Tracking rhinos at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary – Uganda en route to Murchison Falls, Masindi or Hoima – is one of Uganda’s most popular tourist attractions – and here’s why: Travel blogger and Chief Creator Ms. Charlotte Beauvoisin of Diary of a Muzungu shares her rhino tracking experience.
Kampala to Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary
Located in Northern Uganda’s Tourist Circuit near Masindi Town and Budongo Central Forest Reserve, Ziwa Rhino and Wildlife Ranch has been set as rhino sanctuary where tourist from Uganda and rest of the world could visit then view the endangered Southern white rhino protected inside the sanctuary.
Although I travelled to see the Southern White Rhinos at Ziwa Rhino Sanctaury, it was wonderful to hear new birds (White-crested Turaco ) and to learn about the wide variety of species that are thriving thanks to the land’s status as a sanctuary.
Did you know you may also see Uganda kob, warthogs, bushbuck, duiker, hippos, crocodiles and possibly even a sitatunga? The 350 bird species are top of my personal wishlist next time!
Tracking the rhinos is a gentle activity that takes between 1 and 2.5 hours. Thank you to the brilliant Uganda Wildlife Authority rangers Khalid and Jackson who took me on a walking safari to track the rhinos. These guides are so passionate about these prehistoric-looking creatures! Their curiosity was contagious…
I could imagine staying at Ziwa for two or three nights. In addition to the rhino tracking, you can enjoy nature walks, bird-watching, float out into the swamp in search of the Shoebills, take a night walk … or simply enjoy being in the bush.
Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary rates for 2021 for adults (over 13 years):
Ugandan Citizen UGX 30,000
Foreign non-resident (international tourist) USD 50
East African resident USD 40
Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary rates for 2021 for children (aged 6 to 12):
Ugandan Citizen UGX 10,000
East African resident USD 20
Foreign non-resident (international tourist) USD 25
On-site accommodation at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary starts at USD 12 a night for camping (‘bed only’) rising to USD 35 per night (full board).
Other accommodation options at Ziwa include dormitory, budget rooms and a guesthouse.
Prices depend on whether guests opt for breakfast only, full meals plan etc. (Ugandans pay half price on accommodation; expats and East Africans pay advertised rates).
Upmarket accommodation is a few km away at Amuka Lodge.
Interested in tracking rhinos
Tourists interested in going on a rhino walk or picture rhino safaris, please contact Responsible Tourism Company (Eco Tour Operator in Uganda) for all Uganda tour packages· More information and bookings, Call +256 704 023485 or Email: info@responsibletourismcompany.com, or responsibletourismcompany@gmail.com
