Rhino Trekking Uganda

Rhino Trekking Uganda at Ziwa Rhino and Wildlife Ranch 

Rhino Trekking in Uganda is only done at the Ziwa Rhino and Wildlife Ranch. This place is the only one in Uganda where rhinos are found in the wild. The second area to see rhinos in the Pearl of Africa is at the Uganda Wildlife Education Centre (UWEC), commonly known as Entebbe Zoo, where these big five animals are under confinements. Rhino tracking at this sanctuary is usually done as an en route activity to or from the Murchison Falls National Park.

Ziwa rhino trekking Uganda

On the other hand, rhino tracking can also be done as a one day tour from Kampala. Tourists drive from Kampala to the ranch, track rhinos, have lunch and then return later in the afternoon or evening hours.

Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary found in Nakasongola district is one of the tourist attractions in central Uganda. It is under the Rhino reintroduction project by the Rhino Fund Uganda and Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA). The rhino ranch is suitably positioned 176 km about 100 miles, north of Kampala city on the Kampala – Gulu highway. This is the same route  to Murchison Falls National Park for Uganda safaris and tours. At present, the sanctuary is home to 15 southern white rhinos. The area has become progressively prevalent with sightseers for rhino trekking, nature walks, relaxation and birding.

Ziwa Rhino and Wildlife Ranch also offer skilled rangers who will capably escort you through this tracking excursion. At the ranch, you will have the chance to see the rhinos at a close, safer space. While at this tourist site, you will also come across an assortment of other flora and fauna species. These include the oribis, Uganda kobs, rich bucks, reed bucks, crocodiles and hippos among others.

Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary Rates 2019/2020

To enter and trek white rhinos at the Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary, visitors are charged some small fees as indicated below. Some of the money collected goes to the rhino conservation efforts.

Adults                                                                                 Children

Adults – Non Residents $50 per person                      Children – Non Residents $25 each

East African Adult Residents $40 each                       Children – East African Residents $20 per person

Ugandan Adults Shillings 30,000/ per person         Ugandan Children Shs 10,000/ per person

son

What Animals are in the Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary?

Besides rhinos, Ziwa is also habitat to almost 40 other mammal species, including crocodiles, hippos, leopards, oribis, bush buck and around 300 species of birds that can be observed with a game drive, canoe cruise or night walk. So when you visit the ranch, expect to see lots of wildlife beyond rhinos.

What Activities are done at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary?

Among activities or things to do around Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary include Rhino trekking, birding tours, nature hikes, night-time nature walks and a shoebill trek plus canoe ride as explained below.:-

Uganda Rhino Trekking on Foot at Ziwa

When you visit the rhino ranch, there are professionally rained rangers who will lead you on foot through the bush to the locations of the rhinos on that day. You will have a chance to spot the endangered, impressive giant herbivores in their natural habitat. The rhinos on this massive ranch freely move on the 7,000 hectares of land, So at times, its always convenient to drive to the areas where the rhinos are than or prior to making the bush walk. The game drive is done in your own safari vehicle even though you can hire one by the Rhino Fund Uganda at the ranch.

Shoebill Trek and Canoe Cruise

This is another incredibly amazing activity, one of its kind, that is doable at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary. The shoebill stork, also known as Balaeniceps rex/ Whale head is one of the most sought after birds in Africa and Uganda in particular. The shoebill has medium blue grey feathers with a tail that has same color as the wings and when flying its legs extend straight back far past the tail and the neck draws back. The sanctuary is among the places in Uganda one is guaranteed to see the shoebill. Another popular destination for shoebill stork sighting is the Mabamba Swamp in Wakiso district near Entebbe where daily 1 day shoebill tours attract dozens of visitors to the marshland on birding adventure.

At Ziwa, the best sighting for the Shoebill has been 11 birds in just one trip around the swamp. An early morning shoebill trek and canoe cruise through the swamp will offer with an opportunity to observe the rare shoebill and also see the amazingly beautiful sunrise in Uganda at the Lugogo swamp. However, such a morning wildlife adventure is possible when you have had a night before at Amuka Lodge, a nice accommodation facility at Ziwa Rhino ranch,

Bird Watching at Ziwa Rhino Ranch

Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary is a home to over 300 species of birds and these can be seen along the four bird trails within the sanctuary characterized by woodlands, swamps and Savannah plains. The bird guides at the ranch are knowledgeable about bird life making the activity further enjoyable as visitors see and learn a lot. Apart from birds, you will by chance see other wild animals around the area while on your birding adventure. Stay a night or two around Ziwa and enjoy the spotting of an array of bird species.

Guided Nature Walks at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary

Enjoy nature, its sounds and smells at Ziwa as the guide take you on a walk through the lush green bush. The sanctuary is home to a variety of animals, birds and reptiles, expect the guide to share his understanding of animals, botany and vegetation at best.

Night Walking Safaris at Ziwa Ranch

Ziwa ranch is home to many nocturnal animals and the best way to see them is with a night walk between 8 pm and 11 pm. During such nature walks, you will be accompanied by a ranger to ensure your safety plus a guide knowledgeable about the plant and animal life at the sanctuary. The guided night walk will introduce to you night sensations and sounds you did not realise existed! A Ziwa night walk is an experience you cannot afford to miss while touring the ranch as its an excellent opportunity to see nocturnal animals like the bush babies, genets, and owls among others.

UGANDA TOUR PACKAGES WITH RHINO TRACKING SAFARIS

Rhino Trekking Uganda

1 Day Rhino Trekking Trip to Ziwa Ranch

Book and enjoy a one-day Rhino safari to Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary. The tour to the only rhino site in Uganda begins and ends in Kampala in the evening.

Murchison Falls Safari

3 Days Uganda Tour to Murchison Falls National Park

This safari involves Rhino Trekking en route at Ziwa Rhino Ranch plus a game drive excursion, boat cruise on River Nile as well as a hike to the magnificent Top of the Falls.

12 Days Safaris, Rhino and Primates Trekking

This Uganda Holiday involving Rhino Tracking, game drive, boat cruises, nature walks, chimps trekking tours and a gorilla trekking safari in Bwindi Forest.

Rhino Tracking Uganda

Like you see the rhino tracking packages, we can organise for you 1 day tour from Kampala in the morning and return in the evening. Or else we can make an inclusion of rhino tracking in the safari package and insert it at either the begining or end based of the trip itself. The Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary tour in Uganda if not done alone for one day, is usually included in the 2 or 3 days Uganda safaris to Murchison Falls National Park.