Rhino Trekkking in Uganda. Best way to see rhinos in the wild

Ziwa Rhino Trekking gives you an amazing opportunity to watch the endangered, magnificent creatures (Rhinos) in their natural habitat. Ziwa Rhino & Wildlife Sanctuary is home to the only rhinos in the wild left in Uganda. In 1983, Rhinos were declared extinct in Uganda because the last rhino was poached in 1982, not until 2005 that the Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary was established in Nakasongola – a breeding program to reintroduce rhinos back into the wild.

Rhino Trekking starts at the Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary headquarters where you will find a very knowledgeable guide who will brief you about the safety precautions & rules before accompanying you to the bush to find the Grazers (White Rhinos only eat grass).

Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary

Rhinos can be lazy when it’s hot so the best time for Ziwa Rhino Trekking is between 8:00 – 10:00 am and 4:00 – 6:00 pm. The right gear such as closed shoes, long pants, and insect repellant is necessary.

The Southern White Rhinos at Ziwa are not as violent & aggressive compared to their counterparts the Black Rhinos, making your Rhino Trekking easier provided you follow the guidelines set by the sanctuary. The Gestation period for a white rhino is 16 months & a fully grown male can weigh up to 3 tonnes.

As these rhinos are free to move around on 7000 ha of land, it is more often than not necessary to drive to the area that the rhinos are in before taking the bush walk. It’s also mandatory to drive around with a guide and the Speed limit within this area is 20 -30 km/hour. If Carrying any items like firearms, Drones, or pets that are not allowed at the Sanctuary, you are advised to leave them at the gate where you can pick them up after.

Safety while Rhino trekking

  • It’s very important to Listen to your guide’s briefing and follow his instructions. This will allow you to be on track and enjoy your experience without being disturbed
  • Switch off your mobile phone or keep it silent. No GPS is allowed. You must be wondering why. This is because Rhino Poachers can be able to use your GPS location or photos to get to know where the Rhinos are. Also, you can turn off the ‘Geotag function’ in your photos and don’t disclose where they were taken.
  • DO NOT make noise or quick movements when by the rhinos
  • Stay near trees or bushes when near the rhino
  • Remember the Rhinos are Wild Animals, therefore you cannot touch them since they might act differently and wild.
  • Your guide has the authority to withdraw your group from Rhino trekking in case you don’t adhere to the safety precautions.
  • And lastly, always be aware of other wild animals and snakes.

The Rhinos at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary all have names and here they are below;

Taleo, Moja, Hasani, Nandi, Kori, Bella, Obama, Justice, Augustu, Malaika, Donna, Laloyo, Uhuru, Waribe, Luna, Sonic, Nguzo, Zawadi, Ajabu, Noelle.

While on your way to Murchison Falls National Park, our day-to-day itineraries give you a chance to go Rhino Trekking at the Sanctuary making your Uganda Safaris a memorable one. The most popular ones include the 8 days Uganda Wildlife Holiday, 3 days Murchison Falls Tour & 15 days Uganda Wildlife & Activity Holiday

Contact a tour consultant now for more information.

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