1 day Ziwa rhino tracking experience, enjoy a once in a lifetime opportunity to get up close with rhinos on foot at the Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary. Rhinos are among the Big Five African mammals and there are over 30 southern white rhinos roaming free in the 70 sq.km sanctuary. The rhinos are of great conservation significance given that they became extinct in 1980s due to poaching. The Rhino Fund Uganda in partnership with Uganda Wildlife Authority is breeding a healthy population to ensure they’re reintroduced back to Uganda’s protected areas. Visiting the rhinos plays an active role in raising funds needed to achieve this vision.
Due to the nature of the terrain, visitors are advised to bring closed shoes or gum boots, long pants, insect repellant. 1 day Ziwa Rhino tracking tour starts in Kampala capital city. Leaving early in the morning at 7:00am, the journey to Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary is 176 km and can take a 3-hour drive depending on traffic and the number of stopovers made along the way.
On arrival, the wildlife ranger on duty will welcome you and tell you how rhino tracking activity is done. Depending on location of the rhinos, the team will arrange the means to get there. Once the rhinos are found, you will view them for an hour. By all accounts, guests should adhere to the guidelines for a safe and enjoyable experience. After a peaceful encounter with rhinos, you will go back to the sanctuary head offices for a break and snacks.
More experiences at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary
In addition to the rhinos, Ziwa rhino and wildlife ranch is rich in biodiversity including over 300 species including the shoebill. Among other mammal species include waterbucks, bushbucks, oribi, Uganda kobs, and the endangered pangolin. Those intending to explore the wildlife can go for one more activity before leaving back to Kampala city.
Shoebill trekking
The Lugogo swamp in Ziwa Rhino sanctuary is home to the shoebill among other water bird species such as the woodland kingfisher. Access to swamp is possible by taking a guided canoe ride to search for the pre-historic looking bird. This activity lasts for 1-2 hours depending on the chance of finding the shoebill, which allows more time in the sanctuary.
Nature walks
Nature walks last for 2 hours and a good for those intending to spot the other wildlife species such as warthogs, waterbucks and Uganda kobs.