Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary is a private, non-profit, animal sanctuary in Uganda. Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary is a collaborative effort between the Uganda Wildlife Authority, the Rhino Fund Uganda, a Ugandan NGO committed to the restoration of Uganda’s rhinoceros population and Ziwa Ranchers Limited, a private land management company. The sanctuary offers a secure place where rhino populations can be expanded by breeding, protected from human and non-human predators and gradually re-introduced into Uganda’s national parks, while at the same time, allowing the public to enjoy these majestic animals, as the project moves forward.
A team of approximately 78 park rangers and security guards keep a 24-hour watch on the rhinos to ensure their safety. The 70 square kilometers (7,000 ha) sanctuary is surrounded by a 2 metres (6.6 ft) electric fence to keep the rhinos in and the intruders out.
Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary can be visited on a day tour. The Amuka Safari Lodge offers overnight accommodation to travelers looking to a longer stay in the sanctuary. Most Uganda safaris to Murchison Falls National Park also highlight rhino tracking, an interesting adventure activity within the sanctuary.
Location of the Sanctuary
The sanctuary is located approximately 180 kilometers (110 mi), by road, north of Kampala, Uganda’s capital and largest city. This location is near Nakitoma Village, Nakasongola District, in the Kafu River Basin, off the Kampala-Gulu Highway.
Wildlife at the sanctuary
The sanctuary is home to at least 40 mammal and reptilian species including monkeys, antelopes, hippopotamuses, crocodiles and numerous bird species. Presently the sanctuary is home to fifteen (15) southern white rhinos. Tourist facilities at the sanctuary include a safari lodge, guest house, budget accommodation, and camp grounds. The accommodations are two separate businesses and both have restaurants that offer meals to tourists. In addition to on foot rhino trekking, tourist activities include birding, canoe rides and nature walks.
Activities at the Rhino Sanctuary
Rhino Tracking
The sanctuary provides well trained rangers who will ably guide you through this expedition. You will have the opportunity to observe the rhinos at a very close and safe distance. While at the sanctuary you will also encounter a range of other wildlife species including Uganda kobs, reed bucks, oribis, rich bucks, hippos and crocodiles.
Bird watching
The Sanctuary is also home to over 250 bird species and is a great sport for avid birders interested in finding those rare African species. Experienced bird guides will enable you enjoy this experience.We have four bird trails within the sanctuary which cover Woodlands, Swamp and Savannah. Our bird guides are excellent and this is an activity that cannot be missed.
Guided Nature walks
Guided nature walks will enable you to experience the geography, fauna and flora of this beautiful part of Uganda. On a guided tour in the sanctuary, a local guide will share his knowledge of not only the animals but the botany and vegetation as well.