Rhino Tracking in Uganda

Rhino Tracking in Uganda

Rhino tracking in Uganda on foot occurs only at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary, the only wildlife reserve where Rhinos roam freely in the wild. Tracking Rhinos is amazingly one of the rarest experiences while in the wild. This exceptional and exciting activity of the Rhino exploration happens in Uganda’s wilderness area of Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary located at approximately 176 kilometres in Nakasongola district, north of Kampala along Kampala-Gulu high way towards Murchison falls and it’s the only place where you can track rhinos in the wild while on your safari within the Pearl of Africa. Tracking these endangered species is once a lifetime opportunity that shouldn’t be missed, you can spot over nineteen (19) southern White Rhinos (Ceratotherium simum simum).

Did You Know?

The Southern White Rhinoceros is known to be among the heaviest and largest Terrestrial animals in the Universe. The rhino is the second-largest land animal after the Elephant. The Rhino has a huge body with a very big head, though the neck is short and an extensive chest. An adult female can weigh even up to 1,700 kilograms while an adult male can weigh over 2,000 kilograms. It has 2 horns on the snout, the front horn is larger than the other horn. The females’ horns are usually longer smaller while the Males’ horns are usually shorter and bigger.

The southern white rhinos live in grassland and savannah habitats, they feed on grass an adaptation why their upper lip is adjusted to suit this food type. It is for this reason the white rhino is also known as the Square-lipped rhino due to the shape of its mouth compared with its African cousin, according to Save Rhino.

The Southern White Rhinos nearly went to extinction in the 19-20th Century but now according to the Save Rhino, they are nearly threatened and the population has grown over time. Habitant loss and continued poaching remain the biggest threats to the White Rhinos.

The Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary

The Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary serves as the reintroduction site of the rhinos which had reduced close to extinction within the country by 1970,s due to political instabilities and poaching. However, in 2005 the re-introduction exercise started by the government spearheaded by the Uganda wildlife authority to raise the Rhino fund, Ziwa sanctuary was established for safety and rhinos were re-established back in a natural habitat which extends up to 70 square kilometres comprising of mainly the thickets, woodlands, grasslands and wetlands. With a vision of repopulating the white rhinos to the Ugandan national parks. Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary is currently the only place in Uganda where white rhinos can be found in a natural habitat.

The Rhino Tracking Experience

The Rhino tracking adventure in Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary is also known as the Rhino walk/trekking experience. starts with a briefing at the headquarters then followed by a drive to the white Rhino tracking area. On reaching the tacking zone, you trek on foot accompanied by a guide and rangers through the bushes to the habitat of the white Rhinos. Tracking offers a great chance and thrilling experience as you watch the endangered species at a distance of 6-7 meters feeding and grazing while learning their behaviours as well as taking photographs of the second biggest land animals. The experience lasts for about 2 – 3 hours which makes tracking rhinos at Ziwa sanctuary a great reward as you make a complete list of the big five game in Uganda.

Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary acts as the best stopover on your way to other game parks either Murchison falls national park or Kidepo valley national park, hence complementing the Big five game lovers. While at the Sanctuary there are many other captivating nature experiences you participate in; guided nature walks and bird watching can be a walking experience or canoe riding experience with many species including the shoebill stork.

Where to stay on a rhino walking trip

Have ever imagined sleeping with the Rhinos! Ziwa Rhino camp has at the sanctuary is located just next to the headquarters administration offices. Well-maintained campgrounds with self-contained rooms which have hot showers.
As of 2022 rates, you can camp with your own tent at only $12 per day, while guest rooms range from $20 per person per night to those of $60 per person per night.

Amuka Lodge is a Luxurious Lodge located in the Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary, with wifi and a restaurant that specializes in safari cuisine. With 10 units including 4 family chalets and six standard chalets, each of the chalets is named after the rhinos in the sanctuary. All chalets are completed with large, private verandas where you can lounge on safari chairs and enjoy the sere view of the surroundings.

A room can cost you ranging from $163 to $196 per person per night as per the 2021-2022 rates.