Are you interested in big game safaris in Uganda? Ever heard about the rare white rhinos in Ziwa sanctuary? A trek to see rhinos in their natural habitats is the most amazing encounter that offers you yet opportunity to add up the big five game viewing safaris in Uganda. Located in Nakasongola district, Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary is the only premier refuge to exceptional wild species in Uganda. Most national parks in Uganda have the big four and the Ziwa sanctuary is the only place for you to make the complete big five game adventures. Rhino re-introduction project is a project of Rhinos Fund Uganda and Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA). Because of the political instabilities that occurred in the 1970’s, most of Uganda’s wildlife protected areas experienced an intense illegal hunting which led acute reduction of not only rhinos but also other big game like the elephants. The last Rhino is believed to have been poached in Uganda’s wilderness in 1982 and in 2005, these endangered mammals were re-introduced with an intention that they will be re-introduced back to national parks for them to once more to survive. Ziwa is located about 176 kilometers North of Kampala along the Gulu highway towards the Murchison Falls National Park. It spans 70 square kilometers and primarily dominated by woodlands with a mix up of thickets, grasslands and swamps and ponds.
If you want a complete “big five” experiences in Uganda, the Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary is the only place for tourists to add in their itinerary. Rhinos feature as the second biggest species of mammals on land after elephants and they got their names from two Greek words Rhinos denoting nose and ceros meaning horn. These are best viewed while on Uganda safari tours. These exceptional species of mammals come in five distinct species with two found in Africa and they include the Black and White Rhinos both featuring a pair of horns and always viewed in East and South African nations. The other three Rhino species are Asian type including the Indian also popular as the Great one horned rhinoceros primarily viewed in specific areas of India and Nepal. Also there is Javan rhino normally inhabited in Indonesia and Vietnam and both of them have one horn. The 5th category is Sumatran that can be sighted in Malaysia and Indonesia and they have two horns.
A trek to view these stunning mammals is the most thrilling experience worth exploring in Uganda. South Africa’s Northwest parks and Tourism Board donated in 2011, about 6 females. Ever since the re-introduction of these extra-ordinary mammals, Uganda is now proud to be a home to more than 20 members. The first Rhinos were given by Kenya (4) and 2 (two) from United States. The white rhinos are natural gift in Uganda, they are monitored and patrolled by Rhino Fund Uganda’s rangers who are well trained and armed to ensure that they are protected and also collect data. Besides, there are also other wildlife species including the 26 species of mammals, the thickets and woodlands protect wildlife species like Uganda Kobs, Bushbuck, Pangolin, the Reed bucks, Rich bucks, Colobus and Vervet monkeys, Mongoose and others. The swamp area features Hippos, Crocodiles and numerous water species.
In addition, the Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary also conserves large numbers of birdlife within its abundant woodland, grassland and some water birds in the swamps and valley dams that make up about 351 birds. Some of the birds to catch a glimpse in the sanctuary include the Meyer’s parrot also Brown parrot, Fork tailed kingfisher, Gabar goshawk, purple banded sunbird, Green winged ptyilia, Butler eagle, Martial eagle, Rupell’s long tailed starling, Black headed gonolek, African thrush, Double toothed barbet, African grey hornbill, Common bulbul and not to forget the elusive shoebill storks that you will sight around the Lugogo swamp. These bird species provide amazing birding encounters for bird lovers who are interested in visiting this sanctuary in addition to Rhino tracking safaris. You will have enough time to photograph these remarkable species and ask as several questions as possible about the Rhinos and other wildlife in the sanctuary. The Ziwa Sanctuary mission is to create a safe environment where Rhinos can multiply and be protected for future generations. The sanctuary is also responsible in ensuring conservation, education and community empowerment program in order to create awareness among Ugandans and visitors on the Rhinos while also keeping Uganda’s rich cultural heritage for future generations.
Rhino trekking is the main adventure in Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary. You will track these fascinating species through the thickets and normally takes 2 to 3 hours. The actual trek starts from the sanctuary headquarters together with an armed ranger guide who will be escorting and guiding you. They are knowledgeable and they will first brief you on the rules and regulations before you set to the wilderness to trek and also deliver the best information about these endangered mammal species. By nature, the White Rhinos are not violent and aggressive like the Black Rhinos and thus there are minimal attacks provided that you follow the tracking guidelines.
Accommodation facilities in Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary
The most comfortable lodges for you to spend a night at the Sanctuary include the Ziwa Rhino Lodge, Ziwa Rhino Guesthouse-Budget and Mid-range facility and Amuka Safari Lodge-Luxury facility
In conclusion, Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary is a must to visit destination for you to add your big five game safaris in Uganda. Your visit is important as you will support the Rhino Fund project to help protect these endangered mammal species in the wild.