Did you know that rhino trekking in Uganda can be done at only one place while on foot?
Uganda is referred to as the pearl of Africa, named by Sir Winston Churchill on his journey to Africa. This country has diverse wildlife, and beautiful scenery covered with hills, forests, savannahs, and water bodies. Uganda also is known for the diverse cultures of over 50 different and unique tribes well spread all over the country. This country is often celebrated for its magical mountain gorillas and the rare tree-climbing lions. However, it has another magical creature the southern white rhino that is found in the Ziwa rhino sanctuary in Nakasongola.
Trekking rhinos at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary offers a unique and intimate experience allowing tourists to witness these majestic animals up close. They also learn about the vital conservation efforts that help in protecting them. The rhinos used to live freely in the wild in Murchison Falls National Park but they were depleted due to poaching. Recently, they were reintroduced at the Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary from Kenya and the United States of America.
The demand for rhino horns in the Middle East and Asia where they were falsely believed to be a medicinal property was the result of their poaching. This was also spearheaded by political instability and civil unrest in Uganda around the 1970s and 1980s. This unrest created a big blow to the nearest extinction of the black and white rhinos. In collaboration with government bodies, the locals, and international groups, there was an initiation to reintroduce the rhinos at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary.
Ziwa is located about 170 kilometers from the Kampala capital of Uganda on Gulu road. This area is the only place where to spot the rhinos in their natural habitat. This place was newly introduced in 2005 covering an area of 70 square kilometers of savannahs and woodlands providing a safe ground for rhino protection.
The sanctuary began with only six rhinos and now, they have a total population of 30 individuals. These live together with other mammals such as hippos, warthogs, and antelopes such as bushbucks, Uganda kob, and waterbucks. There are also primates like vervet monkeys and colobus monkeys, reptiles like snakes, birds such as the Abyssinian ground hornbill, African fish eagle, and more. Great thanks to the successful breeding program and the conservation efforts to multiply in numbers.
Trekking rhinos at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary is an awesome experience that creates a smile on your face as you get a close encounter with these magnificent creatures. There are two shifts 9f trekking the rhinos and these are morning and afternoon depending on your choice. Trekkers are normally accompanied by experienced guides and rangers about the behaviors of the rhinos. The experience begins with a briefing to get knowledge about the expected code of conduct while in the field. This exercise is a top priority in terms of safety for both the visitors and the animals.
The trek takes you through the sanctuary’s scenic landscape with the opportunity to spot other wildlife as mentioned above. The rhinos are normally seen wallowing in mud or grazing in the wild, this is a humbling and awe-inspiring lifetime experience. The guides will give you great information about the rhinos, conservation programs, their role in the ecosystem, and the challenges faced by them.
The sanctuary offers a wide range of activities apart from the major one of rhino trekking such as nature walks, bird watching, and nighttime safaris. The accommodation facilities are available around the sanctuary and these range from budget campsites to luxurious lodges. Hence providing a variety of choices one can choose depending on the pocket.
If you are planning for a safari to Uganda, add rhino trekking to your bucket list. This is because it can be combined with game drives and boat cruises in Murchison Falls, and chimpanzee tracking in Budongo forest. Our expert team of tour consultants can help you organize a Uganda safari that is tailored to rhino trekking.