ZIWA RHINO SANCTUARY

Uganda was once a home of the rhinos with numbers cutting through hundreds but during the governments of Idi amin dada and  Obote,  Uganda experienced political instability leading to poachers and lawlessness which caused rhinos to be killed, stolen, and hence extinction from Uganda. Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary was finally established in 2005 to re-introduce southern white rhinos back to their natural habitat in the Murchison Falls. Today, the project has proved to be brilliantly successful and the introduction of 6 Southern white Rhinos has grown to 33 and counting. The mission here is to reintroduce these majestic creatures back into the wild so they can roam the plains and their natural habitats as they had done in the past in a collaborative effort between the Uganda Wildlife Authority (the custodians of the species) and Ziwa Rhino and Wildlife Ranch Limited,

To prove how important this project is, armed rangers guard and monitor the rhinos in the wild 24/7, an electric fence has also been established to keep the rhinos in and the poachers out. This tireless commitment will soon lead to the re-existence of these gentle giants in a place they once called home.

Things to do-Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary

Rhino Tracking

Within 2½ hours this activity with the majestic beasts can be possible. The tracking starts with registration, putting on rubber boots, and a simple drive to the start point. For those who do not have a vehicle you may hire from the headquarters while here, you are briefed and off you go to see the rhinos while on this quest, you may also see Uganda kobs, oribis, bushbucks, water bucks among others, and a number of other bird species. You are advised to come in long pants as the grass may be relatively long due to the swampy nature of the place, insect repellent, water, and long shoes.

Nature Walks

With a well-trained armed guide get an opportunity to see Kobs, duikers, Waterbucks, and Bushbucks plants and trees are often at your disposal to learn about medicinal plants among other things. Nature walks have been recorded to be a natural body relaxer and will draw you close to nature so feel free to enjoy this activity that can be done by most people.

Shoebill tracking and Canoe tour.

The shoebill stork is one of the most wanted birds on every bird watcher’s checklist, with limited places to sight this ancient-looking bird, Ziwa Ranch is one of the recommended power destinations for this quest. Early morning (06H00) shoebill trek and canoe ride through the swamp not only gives you the opportunity to find the shoebill but also other interesting things like insects, and kobs among others and this can take you about 4 hours. What you need for this is good shoes though rubber boots are provided, log pants, insect repellent, water, your camera, and binoculars to start this adventure.

Bird watching

Bird excursion starts at 07H00 to 09H00 and 16H00 to 18H00. The sanctuary has registered above 280 bird species thanks to its savannah, swampy, and woodland nature see birds like the blue spotted dove, white crested turaco, and breasted woodpecker. This activity can take about two hours and you majorly need your binoculars, a camera, sharp long lenses, long pants, great shoes, and insect repellent.

Where to stay

Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary has accommodations located inside the sanctuary, therefore depending on your budget you may consider various classifications that is budget, Midrange. Feel free to work with your operator on which type of accommodation works best for you but also consider making payments in advance, especially for the peak season when availability may be questionable due to high guest turn up, this makes it easy to have a smooth customized safari as all are pre-arranged.

Midrange

Amuka Safari Lodge

The lodge has ten units; four family chalets with three beds – perfect for families and six standard chalets each with one bedroom and bathroom. Each chalet is named after one of our very own rhinos and is designed with hardwood timber and stone. All chalets are complete with large, personal verandas where visitors can lounge on safari chairs and take in the serenity of the surroundings. All chalets are tucked into the woodlands which provides complete privacy

Amuka Lodge specializes in Safari Cuisine which integrates outdoor and indoor cooking and baking. Special meal requirements for vegetarians, vegans, or those with allergies can be catered for upon request. Start your day with a hearty breakfast and a quality cup of world-famous Ugandan coffee, assorted teas, and freshly squeezed fruit juice.

Budget

Ziwa Rhino Lodge

Ziwa rhino lodge gives you a great charm and vibe of the wild. Suited with affordable accommodation that is private and shared indoor facilities. The rooms are named after their own ’The rhinos’ which is exciting as it gives you lots of imagination about particular rhinos since each of them has a wonderful story attached to their living.

The facility uses hydroelectric power and solar as backup meaning phones can be charged. Enjoy your ensuite room with hot water at a start rate of $80pp per night.