The Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary is a special place worth visiting. It is home to white rhinos and is located in Nakasongola District. Ziwa is the only place in Uganda where you can find white rhinos, as they became extinct in Murchison Falls National Park and Kidepo Valley National Park due to poaching and civil unrest in the 1980s.
Today, Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary plays an important role in conservation, tourism, and education for those who want to learn more about rhinos.
The government of Uganda, together with Rhino Fund Uganda and the Uganda Wildlife Authority, established the sanctuary to help reintroduce white rhinos into the country.
The sanctuary was set up in 2005, and the first rhinos were brought in from Kenya. Since then, the population has grown to over 30 rhinos.
Visitors to Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary can enjoy guided rhino trekking. This experience gives tourists the chance to see rhinos up close in their natural habitat.
The trek is done on foot and led by trained guides who share helpful information about the rhinos.
White rhinos are different from black rhinos. They have wide, square-shaped lips that are perfect for grazing on grass. They are also more social with people than black rhinos.
The sanctuary is protected by a team of rangers who guard the area day and night. They also make sure the rhinos stay healthy.
Each rhino has a name, and during the trek, the rangers will share stories about their personalities and habits.
In addition to rhino trekking, tourists can enjoy bird watching. The sanctuary is home to over 300 bird species found in the savannah and wetlands.
Visitors can also take part in guided nature walks to explore the natural beauty of the sanctuary.
Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary is easy to reach from Kampala, especially for tourists on their way to Murchison Falls National Park. The drive takes about 3 to 4 hours, and the sanctuary is located just a short distance off the main road.
If you want to stop at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary, it is a good idea to ask your tour operator to include it in your trip plan before heading to Murchison Falls.
The best time to visit is during the dry seasons, from June to August and from December to February.
There are several accommodation options near the sanctuary, including Anika Safari Lodge, Ziwa Rhino Lodge, Sugarcane Lodge and Campsite, and Rhino Guest House.
Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary is a great place to support rhino conservation while enjoying peaceful time in nature.
Explore Lake Kyoga, a calm and beautiful lake in central Uganda.
