Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary

Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary in Uganda is a remarkable tourist destination as it is the only place to watch Rhinos in the wild.

Rhinos are one of Uganda’s African Big Five animals, considered the most dangerous to hunt during the early safari years, during colonial times. The other four members of the big five animals in Uganda are the Lions, Leopards, Elephants, and Buffaloes. Travelers to Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary usually continue to watch these animals at Murchison Falls National Park.

Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary in Nakasongola District was created in 2005 to protect Uganda’s remaining white Rhinos.

Other than the rare Rhinos at the sanctuary, Ziwa is also a great place to view various bird species like the most sought-after shoebill species, and great scenery. Therefore, this beautiful ranch will give you the amazing experience of enjoying various safari activities like Rhino tracking on foot, birding tours, canoe rides, and nature walks, among others.

Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary also has a restaurant and bar where travelers can enjoy cold drinks and different foods. You can live in the campsites and guesthouses for accommodation options while at the ranch.

Enjoy the best safari experiences at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary by inquiring with our tour consultant at Orinoco Expeditions, your number-one tour operator in Uganda.

Tourist Attractions at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary

The major list of tourist attractions at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary are the White Rhinos and the bird species.

1. The White Rhinos at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary

The White Rhinos are the main attractions at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary as it is the only place to go see these animals in the natural wild.

In 2006, six Southern White Rhinos were introduced in the sanctuary as a project between the Rhino Fund Uganda and the Roy Family. Today, there are about 42 White Rhinos promoting tracking experiences on foot in the country.

However, other than the white Rhinos, there are also many wild animals to view at the Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary including the Reed bucks, Bush bucks, Oribis, Monkeys, Duikers, and Reptiles.

2. Bird Species at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary 

Ziwa Sanctuary has different favourable habitats for different bird species for example the swamps, woodlands, and savannahs.

The sanctuary is home to about 300 bird species and you will therefore enjoy sights of different species like the Shoebill, African Fish Eagle, Pied Kingfisher, African Pygmy Kingfisher, Marabou Stork, Grey Crowned Crane, African Jacana, African Grey Hornbill, among others.

What is there to do in the Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary? –  Safari Activities at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary

Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary has amazing activities with the most famous being the Rhino tracking experiences. The activities come with the best Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary rates. Other activities in the park include birding, nature walks, and canoeing as seen below.

Rhino Tracking at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary 

Trained rangers will lead you to watch the amazing Rhino treks at Ziwa Sanctuary since Rhinos are the gem in this tourist destination. You will come close to these endangered Rhino species during the treks as you enjoy taking their photos about 6 meters away from them.

Birding at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary 

Ziwa Sanctuary is home to more than 300 bird species thus providing birding opportunities for birders in the park.

You can watch these birds during a nature walk, or canoeing experiences as you seek after the Shoebill, Blue Spotted Dove, and the African Black Crake, among others.

Canoeing at the Ziwa Sanctuary

Canoeing expeditions at Ziwa are usually combined with Rhino Tracking experiences.  It is a remarkable experience that will take you to the swamp, thus allowing you to watch various bird species in their natural habitat.

Nature Walks at the Ziwa Sanctuary

Ziwa Sanctuary also offers both day and night-guided nature walks that will allow you to experience the uniqueness of different sounds and sights of nature.

The nature walk is one way to experience the unique great sceneries and also the birds, animals, insects, and different plant species.

Important Things to Carry and Clothes to Wear While at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary

Below, we look at the different things to carry for your safari experiences at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary.

1. Travel documents, for example, your passport and Yellow Fever Car
2. Long-sleeved shirts and trousers
3. Handkerchief
4. Scarf
5. Sunscreen Lotion
6. Insect Repellent
7. Pair of Binoculars
8. Cameras
9. Notebook and pen
10.  Backpack
11. Garden gloves

Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary Accommodation 

Visitors at the ranch usually stay a night or two in the campsites, the guest houses or the luxury chalets.

Some of the best places to stay while at Ziwa include the Amuka Safari Lodge and Ziwa Rhino Camp. However, many visitors to Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary also stay in Masindi before continuing their adventures at Murchison Falls National Park.

How to Get to Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary 

Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary to or from Kampala is about 176km away. It is along the Gulu Highway and en route to Murchison Falls National Park, a few kilometers away from the Nakitoma Trading Centre. This also makes the Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary location a favorable place to pass by, especially for travelers heading to Murchison Falls National Park.

Distance from Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary to Murchison Falls National Park

The distance between Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary and Murchison Falls National Park is about 150 km, taking a drive of about 3 to 4 hours.

Conclusion

Conclusively, Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary ranks as one of the best places to visit for your Uganda safari, as it protects one of the African big animals, that is the Rhinos which is not in any other Ugandan national park. Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary reviews will give you an insight into the beautiful experiences that await you while on your trip to the ranch.

Inquire about our unbeatable safari experiences to Ziwa with our travel expert tour consultant at Orinoco Expeditions.