Do nature walks in Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary spark your interest? Indeed, Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary, situated near Murchison Falls National Park in the Nakasongola region is the only place in Uganda where southern white rhinos may be found. Rhinos live on a 70 square kilometer plot of land where they graze throughout the day on the dense vegetation, especially tree leaves.
Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary is a vegetated area of savannah and forest that serves as a habitat for various species. Although the area was gazetted for rhinos, it is also home to a variety of birds, animals, and primates. One of the more private ways to see the various attractions that have been documented in Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary is to go on a guided nature walk.
The Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary’s nature walks
Participating in the nature walk activities is the greatest way to see the various wildlfe species found in Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary. During guided nature walks in Ziwa, visitors use several trails to look for sights while being escorted by armed ranger guides. Throughout the entire activity, armed ranger guides ensure the safety of both visitors and animals.
The rangers at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary provide a briefing before the nature walks begin, outlining the guidelines for the activity. Following the briefing, visitors can follow the rangers to several locations inside the sanctuary where they can get up close and personal with wildlife.
In order to explore the many attractions in Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary, visitors might spend two to three hours on nature hikes. Among other things, visitors may witness birds, animals, primates, and many flora kinds on the nature walks. Antelopes, monkeys, hippos, rhinos, and crocodiles are among the animals that may be seen at Ziwa.
What is the cost of Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary’s nature walks?
Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary nature walks are paid for, same as those in any other Ugandan protected area. Foreign residents and non-residents pay $20 for nature walks at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary, whereas inhabitants of East African member states only pay UGX20,000. Visa, Mastercard, and mobile money can be used to pay the costs at the sanctuary’s gate.
Other activities to do in Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary
Rhino tracking
In 2002, Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary was gazetted to accommodate the southern white rhinos. The primary purpose of Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary is to protect southern white rhinos, and rhino tracking is the primary activity conducted there. Rhino tracking is done by visitors who are interested in viewing rhinos in their natural environment.
At Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary, rhino tracking takes place for two to three hours per season. The rangers provide an explanation at the beginning of the activity so that visitors may learn about the guidelines for tracking. Since rhinos roam freely, it takes a few minutes to see them in the bush, where they are led by armed range guides.
Tourists are allowed to spend time with the southern white rhinos and watch them go about their everyday lives when they are spotted. To name a few activities, rhinos may be seen mating, grazing, nursing, and grazing. The program ends when visitors return to the starting locations after enjoying their time with the rhinos.
Bird Watching in Ziwa
Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary is a fantastic place to go bird watching because it has over 300 different species of birds. They may see the birds while using various birding routes since they inhabit the savannah and marshy environment. Throughout the excursion, the birders are led by armed ranger guides who ensure their safety from any potentially hazardous situations.
African green pigeon, marico sunbird, long-crested eagle, red knobbed coot, African broadbill, semi-colored flycatcher, olive sunbird, specked weaver, long-tailed cormorant, African paradise flycatcher, pin-tailed whydah, and great blue turaco are among the birds of Ziwa rhino sanctuary.
Among them are the following: African blue flycatcher, grey-backed fiscal shrike, martial eagle, flapped lark, pearl-spotted owlet, giant kingfisher, lizard buzzard, green crombec, lizard ground hornbill, spotted eagle owl, barn swallow, hadada ibis, black-headed gonolek, and scared ibis.
Shoebill hiking
Another activity offered at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary to help birdwatchers spot the uncommon shoebill stork is shoebill trekking. A canoe ride on Lugogo Swamp, which is next to the sanctuary, is used for the activity. One of the few locations in Uganda where visitors may be sure of seeing the endangered species of bird is Ziwa.
When to visit the Rhino Sanctuary in Ziwa
The ideal seasons to visit Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary are June through September and December through February. This is due to the months’ plenty of sunshine and low rainfall, which keeps the walking routes dry and usable. Clear views of the many sights are made possible by the sunlight drying off the greenery.
Visitors may still visit Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary and take part in all of the activities throughout the rainy season. However, excessive rainfall throughout the rainy season might occasionally interfere with operations. The roads leading to the sanctuary are in poor shape, the foliage is thick and obscures views of some attractions, and the pathways are muddy and slippery, making it difficult to access some portions of the sanctuary.