Ziwa Rhino sanctuary is a private and non-profitable place where the endangered Rhinoceros in Uganda. This is located in Nakasongola District near Mukerenge village and its over 164 kilometers by road, north of Kampala. This sanctuary was established in 2005 to introduce Southern White Rhinos in the world. It is the only place in Uganda where tourist can see these endangered animals. Ziwa Rhino and Wildlife Ranch are under one team of the sanctuary and they are the owners of the land where the sanctuary site lies and the Uganda Wildlife Authority. Uganda wildlife resources are kept by the government not by individuals.

In 1983, Ziwa ranch was established as a cattle farm which brought up exotic cattle into Uganda and yet it was owned by an individual called Captian Roy and his family too. Later on in 2002, Yvonne Verkakik the Director of Rhino Fund’s Executive had a discussion on how to relocate 7000 heads of cattle to another location in order to come up with a Rhino Sanctuary. And Rhinos were vanished in Uganda because of poaching and lawless measures and they wanted to bring them back into the country which was kinder tricky for their preservation and continuation of conservation.

Roy family and friends gave in funds to ensure the rhino rehabilitation and initiatives like the M2M Das Challenge and also naming of Rhinos accumulated an adequate amount of money to ensure the fencing and the protection for the rhinos away from intruders. Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary was finally allowed in 2005 and the southern white rhinos were re-introduced and their natural habitat was in environs of Murchison falls.

In 2021, the ranch had over 40 rhinos and reptilian species. A team of over 75 park rangers and security guards keep a close eye on them 24\7 and ensure their safety. This ranch is 70 square kilometers and also surrounded by 2 meters electric fence to keep the rhinos in and intruders out. The sanctuary offers a secure place for these rhino and its populations can be expanded by breeding, protected from human and non-human predators and gradually re-introduced into Uganda national parks. They should also allow the public to enjoy these majestic animals as the project goes on.

Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary has the following wildings in its ranch; Monkeys, Antelopes, Hippopotamuses, Crocodiles, and several Bird Species. 

 Activities done at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary.

Rhino Tracking

The experienced local guides at Ziwa Ranch take the part of guiding you throughout the whole tracking process. Rhino tracking by foot brings you within a few meters of these Jurassic animals. Most wildlife experience of the rhinos is found at this place.

Birding

Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary is a home for over 300 species of birds which have different behavior. Birders enjoy looking at the birds and mostly spotted clearly when you’ve gone for a nature walk or the boat cruise.

Nature Walks

This done in the area where you enjoy watching wildlife i.e. Oribi, Reed Bucks, Monkeys, insects like Butterflies and Reptiles that include a Monitor Lizard. Nature walks are done in a group of people to enjoy the beauty of the wildings. This is mostly done in the morning before a hot day.

Canoe Rides/shoe-bill trek

This activity is found only at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary and it’s the only place that you see the storks. Best sites have always been 11 in one trip, within our swamps, these prehistoric-looking birds are nesting. Canoe ride and shoebill trek is done through the swamp and not only gives an opportunity to find the shoebill but also to see beautiful Uganda sunrise over Lugogo Swamp.

Water birds are very many and this activity is a must for everyone who loves nature or loves birding. It’s done only in the morning because you get to see in all.