Where to see Rhinos in Uganda
Where to see Rhinos in Uganda, Ziwa Rhino And Wildlife Sanctuary is a significant place to find Rhinos in Uganda. Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary is located 167 kilometers from Kampala as you travel along the Kampala – Gulu highway. The Sanctuary can be reached as you travel to Murchison Falls National Park in Nakitoma, Nakasongola district. Rhinos in Uganda had a sizeable population roaming in Kidepo National Park during colonial rule whereby the British colonial government had set up strict policies to protect the Rhinos. However, their efforts diminished after their departure in the 1970s and 80s and poaching became the order of the day which wiped out all rhinos from Uganda National Parks.
In 2005 the Rhino Fund was formed to work hand in hand with Uganda Wildlife Authority to reintroduce rhinos to Uganda. The sanctuary started with 6 rhinos, 2 from America and 4 from Kenya. According to researchers, the rhinos have multiplied to 22 making Ziwa rhino sanctuary one of the ten best places to see rhinos in Africa. Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary with its close neighbour Murchison Falls National Park makes Uganda one of the places where one can spot the big 5 animals (lions, elephants, leopards, buffaloes, and rhinoceros) in the wilderness.
Rhino tracking process at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary
On arrival at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary, move to the main office for a briefing by the guides. Visitors are informed on how to behave during the activity, advice on what to wear, and the behaviour of the rhinos. After briefing, drive to the tracking area with experienced game guides and rangers to the habitats of the white rhinos.
Tracking rhinos is an amazing experience that gives one a chance to watch these huge animals in 6-7 meters distance feeding and grazing as you learn their behaviour, take photos, and enjoy scenic views of the vast savannah vegetation cover. The experience takes 1-2 hours and from here you can complete the package of the big five when you proceed to Murchison Falls National Park.
At the sanctuary, visitors can enjoy other stunning activities like bird watching, guided nature walks, night walks, and canoe rides for spotting the shoebills.
Cost of rhino tracking at the Ziwa rhino sanctuary
Tracking rhinos is at a little cost of $50 for non-residents, $40 for East African residents and Ugx 30,000 for Ugandans.
Best time to visit Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary
Rhino tracking is a thrilling activity that attracts many tourists heading to northern and eastern Uganda. The activity is done in two sessions in the morning from 8:00 am to 10:00 am and 4:00 pm to 6:00 pm but the tracking time is usually 1-2 hours depending on the location of the rhinos.
The time you visit the rhino sanctuary largely depends on the activity you need to participate in and what you want to see. For tourists who wish to track rhinos and other animals, the most ideal time should be the dry season because most animals are seen gathering at water sources and looking for food in the bushes and the vast savannah grasslands of the sanctuary. The dry season is experienced from June to August and from December to February.
Guidelines for tracking rhinos.
Guests who get involved in rhino tracking activity or any other activity that involves moving into the sanctuary premises must move with guides and rangers for safety.
Tourists are advised to present some of their tracking devices like GPS, drones, and pets to avoid any doubt.
Tourists are given a chance to ask any questions about the rhinos and anything else they need to know about the sanctuary and the surrounding areas.
Visitors to the sanctuary are not supposed to leave any trash like used water bottles, polythene bags, and papers in the sanctuary.
Tourists are not allowed to eat or drink in the presence of rhinos.
All activities beyond 7:30pm are considered illegal in the Ziwa rhino sanctuary.
Nobody is allowed to feed or touch the animals because they are not habituated and may attack you if you as you may see a threat to them.
Tourists are not allowed to make unnecessary movements like running during the tracking process. This may attract the rhinos to run after you and harm you.
Participants in the Rhino tracking activity are advised to switch off their phones or put them in silence to avoid scaring the animals.
During tracking and taking photos or video coverage, tourists should use fleshless cameras.
Tourists are advised to book tracking permits 3 months before the tracking time to avoid any inconveniences at the time of tracking.
Tourists must keep their voices low as they come closer to the tracking areas and within the sanctuary.
Tourists are advised to carry favorable tracking gear like good hiking boots, long-sleeved shirts, a pair of trousers, insect repellent, sunscreen, a hat, bottled drinking water, and packed food or snacks.
Packages that you may like to book with us
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Accommodation in Ziwa rhino sanctuary
When at Ziwa Rhinos Sanctuary, there is no need to worry about where to stay because the room has the best accommodation facilities that suit every traveler’s budget. The sanctuary has accommodations ranging from luxury and mid-range to budget facilities.
Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary offers a campsite in the compound of the sanctuary that is charged $20 per night per person.
The sanctuary also offers midrange accommodation in two guest houses that comprise single rooms, double rooms, and family cottages. The rooms are well facilitated with en suite bathrooms, toilets, showers, comfortable beds, lounges, and private verandas.
At the campsite, find the best restaurant and bar with hospitable and caring attendants.
Amuka Safari Lodge is a luxury accommodation close to the sanctuary. The lodge offers the best accommodation and comfortable facilities in the wilderness. While at this lodge, enjoy spectacular views of the Rhinos and the sweet sounds of birds and other wildlife.
The lodge has 10 cabins of which 4 are family cabins and 6 are standard cabins.
The standard cabins comprise of well constructed double bedrooms with clean linen and all interior facilities like toilets and showers. The lodge also provides the best meals in a fancy restaurant, bar, swimming pool kids’ play area, and Wi-Fi.
