Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary

The Ziwa rhino Sanctuary is located in Nakasongola district in the Kafu River Basin off the Kampala-Gulu highway towards Murchison falls National Park. It is located approximately 176 kilometers (109 mi), north of Kampala Uganda’s capital and its largest city. It’s the only home for wild Rhinos in Uganda. The Sanctuary is a collaborative effort between the Rhino Fund Uganda, Uganda wildlife Authority and Ziwa Ranchers Limited, a private management company Currently the sanctuary host over (14) southern white rhinos- six (8) Adults, three (5) teenagers and three (5) babies. The sanctuary has become increasingly popular with tourists for rhino trekking, bird watching, nature walks and relaxation. It is regarded as an astonishing moment to watch these rhinos in their nature environment. While at the sanctuary you will be in position to approach these rhinos on foot with out causing any harm on you. The sanctuary is majorly a home to the white rhinos which are large but gentle, and it’s hoped that in the near by future Rhinos will be reintroduced into parks most especially the nearby Murchison falls National Park.

Not only Rhinos but the sanctuary is a home to over 40 mammals and reptilian species including antelopes, monkeys, hippopotamus, crocodiles and numerous bird species
TOUR ACTIVITIES’

Different activities can be arranged at Ziwa Rhino sanctuary and these include

Rhino trekking

This is the most done activity carried out at the park and whoever gets a chance to visit this sanctuary is expected to watch these amazing God creatures the rhinos. The sanctuary gives you a rare opportunity to see the rhinos not from a vehicle but from up close and on foot, and you do have unusual photo opportunity in a close distance. You will be escorted by Sanctuary rangers who certainly understand the habits and ways of the white Rhinos. This is regarded as the only place where you can watch these species. But also you will encounter a range of other wildlife species including Uganda kobs, bush bucks, oribis, rich bucks, hippos and crocodiles.

Bird Watching

The Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary is also home to over 250 bird species and it is a great place for spotting birds, therefore bird lovers are able to spot the rare African species. You can do half or full day hike and the sanctuary have experienced bird guides who have keen eyes in spotting these birds. Birds like Abdim’s Stork, blue spotted dove, booted eagle, African Black Crake, Abyssinian Ground Hornbill, the Giant Kingfisher, and Speckled breasted Woodpecker among others can be seen.

Guided nature walks

The guided nature walks will enable you to experience the geography, fauna and flora of this beautiful part of Uganda. You will encounter bushbuck, grey duiker, hartebeest, mongoose, Vervet monkeys, black and white colobus, various reptile such as monitor lizards, butterflies and rare insects, various species of birds to mention but a few. The tour guide will give you an experience in life you will never forget
Where to stay

You will spend the overnight at Amuka Lodge at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary. There are also very many safari lodge, guest houses in Masindi town which is just kilometers from the sanctuary headquarters have restaurants that offers meals to tourists.