Ziwa Rhino and Wildlife Ranch located in Nakasongola district is the proud home of the only wild rhinos in Uganda. The Rhino re-introduction project is a project of Rhino Fund Uganda and Uganda Wildlife Authority. Conveniently located 176km (100 miles) north of Kampala on the Gulu highway towards Murchison Falls (branch off at Nakitoma Trading centre). Ziwa is the only place where you will be able to see rhinos in the wild.
Presently the sanctuary is home to twenty two (22) southern white rhinos. The sanctuary has become increasingly popular with tourists; for Rhino Trekking, Shoe bill Trek and Canoe Ride, Bird Watching, Night Walk, Nature Walk and Relaxation.
On Foot Rhino Trekking
The only place to see wild rhinos in Uganda! Enter the territory of the southern white rhinos on foot. Well-trained rangers will guide you through the bush to where the rhinos are on the day of your visit.
You will get the opportunity to watch these endangered, magnificent creatures in their natural habitat. As these rhinos are free to move around on 7 000 hectares of land, it is often necessary to drive to the areas where the rhinos are, before taking the bush trek. This drive is done in your own vehicle; however, you can hire one of Rhino Fund Uganda’s vehicles and a driver, just ask at reception for the costs.
While at the sanctuary you may also encounter a range of other wildlife species including Uganda Kobs, oribi, bush bucks, water bucks among others and a number of other bird species. This activity is a once in a lifetime opportunity and should not be missed! Your guide is there to keep you safe from harm so listening to the safety briefing he gives you is very important. Recommended times: 08H00 to 10H00 or 16H00 to 18H00 (but it is available all day) How much time you need: 1½ to 2½ hours (depends on location of rhinos) what you need: Closed shoes, long pants, water and insect repellent.
Shoe Bill Trek and Canoe Ride
One of the most sought after birds to be seen in Uganda is the shoe bill stork. This is one of the only places that you are almost always guaranteed to see the storks. The best sighting has been 11 in one trip! Within our swamps, these prehistoric-looking birds are nesting.
An early morning (06H00) shoe bill trek and canoe ride through the swamp not only gives you the opportunity to find the shoe bill, but also to see the beautiful Ugandan sunrise over Lugogo Swamp. Water birds are plentiful and this activity is a must for anyone who loves nature or is interested in birding. As this activity is so early in the morning, you must stay the night as you are unable to enter the sanctuary before 07H30. Recommended time: 06H00 to 10H00. How much time you need: Approximately 4 hours. What you need: Closed shoes, water, long pants and insect repellent
Birding Walk
The sanctuary contains over 300 bird species! There are four bird trails within the sanctuary which cover woodlands, swamp and savannah. The bird guides are excellent and this is an activity that cannot be missed by bird lovers! You will probably get to see some of the other game on the sanctuary while doing your bird walk. Spend a night or two on the sanctuary and enjoy the array of feathered friends we have. Best times for this activity: 07H00 to 09H00 and 16H00 to 18H00. How much time you need: 2 hours. What you need: Closed shoes, water, long pants and insect repellent
Guided Nature Walk
Be at one with nature and its sounds and smells! One of the well-trained guides will take you on a walk through our lush bush. Who knows what you will see, the sanctuary is home to a wide variety of animals, birds and reptiles.
The guide will share his knowledge of not only the animals but the botany and vegetation as well. If you are looking to unwind in the quiet, this is the activity you need to do. Recommended times: Any time between 07H30 and 16H30. How much time you need: Approximately 2 hours. What you need: Closed shoes, water, long pants and insect repellent
Night Walk
The guided night walk will introduce to you night sounds and sensations you did not know existed! This is an experience you cannot exclude from your activities on the sanctuary. There are many nocturnal animals and who knows what you might bump into. Recommended times: 20H30 to 23H00. How much time you need: Approximately 2½ hours. What you need: Closed shoes, water, long pants, insect repellent and a flashlight