Things to do at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary – Activities to do at Ziwa

Ziwa Rhino and Wildlife Ranch, also known as Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary, is a must-visit tourist destination for anyone looking to experience Uganda’s rich wildlife, especially the Big Five African Animals. Located in the Nakasongola district, the sanctuary is the only place in the country where visitors can embark on a thrilling foot rhino-tracking expedition. Besides Rhino tracking, there are several Things to do at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary (Activities to do at Ziwa) that will keep you excited during your safari in Uganda.

For nature lovers, Ziwa is a perfect place to visit for opportunities to connect with Nature up close. The main attraction of the sanctuary is its thriving rhino population, which is a result of the Rhino re-introduction project by Rhino Fund Uganda and the Uganda Wildlife Authority. The rhinos in Uganda are an endangered species and thanks to this project, the population has been increasing steadily. This project has enabled the sanctuary to become the only place in Uganda where rhinos can be found in the wild. Anyone traveling to Uganda and is interested in seeing the African Big Five Animals, will have to combine their safari with a visit to Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary for rhino sightings.

Visitors to the Ziwa Rhino and Wildlife Ranch can also expect to encounter a diverse range of other wildlife, including monkeys, antelopes, and various bird species.

Location of Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary

The Sanctuary is conveniently located just 176km (100 miles) from Kampala, Uganda’s capital, on the Gulu highway. It can be accessed by road and is situated just off Nakitoma trading center on the same highway towards Murchison Falls National Park. With its stunning natural surroundings and abundant wildlife, Ziwa Rhino and Wildlife Ranch is a must-visit destination for anyone looking to experience the best of Uganda’s natural beauty.

Here are the Best things (Activities to do in Ziwa) – Things to do at Ziwa

1. Rhino tracking in Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary  

The Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary is currently home to 22 southern white rhinos, making it the only place in Uganda where you can see these magnificent creatures in the wild. Rhino tracking is one of the most popular activities (Best activities) in the sanctuary, and it offers a relaxing and family-friendly experience that can be enjoyed by individuals of all ages. Tracking Rhinos on foot is an enriching experience as you will get a clear view of other small wildlife species resident in the Sanctuary.

Rhino Tracking Experience in Ziwa 

The rhino tracking activity is led by well-trained ranger guides who lead you on foot through the rhino habitat. The tour begins with a briefing on the dos and don’ts of rhino tracking, followed by a drive to the location where the rhinos are. Visitors can then enjoy a leisurely walk through the scenic habitat, which spans over 7000 hectares of land.

During your rhino tracking safaris, you will also see several other wildlife species residents in the Sanctuary. Apart from the southern white rhinos, the sanctuary is also home to other wildlife species, including the Uganda kobs, oribis, waterbucks, and bushbucks, among others. Several bird species can also be seen at the sanctuary. You can expect to see a variety of wildlife as you trek through the sanctuary.

The best time for visiting the rhinos is either in the morning between 08:00 am to 10:00 am or in the evening between 16:00 pm to 18:00 pm. The duration of the trek may vary but it usually lasts between 1 hour 30 min to 2 hours 30 min, depending on where the rhinos are spending their day. For a comfortable and safe trek,  wear closed shoes, and long pants and carry water and insect repellent. Rhino Tracking in Ziwa requires a tracking permit.

1. Shoebill trek and canoe ride

The shoebill stork, also known as the whale-headed stork, is a prehistoric bird species that is highly sought-after by bird enthusiasts and wildlife lovers when traveling to Uganda. This unique bird is usually found in places with water, such as swamps, marshes, and wetlands. For bird lovers interested in sighting this majestic bird, one of the best places to visit is Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary. One of the things to do at Zira is Shoebill tracking. You will spot the elusive shoebill stork, on your safari to Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary.

At Ziwa, you have a good chance of seeing the shoebill stork, with up to 10 of them being spotted on lucky days. To maximize your chances of seeing this magnificent bird, the early morning shoebill trek and canoe ride are highly recommended. This activity is best suited for catching a glimpse of the sunrise and spotting the shoebill stork in action.

1. Bird watching – Things to do at Ziwa

Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary is a nature lover’s paradise, especially for those who love bird watching. With over 300 bird species to observe, it is a must-visit destination for avid bird watchers. The sanctuary boasts four bird sighting trails that cover different habitats including woodlands, swamps, and savannah.

The bird-watching safaris usually take approximately 2 hours. For a comfortable experience wear closed shoes and long pants. We also recommend you carry water and insect repellent. These items will protect you from any unwanted encounters with insects or other elements of nature while you are out exploring the sanctuary.

1. Night walk 

While at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary, embark on an exciting and unforgettable guided night walk. This will introduce you to the fascinating sounds and sensations of the nocturnal world. This is an experience that you simply cannot afford to miss during your visit to the sanctuary. As you explore the lush bush, you’ll encounter a diverse array of nocturnal animals, some of which you may have never seen before. Who knows what kind of creatures you might come across?

As you journey through the sanctuary, you’ll have the opportunity to fully immerse yourself in the sights, sounds, and smells of nature. Your knowledgeable guide will be on hand to lead you through the sanctuary’s vibrant ecosystem, sharing insights on the various animals, birds, and reptiles that call this place home, as well as the different types of botany and vegetation that thrive here.

If you’re looking for a peaceful and meditative experience, a Night walk is the perfect activity for you. You’ll have the chance to unwind in the serene surroundings of the sanctuary, away from the hustle and bustle of daily life.

Combining Ziwa with Murchison Fall National Park 

For travelers who’re planning a Uganda safari to Murchison Falls National Park, we recommend you include some of the amazing activities offered at the Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary. This will give you the chance to see all the big five in one short tour, making it a truly memorable experience. If you’re interested in exploring other parts of East Africa, Acacia Safaris can tailor a variety of safaris to meet your needs, from Rwanda gorilla safaris to Kenya safaris, to Tanzania safaris, all at very affordable rates.

A visit to Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary is an unforgettable experience that offers visitors a chance to get up close and personal with these endangered creatures in their natural habitat.

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