Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary is the only place in Uganda harboring the wild endangered rhinos, this sanctuary is situated in Nakasongo District, near Nakitoma Village, in the north of Kampala along Kampala – Gulu Highway, approximately 180km by road.
From Murchison Falls National Park, it is a drive of about 3 hours.
Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary covers around 7,000ha (70 sq.km), the sanctuary has a tight 24-hour security to prevent the occurrence of the actions done in the 90’s. In addition to rhinos, the sanctuary is home to a number of bird species, reptiles and 40 mammal species including antelopes, crocodiles, hippos, monkeys among others.
History of Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary
The black Rhinoceros (Diceros bicornis michaeli) and the Northern white rhinoceros (Ceratotherium simum cottoni) are indigenous to Uganda. However, both species were wiped by 1982 due to several factors including prolonged armed human conflict, poaching and the mismanagement of their natural habitat. Ziwa Rhino and Wildlife Ranch was established in 2005 to reintroduce the southern white rhinoceros to Uganda, the goal of establishing this sanctuary is to build a sustainable rhinoceros population and relocate them back to their original habitat in Uganda’s Protected Areas.
As of January 2010, Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary is the only location in Uganda, where rhinos can be observed in their natural habitat.
The sanctuary started with a total of exi rhinos, four that were bought from Solio Ranch in Kenya and two donated from Disney’s Animal Kingdom in Orland, Florida, in the United State. As of June 2024, the rhino population has increased to 50.
Safari Activities at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary
Rhino Tracking
Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary is the only place in Uganda where one can enjoy rhino trekking experience, this activity starts with a briefing session at the entrance of the sanctuary in which several instructions are given among which is need to walking in a single line. The rationale of this is that walking alone or in isolation from the line renders you an easy target for the rhinos in the event of an attack. It is essential that you head to the ranger’s instructions while on the trek to avoid any regrets.
Depending on location of the Rhinos, you may have to drive to the closest route nearest to where they are located to avoid walking for long distance. The ranger guide further share more information on the behavior of Rhinos and how you ought to respond in case of anything.
Bird watching
Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary is one of the great places for birding safaris in Uganda, the sanctuary is home to over 300 bird species including the rare and most sought after shoebill. There are four birding trails that have been developed by the resident bird guides at the sanctuary. Woodlands, swamp and savannah are some of the bird species to lookout for in Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary include Grey-crowned crane, Grey Kestrel, Heuglin’s Francolin, Red-headed Bluebill, Red-headed Malimbe, Marico Sunbird, Namaqua Dove, Northern Carmine Bee-eater, Nubian Woodpecker, Pallid Harrier, Shoebill among others
Shoebill Canoe Ride
The Shoebill is one of the most sought after bird by most birders in Uganda as well as the world, at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary there are chance of sighting the Shoebill in the lugogo Swamp. Other water birds to look out for include African Jacana, Black crake, Pied Kingfisher, Malachite Kingfisher, Giant Kingfisher, African open-billed stork, Great egret, Egyptian goose, African fish eagle, Goliath Heron among others.
The canoes are offered by the community who in turn receive payment for the service offered. This re-enforces the community conservation partnership between Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary and the community.
Nature Walks
Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary has guided walks through the savannah, allowing you to enjoy the diversity of nature dominating the sanctuary’s 70 square kilometers acreage. You will walk with a ranger guide and receive instructions on how to behave and various information on the flora and fauna found in the sanctuary.
Some of the animal sightings on this nature walk include waterbucks, bushbucks, kobs, leopards, duikers among others.
Where to stay
There are several accommodation options situated near the headquarters of the reserve, they have a range of different accommodations to suit every budget, guests can choose from large family bandas, smaller bandas with shared facilities or staying in a tent.
The on-site restaurant serves a great selection of food, both international and local dishes and has a fully stocked bar.
Amuka Safari Lodge
Nestled in a small woodland in the heart of the sanctuary, Amuka Safari Lodge offers its guests the luxury experience. From secluded unfenced chalets, named after the on-site rhinos, to a fantastic restaurant serving safari cuisine, a swimming pool and exquisite view. Staying here will guarantee the serenity feeling that can only be go in African savannah.