While on a wildlife safari in Uganda, one unique highlight is to take an adventure and explore the wild up close and personal to gain insights into several of Africa’s big game in their natural habitats on foot. One experience that stands out is a guided-nature walk along the endangered rhinos at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary. The species of rhino were declared extinct in Uganda following a spree of hunting during the dark times of this country but even else where in most of its former range on the continent it faces great challenges SADLY due its “HORN”.
The Rhino History in Uganda
The Northern White Rhino (Ceratotherium.s.cottoni) and the smaller Black Rhino (Diceros bicornis) roamed abundantly across the grasslands of central Africa extending all the way into the savannas of northern Uganda till well into the late 19th century. The high-price of the rhino horn (although its the same material as our own finger nails) on international market and large fees paid by trophy hunters lead to a hunting spree of these land giants till extinction at least in Uganda by 1980 when the last single individual was shot by the shores of R. Nile in northern Uganda.
Fast forward in early 2005, an international NGO with partnership from Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA), began a breeding program in a 70km2 security complex of Ziwa with a target to re-introduce this species of Africa’s Big 5 list in its former range in the near future. From that humble start of 4 individual southern white rhinos from Kenya and 2 from Disney World US, today the program is on track with numbers now at 35 individuals and counting!
Rhino tracking on foot at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary
Lying just 100 miles (1.5 hrs drive) along Gulu-Kampala highway, the 70km2 high security complex of Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary spreads over a diverse habitat characterized by wooded grasslands and wetlands where the only population of Rhinos in Uganda today thrives. The wildness complex now hosts up to 35 individuals undergoing a breeding program that will enable the re-introduction of these species in their former grassland home range.
In here, a 2-3hr guided walking experience along these giants usually starts with a briefing by ranger-guides from the complex’s reception compound about conservation efforts undertaken here, thereafter leading out a walk towards several families’ and individual feeding ranges. On this nature walk you get close and personal with the wilderness world with its varied inhabitants, buzzing insects, birds chipping, the fresh air as it brows over the savanna woodlands.
Along, the ranger guides will point out markings and tracks and share great insights about the social behavior of this second biggest land mammal including its ecological importance, while stressing the need to protect and support the survival of these species. On locating the rhinos, the rangers and visitor can only get as close as it is safe, for these are wild animals, however the feeling of up close with these giants remains for a lifetime.
The species under the breeding program here is a Southern White Rhino race (Ceratotherium.s.simum), a close relative of the Northern White Rhino race that once roamed these grasslands. The wooded grasslands in the complex supports other local residents like Kob, beautiful and tame Bushbuck pairs, warthog, vervet monkey and a rich bird species checklist unique to these woodlands where a breeding program is being run to restock this once abundant species.
A way to Support the Conservation Program
Away from adventure and lifetime experiences done and offered on the sanctuary, proceedings from gate entrances and fees are re-invested back into the breeding program of these species, while partnerships and individual support is encouraged. Be sure to get the details from the reception if interested.
Important guidelines to Note while Rhino tracking in Uganda:
- On a visit to this complex, GPS and other location apps are required to be switched off for the safety of these hunted species.
- On a walk, listen and stay close to the ranger guide, these are wild animals for your safety and that of the group.
- Dress casually in nature blending colors
- Good walking shoes are recommended.
- Carry and use that hat and apply that sun screen; it gets hot in the afternoon.
- Carry plenty of drinking water too.