Rhino Tracking in Uganda at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary

Rhino Tracking in Uganda

Rhino tracking in Uganda can only be done at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary. Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary is the only home to wild rhinos in Uganda and the only place where you can see these creatures, the sanctuary was established purposely to build a sustainable population of rhinos in Uganda and later relocate them to the Uganda protected areas.

Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary was established in 2005 and it covers around 7,000 ha (70 square kilometers), the sanctuary is situated in Nakasongola District near Nakitoma Village in the north of Kampala.

Uganda used to be home to a big number of rhinos in the 90s but due to massive wars in the 1970s, there were serious killings, poaching and hunting and by 1983 there was extinction of rhinos.

In 2005, the sanctuary was established and the rhinos were re-introduced by the Rhino Fund Uganda which is the only place where you can track rhinos on foot, which is really a great and exciting experience as you watch to white rhinoceros.

The sanctuary started started with 6 rhinos but currently the number of rhinos has grown to about 19 individuals, the sanctuary is also home to a number of several bird species, reptiles and 40 mammal species including antelopes, crocodiles, hippos, monkeys among others.

How is Rhino Tracking Done

Rhino tracking at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary is offered in three sessions that is early morning, late afternoon and early evening. So it is up to you as a traveler to choose any time of the day to do rhino tracking.

You need to time your trek with that, remember that watching the rhinos while sleeping is not exciting at all. So, rhino tracking is best done between 8 am to 10 am and 4 pm to 6 pm.

Rhino tracking experience at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary starts with a short briefing about the safety and what to expect, then embark on the actual tracking adventure with your guide and armed rangers. The rhinos are free to move around on the 7000 hectares of land, therefore it is often required to drive to the areas where the rhinos are, before trekking into the bush.

During your trek, you follow your guide while keeping you voice as low as possible, fortunately the terrain at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary is flat but you have to be careful with the occasional acacia thorn.

How Long is Rhino Tracking Experience?

Rhino tracking experience can take from 1½ to 2½ hours, this depends on the location of the rhinos.

As you trek through the sanctuary, you will also see other wildlife, Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary is home to about 40 mammal species and over 300 species of birds. During the trek, your guide whispers a few more safety instructions to you such as stay at least 6-7 meters away, do not use flash and keep your voices low.

All your senses will be on the alert and every sight, sound and scent will be magnified, you are free to walk around the area and take photos as long as you stay near the guide.

From a close distance you can hear them breathe and grunt, coupled with the rhythmic sound of their grazing. In case the rhinos get too close, your guide will instruct you to move back. you will spend up to an hour with the rhinos before they become stressed.

Rhino Tracking Fees at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary 2024

Just like any other Uganda safari activity, below is a table showing Ziwa Rhino Tracking cost inclusive of the sanctuary entrance fees per visit category

Is Rhino Tracking in Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary Safe?

Rhinos are members of the African Big 5 land animals and in Uganda they can only be seen at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary, the term Big Five was coined in the late 1800s during Africa’s colonial period referring to what trophy hunters considered the most dangerous animals to hunt on foot.

Wondering if it is really safe to track wild rhinos on foot is common for travelers and the answer is YES, it is extremely unlike that anything bad ill happen to you on your rhino tracking adventure in Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary. All you need is to follow your ranger guide’s instructions.

Always remember that these are wild rhinos, even if they are living in a fenced area, the premise of tracking wild animals on foot in Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary is dependent on the fact that these massive mammals have very poor eyesight. So the aim is to keep you out of their vision the entire time.

Still, they could hear you but because most of these rhinos have no memories of being threatened by humans, that won’t alarm them.

Best Time to Visit Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary

Tracking rhinos at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary can be done all year – round, however the best time is during the dry seasons in the months of June to August and December to February. During the wet season months of March to November, the sanctuary grounds get extremely soggy and challenging to navigate while tracking the rhinos.

During the rainy season boots are provided by the sanctuary.

Note: if you are tracking rhinos during the rainy season, be mindful of the slippery ground while walking.

On the day of rhino tracking, the best time of the day is during morning hours when the rhinos are active as well as late in afternoons. So you want to plan your rhino tracking safari around that time.

Where to stay while rhino tracking in Uganda

There are only two accommodation options at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary that is the Ziwa Guest House which is budget and Amuka Lodge – luxury option.

How to get to Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary

Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary is located in Nakasongola District about 123 kilometers and 4-5 hours’ drive northwest of Kampala – Uganda’s capital, it is situated near Budongo Forest and Murchison Falls National Park making it the best add-on while on a Uganda Big Safari to Murchison Falls. Also, it is possible to do a 1 day Rhino Tracking Safari to Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary from Kampala or Entebbe.

From Kampala or Entebbe, you drive northwest through quite rural villages and bustling towns, you branch off at Nakitooma in Nakasongora after about a 115 kilometers (4-5 hours) drive. Then divert from the main road for another 7 kilometers drive to Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary.

Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary can also be visited while on Uganda safari to Murchison Falls National Park or Kidepo Valley National Park.