Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary | Uganda Rhino Tracking

 Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary | Uganda Rhino Tracking

Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary | Uganda Rhino Tracking : This basically offers a secure place where Rhino populations can be expanded by breeding. Here, they can also be protected from human and non-human predators and gradually re-introduced into Uganda’s parks. While here, they can as well allow the public to enjoy these majestic animals. The sanctuary is located approximately 180 kilometers (110mi), by road, north of Kampala. The Rhino Sanctuary is a collaborative effort between the Uganda, the Rhino Fund Uganda. This was formed as a non-government organization (NGO) in 1997 to repopulate Uganda with wild rhinos in the future. Besides, the sanctuary is a home to over 40 mammals and reptilian species. These include; monkeys, hippopotamuses, crocodiles, giraffes, antelopes, etc and different bird species. It also works on animal rehabilitation whereby injured/abandoned mammals are rehabilitated and released back into the wild.

The first six southern white rhinos were trans-located in 2005/6. In fact four were from Kenya and two from Disney Animal Kingdom (USA). On 24^th June 2009, a healthy male calf was born, making history. Actually, this was the first rhino to be born in Uganda in approximately 30 years. He was named Obama, making history, with his mother from the United States and his father from Kenya.

Rhino species

Rhinos are the largest mammals after the elephants in the world and have five species. These include;

AFRICAN RHINOS

White Rhinos

They are also known as the square-lipped rhino and the majority of its population is in South Africa. It uses its flat, square lip to cut and eat grass, making them known as the grazer.

• White rhinos only eat ground vegetation.
• Average height:1.5 to 1.8 metres
• Average weight: 1800 to 3000 kilograms (1.8 to 3 tonnes)

Black Rhinos

• These feed on branches, twigs, bushes and shrubs. This is due to their upper lip, specifically adapted to help them forage.
• Height: 1.6 metres
• Average weight: 900 to 1350 kilograms (0.9 to 1.35 tonnes).
• Known for being shyer and more aggressive than white rhinos.
• Tend to be solitary in the wild.
• Most active during the night-time, to forage and drink.

ASIAN RHINOS

Samatran Rhino

These are thought to be the most ‘primitive’ of the rhino species due to its hairy skin and other ancient characteristics.

• Average height 1 to 1.5 metres.
• Estimated weight 500-960 kilograms (0.5 to 0.96 tonnes).
• They tend to spend their days lounging in ponds or mud wallows to keep cool.

Greater one-horned Rhino

• Adapted to living close to water, in the flood plains and forests of India and Nepal.
• Height: 1.75 to 2 metres
• Average weight: 1800 to 2500 kilograms (1.8 to 2.5 tonnes)
• Good swimmers – they are able to dive and feed under water!

Javan Rhino

Rarest of the rhino species and possibly the rarest large mammal on earth only found in Ujung Kulon national park.

• Average height: 1.4 to 1.7 metres.
• Weight: 900 to 2300 kilograms (0.9 to 2.3 tonnes).
• Extremely vulnerable due to their small size.
• More likely to run away from an enemy than attack.

Activities while at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary

On-foot rhino trekking

After giving you a safety briefing, your guide will lead you for a trekking. Depending on their location, this activity takes approx. 1&1/2 to 2&1/2 hours. Otherwise, this gives you an opportunity to watch the endangered, magnificent creatures in their natural habitat.

Guided nature walk

The sanctuary is a home to a wide variety of animals such as birds and reptiles. While here, the guide will take you through a lush bush and this activity takes approx.2 hours.

Shoe-bill trek and Canoe ride

This is done early in the morning and you must stay the night since you are able to enter the sanctuary before 07H30. Here, you will take an early morning canoe ride through the swamp and this gives you an opportunity to find the shoe-bill. In fact, this is one of the most sought-after birds to be seen in Uganda and this activity takes approx. 4 hours.

Bird watching

For the bird lovers, the sanctuary contains over 300 bird species sighted in woodlands, swamps & savannah. Note that; the guide will lead you through this activity and it takes approx.2 hours.

Required while going for the activities

• Long pants
• Water and insect repellant
• Closed shoes