Uganda in the earlier years used to be home to many Rhinos distributed in Murchison Falls National Park Uganda’s Largest conservation area and the Pian Upe game reserve however these went extinct in the early ’90s due to the continued poaching and the political instability in the northern Uganda which heavily resulted into animal killing in the Kidepo valley national park and the Murchison falls national park. It was until 2005 that the White Rhinos were reintroduced in a new location the Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary a privately-owned entity put together to protect Rhino species in Uganda, there has been an increasing population of the animals thanks to the conservationists and persistent efforts.
The Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary came as a savior to the species of wildlife and reintroducing the Rhinoceros back into the wild, the project was initiated by Rhino Fund Uganda which also managed to conserve Rhinos, it was started in 2005 with 6 southern white Rhinos Rhinos, the number kept on growing and now the conservation area proudly boats 33 white rhinos. The sanctuary game rangers and the Uganda Wildlife Authority work hand in hand to ensure animal safety and a possible good outcome, this is the only place in the country where you can see white Rhinos, they roam freely in the ecosystem living together with other animals for example antelopes, crocodiles and many species of birds present here.
Rhino tracking is the major activity done within the sanctuary tracking is conducted by an experienced guide and is on foot, you will have the chance to see rhinos up close while observing the 7 meter rule and regulation as per the guidelines it takes 2-3 hours doing this activity as you enjoy animals grazing take pictures and interact. Permits are purchased with the help of your tour operator in order for you to be granted permission into the sanctuary. Rhinos are a member of the big five of the wilderness together with leopards, lions, buffaloes, and elephants, they are distinguished by their striking features and size, they are territorial in nature, and to some extent, this reduces on reproduction of the species.
The incredible count of birds in the national park is amazing there are over 300 birds present in the sanctuary, and there are rangers who a knowledgeable of the ecosystem and always willing to show you around, you need 2 hours to enjoy a birding tour except to see the crested crane, shoe bill, sunbirds to mention a few.
Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary is located en route along the Kampala Gulu highway in the Nakasongola district, it offers an amazing peaceful environment, it is also the one place to meet the critically endangered shoebill stock along the marshy swampy areas. There is available at the Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary, Amuka Safari Lodge beautifully nestled in the woods of Ziwa, these offer amazing guest experiences, at affordable rates, the restaurant serves mouth-watering meals for travelers serving meals from breakfast to dinner. Trips to Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary are combined together with Murchison Falls National Park.