Visit Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary, now called Ziwa Rhino and Wildlife Ranch in Uganda!
Ziwa Rhino and Wildlife Ranch- Rhino Trekking – Birding-Nature Walks-Nocturnal Walks:
Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary Rhino Trekking on Foot in Uganda: This is the only place in Uganda where you can see Rhinos in the wild. That is also referred to as Ziwa Rhino and Wildlife Ranch.
Rhino Trekking on Foot is a popular and must-do activity, especially for those coming to or from Murchison Falls National Park. Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary provides the perfect break in the five-hour drive to or from Murchison Falls Park.
Visitors can stay a half or full day at Amuka Lodge, located within the 7,000-hectare Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary.
Besides Rhino Trekking, visitors can take guided Nature or Birding walks and even nocturnal walks where they encounter the Creatures of the Night. One can also boat the Lugogo Swamp and see the various Waterbirds, including the popular Shoebill.
Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary History and Background:
The 7,000-hectare Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary began in 1983 as Ziwa Ranch. It was a cattle ranch owned by Captain Roy and his family. The farm was home to 7,00 exotic cattle relocated when Captain Roy and his family decided to be part of the Uganda Rhino repopulation project. |&,00 head of cattle were relocated to make room for the Uganda Rhino Repopulation project.
The Rhino Re-introduction Project at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary was a joint project between Rhino Fund Uganda and the Roy family. Six southern white rhinos were introduced to Ziwa back in 2006. But, since then, there have been 26 Rhino births, bringing our number to 32. Presently, Ziwa is the only place in Uganda where you can see rhinos in the wild.
The Sanctuary has become increasingly popular with tourists who visit Rhino Trekking, Shoebill Trek and Canoe Ride, Bird Watching, Night Walk, Nature Walk, and Relaxation while staying at Amuka Lodge.
Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary Rhino Trekking on Foot in Uganda
Rhino Trekking on Foot at Ziwa Rhino and Wildlife Ranch:
Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary is much like Murchison Falls Park. Rhinos existed in this central area before Uganda went through some turbulent times when wildlife was poached freely, and poachers in Uganda eliminated the Rhino.
Today, Ziwa Rhinoceros Sanctuary is where you can track the southern white rhinos on foot. Well-trained and experienced Uganda Wildlife Rangers will guide you to where the rhinos are on the day of your visit.
You can watch these endangered, magnificent creatures in their natural habitat. As these rhinos are free to move around on 7,000 hectares of land, driving to the rhinos’ areas is often necessary before taking the bush trek. This drive is done in your Kabiza Wilderness Safari Vehicle,
While at the Sanctuary, you may also encounter other wildlife species, including Uganda Kobs, oribis, bushbucks, waterbucks, and many other bird species.
Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary Rhino Trekking on Foot in Uganda
A Firsthand Account of Rhino Trekking on Foot in Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary
I had always dreamt of going on a safari in Africa, and when I finally got the chance to visit Uganda, I knew that I had to go on a Rhino
Trekking adventure. I had heard about the Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary and how it was home to the only wild rhinos in the country, so I decided to include it in our Safari in Uganda.
I was ready for the long-awaited adventure on Rhino Trekking Day. I met the ranger guide, who was very friendly and knowledgeable. He briefed me on the trekking rules and safety precautions, and then we set off into the Sanctuary.
As we walked through the bush, my heart was racing with excitement. I couldn’t wait to see the rhinos up close. My guide pointed out different animal tracks, birds, and plants along the way, which made the trek even more enjoyable.
After about an hour of walking, we finally spotted a group of rhinos grazing in the distance. My heart skipped a beat as we slowly approached them. We got within a few meters of them, and I was amazed at how huge and majestic they looked.
My guide told me about each Rhino’s unique features and personality. I learned that they were all named and monitored closely by the Sanctuary’s rangers to ensure their safety.
After observing the rhinos, we continued our trek, and I felt like I was walking in a different world. The sounds of the bush, the fresh air, and the beautiful scenery all around me made me feel alive.
The trek lasted about three hours, and we covered much ground. I was tired, but I felt exhilarated. Seeing the rhinos in their natural habitat was an unforgettable experience, and I was grateful to have had the opportunity to witness it.
As we headed back to the Sanctuary’s headquarters, I knew this was one adventure I would never forget. The Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary Rhino Trekking on Foot in Uganda exceeded my expectations, and I was grateful for the chance to experience it… Katie C. USA
This activity is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity and should not be missed!
Your guide is there to keep you safe from harm, so listening to the safety briefing he gives you is particularly important. The on-foot trek is about ninety minutes long, depending on the location of the rhinos. You will need to wear sturdy shoes or hiking boots with woolen socks. You also must wear long trousers, a long-sleeved shirt, and a hat. Have a daypack with bottled water, photographic equipment, and anything else. Be sure to wear an effective insect repellent.
Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary Additional Activities:
Rhino Trekking is the main attraction for tourists at Ziwa Rhino and Wildlife Ranch. The other activities you can do here are often missed, such as wildlife or bird-watching nature walks, nocturnal walks, and exploring the Lugogo Swamp by boat. You can easily spend two more three days at the Amuka Lodge in the middle of Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary.
Other activities to do at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary!
See the Shoebill and Other Birds and Wildlife in Lugogo Swamp:
Lugogo Swamp is a wetland area in central Uganda’s Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary. The swamp covers an area of approximately 30 hectares and is an essential habitat for various plant and animal species.
The swamp is home to a diverse range of wildlife, including several species of birds, amphibians, reptiles, and mammals. Some of the notable species found in the swamp include the Shoebill, the papyrus yellow warbler, the sitatunga antelope, and the rare and elusive swamp-dwelling otter.
In Uganda, one of the most sought-after birds in Africa is the shoebill stork, which is not a Stork but part of the pelican family.
Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary and Wildlife Ranch are the only places where you are always almost guaranteed to see the shoebill storks. The most sightings of the stork have been eleven on one canoe ride in Lugogo Swamp.
An early morning (6:00 am) shoebill trek and canoe ride through Lugogo Swamp allows you to find the Shoebill and see the beautiful Ugandan sunrise over Lugogo Swamp. The canoeing activity can also be done in the late afternoon toward sunset.
Waterbirds are plentiful, and this activity is necessary for anyone who loves nature or is interested in birding.
As this activity is so early in the morning, you must spend the night at Amuka Lodge as you cannot enter the Sanctuary before 07:30.
The Sanctuary contains over three hundred bird species! Four bird trails within the sanctuary cover woodlands, swamps, and savannahs. The birding guides are excellent, and this is an activity that bird lovers cannot miss. While doing your bird walk, you will see some other wildlife in the Sanctuary.
The Sanctuary has become a favorite, with Birders visiting Uganda. Birding is often overlooked but not to-be-missed activity at Ziwa Sanctuary.
Spend a night at Amuka Lodge and enjoy the feathered friends seen on a Birding Walk at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary and Wildlife Ranch.
How much time do you need: at least two hours morning or late afternoon
What you need: Closed shoes, water, long pants, and insect repellent.
Guided Nature Walks:
You can spend the day hiking in the Sanctuary’s wilderness, encountering bushbuck, gray duiker, oribi, waterbuck, reedbuck, hartebeest, mongoose, ground squirrels, vervet monkeys, black and white Colobus, and various reptiles such as giant monitor lizards, butterflies, and fascinating insects.
Be at one with nature and its sounds and smells. One of the well-trained guides will take you on a walk through our lush bush. Who knows what you will see? The Sanctuary is home to various animals, birds, reptiles, and wildlife.
The guide will share his knowledge of the animals, botany, and vegetation.
African Nature walks are informative, and those participating find them a learning experience.
Recommended times: Early mornings and late afternoons.
How much time do you need: Two to three hours
What you need: Closed shoes, water, long pants, and insect repellent
Guided Nocturnal WalksNight Walks: Guided night walks are available for visitors who want to experience the Sanctuary’s wildlife after dark. This is an excellent opportunity to see nocturnal animals such as bush babies, genets, and owls.
The guided night walk will introduce you to the African night sounds. You will sense things that you did not know existed. This is an experience you cannot exclude from your activities in the Sanctuary.
There are many nocturnal animals, and who knows what you might bump into, from leopards to warthogs and anything in between. Another rewarding experience that you will find only at Ziwa.
This is the only night walk on the Savannah in Uganda. Uganda Wildlife Authority Rangers guide it inside the 7200-hectare Sanctuary.
Recommended times: from eight to eleven pm.
How much time do you need: 2½ hours
What you need: Closed shoes, water, long pants, insect repellent, and a flashlight
This is one of your Safaris, unforgettable experiences.
Where to stay while visiting Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary
Amuka Safari Lodge:
Spend a day or stay overnight at Amuka Lodge at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary – a destination off the map for most, but put it on yours. If you go to Murchison Falls Park, Ziwa allows you to see all the big five animals and more.
Amuka Lodge is known for giving visitors a comfortable stay in one of their tented cottages. There is also a swimming pool for you to enjoy while staying here.
The Food at Amuka Safari Lodge is some of the best you will have while on a Safari in Uganda.
Amuka Lodge is the only lodge in Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary that qualifies as an upper midrange or lower upmarket spa.
An overnight stay cuts down the drive time to Kampala from Murchison Falls or is also a terrific location for an overnight on the way to or from Kidepo Valley Park.
Your visit is for a worthy cause since all fees support the Rhino Fund Uganda – Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary – a rare opportunity to see Rhinos up close.
Getting to Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary:
Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary is the perfect spot to break the six-hour journey from Entebbe to Murchison Falls Park. At Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary, you can stay overnight or have lunch and track the Rhinos on Foot.
Please let us know if you want to include the Things to Do and See – Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary in your Safari by using the form below:
