and Europe

WHERE TO STAY WHILE AT ZIWA RHINO SANCTUARY?

Please worry less about where to stay while at Zziwa. This rhino sanctuary has a lot of accommodation facilities all ranging from luxury, midrange and budget.

These accommodations include lodges, guest houses, camping grounds and many more so your selection of accommodation depends on one’s budget.

Tourists can still decide to stay with in the lodge that is situated with in the sanctuary which is Amuka safari lodge. Other lodges to check out for include Kabalega wilderness lodge, Masindi hotel and many more.

All the accommodation facilities offer extremely high-end services to their clients, unique services thus spicing up your safari while at Zziwa rhino sanctuary.

Uganda’s common vacation safari packages

Explore and Adventure Uganda as you take on the 10 Days Uganda Tour that will take you to the stunning safari destinations for remarkable experiences on holiday and these include; Queen Elizabeth National park, Murchison Falls National park, Kibale Forest National Park and Bwindi Forest National park.

TRIP DETAILS

REQUEST INFO

The 10 Days Uganda Rwanda Gorilla and Wildlife Tour starts and ends in Kampala. It will take you to Uganda’s un-spoilt wildlife destinations to experience Nature at its best. Explore all the best Uganda has to offer to tourists in the tropic Africa. Major tour activities in this tour include game drives in hunt for some of the “Big 5”

TRIP DETAILS

REQUEST INFO

The 13 days Uganda Safari offers great experience the true African wildness as it takes you to unspoiled corners of Uganda including the Murchison falls National Park. Expect to have big game drive as you spot for some of the Big 5; African lion, Elephant, Buffalo, and Leopard. Take Boat trips

TRIP DETAILS

REQUEST INFO