Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary Wildlife Adventures

Rhino Tracking & More!

The Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary is Uganda’s only hope and home for the land’s second largest land mammal the rhino. It is located in Nakasongla district about a 2-hour drive from Kampala Uganda’s capital city. Uganda is believed to have had both black and white rhino species back in the day. These however got extinct because of poaching until the white rhinos were reintroduced at the Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary in 2006. The sanctuary covers a land area of 27 square miles and is an iconic destination with a number of wildlife adventures you can engage in. Below are some of the must-do adventures while at the sanctuary.

On Foot Rhino Tracking

Rhinos are the major attractions at the Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary. They are mainly white rhinos and their population has been growing steadily ever since they were reintroduced. Only six southern white rhinos were reintroduced back in 2006 but now the number has grown to 38 individuals. It is very adventurous and refreshing to track these Rhinos at the sanctuary.

The tracking is led by a ranger guide who first briefs you about the safety procedure. You then drive a few minutes towards their premises after which you get out of the car for an on-foot rhino trek. Once you get to the rhinos you are required to keep your distance and not to make noise. Rhinos may have poor sight but have a very strong sense of smell and can detect you even from several meters away.

Rhinos are incredible to watch. Being part of the Big Five mammals makes them spectacular and safari animal species you want to learn more about. This experience takes about 45 minutes to an hour depending on your interest.

Birding Safaris

Uganda is a renowned birding safari destination and the Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary is one of the top Birding areas in the country. The sanctuary has over 300 bird species including the rare shoebill stork. There are various ecosystems at Ziwa including open savanna and swamps that favor the different bird life.

A number of these birds can be spotted while on the guided nature walks. For the shoebill stork, however, you have to take on a canoe ride to the wetlands at the sanctuary. Shoebill storks prefer swampy vegetation where they easily hunt down their prey. They mainly feed on fish and snakes. Apart from the shoebill, you can also spot other water birds including the Grey Crowned Cranes and more.

Guided Nature walks

The Ziwa rhino sanctuary is home to some small antelope species including the sitatunga and kobs. Some primates like the vervet monkeys are also present here and can best be seen on guided nature walks. These guided nature walks last up to 2 hours depending on your preference. They can be done during the day or the night for those interested in the nocturnal wildlife experience. Any walk you choose is rewarding and enjoyable.

Where to stay

Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary has only one accommodation option which is Amuka Lodge. The lodge is located on the Sanctuary premise and is an ideal place to base from when exploring the sanctuary. All the rooms at the lodge are spacious and self-contained in a natural setting. You wake to the sound of birds at Amuka a sound everyone craves for.

In case you are on an extensive Uganda Safari, you can just stop over the sanctuary and proceed to your next destination. This is often done by travelers heading to Murchison Falls National Park. The park has four of the big five and rhino trekking at the Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary completes the big five experience.

Our 4-day Murchison Falls Tour and our 10-day Uganda Discovery Journeys feature this. Uganda has many other savanna wildlife destinations including Kidepo Valley and Lake Mburo National Park. You can also visit Tanzania for Classic safari adventures in Serengeti and More.