Rhino tracking at the Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary

Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary is the only place in Uganda to see Rhinos, this was the place where the relocated white Rhinos were placed such that they can multiply, it is located  in the Nakasongola district, the sanctuary covers an area of 70 square kilometers, protecting 22 southern white rhinos, it is known for rhino tracking it’s the only place where one can do the activity, Rhinos  in Uganda happen to have gone extinct during the 80’s as a result of vigorous poaching , a big thanks to the neighbouring sate of Kenya that Uganda Managed to have a restoration of the African species.

Following extinction of Rhinos in Uganda there were new species that were brought from Kenya at the beginning from the 2002, two of them were first brought from Kenya kept at the Uganda wildlife education center later more six were added which rhinos gave birth and led to an increased number. The 70 kilometer reserve was a s a result of the massive killings of Rhinos for ivory trade in Uganda, initially the country had a large number of the animal species spotted all over northern national park, the pain upe game reserve and Murchison falls national park with time these were no more due to political and economic crisis that hit Uganda at the time and high prices attached to the ivory, there were not much laws protecting the wildlife.

Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary was established in 2005 and rhinos relocated to the place by the rhino fund Uganda, it is safe to track rhinos as this can be done on foot, the sanctuary has great measures of protecting the world’s largest mammal, well kept in a 7000 hectare of land stretching through Nakasongola district, an electric fence has been put in place to protect the animals, the Uganda wildlife authority plans to relocate rhinos to their respective national park and game reserves initially lived in as the number keeps increasing.

The sanctuary is not only home to rhinos but other animal species and birds the famous shoebill stork can be spotted here, rhinos are social animals just like elephants, they are short sighted but with a very high sense of hearing, there are five crashes of rhinos living at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary, it’s possible to have all see all the big five by having a continued trip to Murchison falls national park, beginning tour from Nakasongola and then proceed to Murchison big Five include, elephants, rhinos, lions, leopards and African buffaloes. Animal species like antelopes, hippos, crocodiles, and over 300 species can be found here.

Tracking Rhinos is done between 2-3 hours on foot, accompanied by a professional guide having the chance to see these animals graze in their natural habitats they are free to roam the sanctuary, besides rhino tracking, other activities like bird watching, canoeing, nature walks and night walks can be done here.it is advisable to wear long sleeved shirts and trousers, carry insect repellents, boots for protection. It is located approximately 176 square kilometers from Kampala along the Gulu highway, there is available accommodation at the sanctuary the Amuka Lodge and Ziwa Guest House alternatively guests can sleep in Masindi town, it can be visited all year round but best during the dry season of December- February and June to mid–September.