Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary

Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary, situated in Nakasongola District, is the exclusive habitat of the only wild southern white rhinoceros in Uganda. The rhinoceros reintroduction initiative is a collaboration between the Rhino Fund Uganda and the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA). The Sanctuary is situated 176 km (100 mi) north of Kampala along the Kampala-Gulu highway en route to Murchison Falls National Park. You will diverge at Nakitoma Trading Centre prior to entering the habitat of the southern white rhinos. Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary is the sole location in Uganda where one can observe rhinos in their natural habitat. This will enhance the likelihood of encountering all five of the Big Five safari animals: lions, leopards, buffaloes, elephants, and rhinos.

The sanctuary currently has twenty-two (22) southern white rhinos. The original rhinos were smuggled from Kenya and South Africa to facilitate their reintroduction in Uganda, following their extinction due to poaching. The population is now promising, with the number of rhinos consistently increasing each year. The sanctuary has gained significant popularity among tourists for activities such as rhino trekking, Shoebill stork treks, paddle boat excursions, bird watching, night walking safaris, nature walks, and relaxation.

Remarkable History of Rhinos in Uganda

Uganda had possessed a robust population of both black and northern white rhinos. The catastrophic extinction of all rhinos in Uganda by 1983 resulted from multiple circumstances, namely civil conflict, poaching, and urbanization. Both black and white rhinoceroses are endangered in Uganda due to extensive poaching. Rhinos are slaughtered for their horns, which command exorbitant prices, and there exists a significant illegal commerce for export to the East, where they are highly sought after for their alleged aphrodisiac characteristics. In recent history, black rhinos inhabited extensive areas of northern Uganda, particularly the Lango and Karamoja regions. Currently, white rhinos are exclusively located in Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary, adjacent to Murchison Falls National Park, west of Karamoja. Nonetheless, it is uncertain whether any black rhinos remain.

Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary

Rhino Fund Uganda was established as a non-governmental organization (NGO) in 1997. The initiative was designed to repopulate Uganda with wild rhinoceroses, recognizing that both black and white rhinoceros species are globally endangered. In 1983, both black rhinos and northern white rhinos were declared extinct in Uganda. Consequently, the Fund’s objective was to reintroduce rhinos—an essential component of both ecological and cultural heritage—into Uganda via the breeding and release initiative. Additional information regarding the historical context and breeding practices of rhinoceroses at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary

The 7,000 hectares of savannah and forest within Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary has furnished land for the rhinos. Captain Joe Roy, a Ugandan national, possesses a land usage license that grants exclusive usage rights for a duration of thirty years, subject to renewal. In 2005/6, the initial six southern white rhinos were translocated, comprising four from Kenya and two from Disney Animal Kingdom (USA). While the northern white rhinos were the original inhabitants of Uganda’s national parks, they are now classified as an exotic breed. The inaugural rhino was born in March 2008, four years later. Regrettably, Bella’s infant was stillborn.

On June 24th 2009, they welcomed a healthy male calf, marking the first rhino birth in Uganda in nearly 30 years. He was named Obama, so making history, with his mother hailing from the United States and his father originating from Kenya. The primary purpose of the Rhino Fund is to reintroduce rhinoceroses into Uganda. This project has three parts.

Initial phase: To enhance awareness of rhinoceroses and inform others about their endangered status. To do this, they have imported and transferred two rhinoceroses to the Uganda Wildlife Education Centre (UWEC) in Entebbe and also invite people to the Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary in Nakasongola District.

Phase two: To cultivate a sustainable rhinoceros population within the refuge. Since June 2009, there have been 16 births, resulting in a current total of 21, following the death of Justice, with mating activities continuing. These are the inaugural rhinos born in Uganda in more than three decades. Third phase: to reintegrate rhinos into their native habitat. Upon achieving a sustainable population, rhinos will be translocated to Uganda’s protected regions.

Rhino Tracking Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary

During your tour to the Sanctuary, proficient rangers will escort you on foot through the jungle to the location of the rhinos. You will have the chance to observe these endangered, exquisite animals in their natural environment. This is due to the rhinos’ unrestricted movement around the 7,000 hectares of land, necessitating vehicular travel to their locations prior to embarking on the jungle walk. This excursion is conducted in your personal car; alternatively, you may rent one of Rhino Fund Uganda’s safari vehicles along with a driver by inquiring at the reception for pricing details.

Shoebill expedition and canoe excursion

This is a unique and remarkable activity available in Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary. The Shoebill stork is among the most coveted avian species in Uganda, and the Sanctuary is one of the few locations where sightings of these birds are nearly assured. The most remarkable observation has been 11 in a single excursion, within the adjacent swamp, where these primitive avians consistently nest.

A dawn excursion (06:00 am) featuring a shoebill hike and canoe ride across the swamp offers the chance to observe the shoebill as well as the stunning Ugandan sunrise above Lugogo Swamp.

Bird Watching 

The sanctuary hosts more than 300 avian species, observable throughout the four designated bird routes that traverse woodlands, a marsh, and savannah plains. The bird guides are exceptional; so, this activity is indispensable for avian enthusiasts! During your bird watching excursion, you are likely to observe various different wildlife within the reserve. Spend one or two nights at the sanctuary and appreciate the variety of avian species we host.

Nature walk at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary

Accompany nature and its auditory and olfactory elements while a skilled guide escorts you on a stroll through the verdant bush. The refuge hosts a diverse array of animals, avian species, and reptiles. The guide will impart his expertise on both fauna and flora. If you seek tranquility, this is the activity you should pursue.

Nocturnal walking safaris

The guided nocturnal tour will familiarize you with previously unrecognized night sounds and feelings. This experience is important to your activities at the sanctuary. Numerous nocturnal creatures exist, and one may encounter various species.

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