Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary is a private wildlife ranch that is an important conservation area that plays a crucial role in protecting one of Africa’s most endangered species – the white rhinoceros.
Brief History
The white rhinoceros, also known as the square-lipped rhinoceros, is the largest species of rhino and a symbol of strength and resilience in the African wilderness. In 1955, three hundred fifty white rhinos were equally shared between Murchison Falls and Kidepo Valley National Parks. But by the 1960s the number of white rhinos had drastically dropped down to only 80 found in Ajai Wildlife reserve and Murchison Falls National Park. The last documented white rhino population was done in 1982. The swift decline of rhinos was mainly attributed to commercial poaching for Rhino horns used as dagger handles in the Middle East as well as Aphrodisiacs in parts of Asia, which both fetched a pretty penny on the black market. This was made worse by the disorder and mayhem brought forth by bad governance during the rule of Idi Amin. In 2001, the NGO Rhino Fund Uganda bought two-and-a-half-year-old rhinos from Kenya’s Silio Ranch which were then introduced to the Uganda Wildlife Education Centre also known as Entebbe Zoo. This led to the initiation of a longer-term program to reintroduce white rhinos in the wild centered on Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary a former cattle ranch, now surrounded by a 2m high electric fence. In 2005, four southern white rhinos from Kenya were introduced to Ziwa and supplemented with two more individuals from Disney Animal Kingdom in the US a year later.
The Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary provided these magnificent animals a a safe haven where they can thrive and reproduce amidst lush vegetation and abundant water sources. The sanctuary covers an area of 70 square kilometres of untouched woodlands, savannah and wetlands, providing the rhinos with sufficient space to roam and graze.
One of the key features of the Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary is its successful rhino breeding program, which aims to boost the population of these endangered animals and ensure their long-term survival. The sanctuary provides a safe and secure environment for rhinos to breed and raise their young, free from the threat of poaching and other human disturbances. The birth of a rhino calf is always cause for celebration at the sanctuary, as it represents a small but significant step towards rebuilding the rhino population in Uganda and beyond. The last baby rhinos recorded at were 2 male calves born on 13th & 14th April, 2023.
The sanctuary is now home to over 42 rhinos as of 2024 and has become a significant tourist attraction for visitors looking to observe these majestic creatures. The ranch has exciting activities such as Rhino trekking, birding tours, nature hikes, night-time nature walks, a shoe bill trek and a canoe ride.
What to see and do at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary
Rhino Tracking
This 2-hour activity is one of the most anticipated wildlife activities offered at this facility. Rhino tracking is generally done on foot and costs 50/40 for FNR/FR and Ugshs 30,000 for East African Nationals. This cost includes park entrance fees and a ranger guide. You might be required to drive for a short distance to the nearest individuals before the tracking begins. These solitary animals are usually spotted singly but will sometimes be seen with their young which like to stay close to their mothers until they are fully grown. Although you can do a rhino trek at Ziwa at any time, they are best tracked in the early morning and afternoons when it’s a little cool and easier to walk to them up to 30m away. No need to fear to come within their proximity because the white Rhinos are not known to be aggressive.
Shoe Bill Canoe Safari
Aside from rhino tracking, another popular activity done at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary is the Shoe Bill Trek. The shoebill stork is one of the most sought-after birds to be seen in Uganda. And Ziwa is one of the only places that you are almost always guaranteed to see them especially with the park rangers who know exactly where to go to get the best chance of seeing them. This adventure involves driving to the edge of Lugogo swamp, where you are set a canoe ride that starts at 6am through the swamp. This time gives you the best opportunity to see the shoebill and chance to see the beautiful Ugandan sunrise over the edge of Lugogo Swamp. Even if you don’t get to see the shoebill in this location as close as you would have hoped, there are many other water associated birds that can be seen in the swamp. This activity costs 45/40 for FNR/FR and Ugshs 30,000 for East African Nationals including entrance fees.
Birding and Nature walks
This gives one a chance to see both non aquatic birds and large mammals at the Sanctuary while spending quality time with nature. The sanctuary’s diverse habitats are home to over 40 mammal and reptilian species. Some of the mammals such as bush buck, water buck, warthogs, vervet monkeys are common here. The Sanctuary also harbors 300 species of birds. The birds you are sure to find here other than the Shoebill include: The Grey Crowned Crane, African Fish Eagle, the small African Jacana & Pied King fisher, The African Grey Hornbill, The African Pygmy Kingfisher, The Marabou Stork, White Egret, Red Billed Oxpeckers.
Oxpeckers are particularly are known to eat insects, parasites and ticks that would otherwise agitate the rhinos freeing the rhinos from these bothersome creatures. By picking at the rhino skin, they also help the animals with navigation since rhinos have a poor eyesight. This activity costs 40/40 for FNR/FR and Ugshs 30,000 for East African Nationals including entrance fees.
Education & Awareness programs
In addition to the breeding program, the sanctuary also plays a vital role in public education and awareness about rhino conservation. Visitors to the sanctuary are given the opportunity to learn about the plight of the rhinoceros and the importance of protecting these iconic animals for future generations. Guided tours and educational programs provide valuable insights into the behavior, habitat, and conservation status of the white rhinoceros, helping to raise awareness and foster a deeper appreciation for these magnificent creatures.
Community development & awareness initiatives
The Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary is also actively involved in community development initiatives, working closely with local communities to promote sustainable livelihoods and environmental conservation practices. By involving local people in the management and protection of the sanctuary, the project aims to create a sense of ownership and pride in the conservation efforts, leading to greater cooperation and support for the long-term success of the sanctuary.
Tourism plays a crucial role in funding the operations of the Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary, with visitors from around the world flocking to see the rhinos in their natural habitat. Guided walking safaris and rhino tracking experiences offer a unique opportunity to get up close and personal with these magnificent animals, providing an unforgettable wildlife viewing experience for nature enthusiasts and conservationists alike.
Where to stay
The sanctuary also offers comfortable accommodations, luxury chalets and camping opportunities with delicious meals for those wishing to stay for longer periods of time. The lodge reflects the eco-friendly character of the sanctuary, with solar-powered electricity, rainwater harvesting, and sustainable building materials used to minimize the impact on the environment. Guests can relax and unwind in the peaceful surroundings of the sanctuary, soaking in the sights and sounds of the African wilderness while supporting a worthy cause.
How to get there
Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary can be found in Nakasogola district, a three and half hours northwest of Uganda’s Capital Kampala. The ranch makes an excellent stopover for travelers enroute to and from a wild life safari in Murchison Falls giving travelers a chance to see the Big Five: Lion, Leopard, Buffallo, Elephant and Rhino! Murchison Falls National Park is about 1hour away from the Sanctuary.
All in all, the Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary stands as a shining example of successful wildlife conservation and ecotourism in Uganda.
