A group of 10 travel trade professionals from India recently experienced the natural splendor of Uganda during a 10-day familiarization trip organized by the Uganda Tourism Board (UTB), with a standout visit to the Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary in Nakasongola.
This initiative, designed to promote Uganda as a prime eco-tourism destination, left the Indian delegates awestruck by the Ziwa Rhino sanctuary’s thriving white rhino population and its commitment to conservation.
Located in Nakasongola district, 176km from Kampala on the Gulu Highway heading north towards Murchison Falls National Park, the Ziwa Rhino sanctuary is Uganda’s only habitat for wild white rhinos, reintroduced in 2006 through a collaborative effort between Rhino Fund Uganda and the Roy family.
Starting with six southern white rhinos, the sanctuary has become a success story in wildlife restoration, now protected by a team of 78 rangers.
The recent visit allowed the Indian travel trade to witness these majestic creatures grazing peacefully, guided by expert rangers, just meters away which was a rare and breathtaking encounter.
The Ziwa Rhino and Wildlife Ranch trip, part of a broader itinerary including primate trekking and safari game drives, aligns with Uganda’s Vision 2040 strategy to transform the East African country’s tourism sector into a cornerstone of economic growth.
The Indian professionals, representing diverse tourism segments, expressed confidence in promoting Uganda as the “Pearl of Africa” to high-end travelers back home.
A Business-to-Business networking event on the trip’s final day further solidified ties between the Indian visitors and Ugandan tourism stakeholders, including Destination Management Companies and hotel stays.
This famtrip initiative follows the Uganda Tourism Act of 2008 and recent 2024 efforts to regulate the sector by closing unlicensed facilities, ensuring sustainable tourism practices.
With the southern white rhino population globally estimated at 17,212 to 18,915, Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary’s role in this recovery underscores its global significance, despite the northern white rhino’s critical status with only two individuals left.
As Uganda continues to market her rich biodiversity to international markets, the Uganda Tourism Board’s outreach to India signals a promising future for eco-tourism, blending conservation success with economic opportunity.
For more details, follow Uganda Tourism Board on X or visit utb.go.ug.
From Responsible Tourism Company team. This is incredible! The Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary’s work to reintroduce southern white rhinos, now thriving with over 20 thanks to successful breeding since 2006 is a testament to Uganda’s conservation leadership.
The guided walks with expert rangers, as shown, not only offer a breathtaking experience but also fuel eco-tourism, contributing 30% to local conservation funds (Journal of Sustainable Tourism, 2022). A perfect blend of adventure and purpose!
For visitors inspired by this story, why not plan your own Ugandan journey?
Contact us at Responsible Tourism Company, specialists in Uganda experiences, to book a tailored trip including Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary, primate trekking, and safari game drives.
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