On the night of 18^th August, 2019, Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary welcomed a new born baby rhino. This latest addition brings the total number of rhinos at the sanctuary to 29. Great job and conservations efforts to save the rhino are paying off.

Ziwa Rhino and Wildlife Sanctuary:

The Ziwa rhino sanctuary is located in Nakasongola district, on an expanse of 7,000ha of savannah and woodlands, a perfect place for the rhinos to thrive. This is the only place where one can see wild white rhinos in Uganda. The sanctuary is managed by the Rhino Fund Uganda.

The Rhino Fund Uganda is a Non Governmental Organization created in 1997. It’s main objective is to repopulate Uganda’s national parks with wild rhinos in the future. Currently, both rhinoceros breeds (black and Northern White Rhinos) are globally endangered. In Uganda, both rhino breeds were extinct by 1983. Therefore, the Rhino Fund’s sole purpose is to return rhinos back in Uganda; through their breeding and release program.

How it all began:

In 2005/6, the first 6 southern white rhinos (4 from Kenya and 2 from Disney Animal Kingdom USA) were trans-located into Uganda. After four years, the first rhino was born in March 2008. Unfortunately, it was stillborn. The next year marked a turning point for the sanctuary – a healthy male calf was born, making history by being the first rhino born in Uganda in 30 years. And since then, the number of rhinos at the sanctuary has been on the rise. Currently there are 29 rhinos.

Activities at the Ziwa Rhino Fund:

Rhino Tracking on foot: This gives the visitor a once in a lifetime opportunity to trek the rhinos on foot. Well trained rangers are there to guide you through the bush and keep you safe!

Rhino trek activity costs $50 USD for adults (adult = 13 years and above) and $25USD for children (6- 12 years).

What to carry for rhino tracking at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary:  

• insect repellant
• closed shoes
• long pants
• drinking water
• camera.

Bird Watching: For bird lovers, the sanctuary provides a great opportunity to add bird watching to the rhino trek tour. The sanctuary is home to over 300 bird species.

Bird watching cost: $35 USD for adults (13 years and above) and $18 USD for children (6 – 12 years)

What to carry for bird watching at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary: *

• insect repellant
• closed shoes
• long pants
• binoculars
• drinking water
• camera.

Shoebill Trek and Canoeing: This is also a popular activity at the sanctuary. The shoebill is a most sought after bird for bird lovers and the sanctuary is one of the places where the shoebill can be seen.

The shoebill trek begins early in the morning at 6:00AM, with a canoe ride on the Lugogo swamp. There are lots of other water bird species as well.

Visitors are given gumboots; which help you move around the mash easily.

Shoebill Trek Cost: $35 USD for adults (13 years and above) and $18 USD for children (6 – 12 years)

What to carry for shoebill trek at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary:

• insect repellant
• closed shoes
• long pants
• drinking water
• binoculars
• camera.

Other activities at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary include: guided nature walks and night walks.