Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary

Ziwa Rhino sanctuary has got Uganda’s wild endangered Rhinos and it’s located in Nakasongola District, near Nakitoma Village in the northern side of Kampala along Kampala – Gulu highway by road. It covers 70 square kilometers and it’s just a 3 hour’s drive which is half the journey to Murchison falls national park. This country has got big numbers of Rhinos in the 90s, however during the 1970 massive wars, there were grave killings, hunting, and poaching and by 1983, there was the extermination of Rhinos.  The sanctuary was established in 2005 and the Rhinos were reintroduced by the Rhino Fund. Ziwa Rhino sanctuary has about 70 ranger guides whose major role or work is to ensure the proper arrangement in helping visitors to trek Rhinos as they keep the security tired from poachers. One to do Rhino tracking in Ziwa Rhino sanctuary has to the closed shoes, insect repellent, long trouser pant, and charts, at least 2 liters of drinking water and cap.

This is the only place in Uganda where you can track Rhinos on foot and this is an amazing and beautiful experience to watch the White Rhinoceros. The place has got 24-hour security, after the actions that were done in the ’90s. This sanctuary has got 78 amazing trained and skilled park rangers and this work hand in hand with the Uganda Wildlife Authority as well as Ziwa Ranchers limited. The area started with 6 Rhinos and the number has currently increased to 19 animals. The sanctuary is also home to hippos, crocodiles, monkeys, antelopes, and many bird and reptiles species. The many activities to do in Ziwa Rhino sanctuary include; birding, Guided nature walks, shoebill trek,  as well as Rhino tracking which is the main activity.

Ziwa Rhino sanctuary is open every day of the year and its gates are opened by 7:30 am in the morning. Any vehicle entering the sanctuary is charged $20 and the payment is made to the ranger escorting you and must be received with a receipt given back to the guest. No entry is allowed after 21H00.

The safety and guidelines in the sanctuary include; Road killing is reported to Rhino Fund reception, Feeding, littering and touching of animals is forbidden, the Drones, firearms, GPS, Pets are not allowed, and driving in the sanctuary without a guide after 17h 30 are not allowed. Cycling and jogging are not allowed in the sanctuary. Always switch off your mobile phone or keep it on silent, avoid making noise or quick movements when with the Rhinos.

Due to much effort, Ziwa Rhino sanctuary has increased to the number of days visitors can spend while here through increasing the number of activities you can participate such as Rhino trekking, nature walk, night walk, bird watching, shoebill trek, and so on. Tracking rhinos at the Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary can very well be added to any Murchison Falls National Park safari due to the proximity distance to the National Park. There are basic lodging facilities at the Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary for those who might wish to spend a night on their way to or from Murchison Falls National Park where you can relax while you’re at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary.