Lying about 100 miles (1.5 hrs drive) along Gulu-Kampala highway, is a 70km2 Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary spreading over a diverse habitat characterized by wooded grasslands and wetlands where the only population of rhinos in Uganda today thrives. At the complex, increasing numbers up to 37 individuals of southern white rhinos undergo a breeding program that will enable the re-introduction of these species in their former grassland home range.
Rhino History In Uganda
Historically, the northern white (Ceratotherium.s.cottoni) and black (Diceros biconis michalei) rhino species roamed abundantly across savanna grasslands of northern Uganda. Sadly from late 1960’s large fees paid by international trophy hunters and regional conflicts led to a hunting spree of these land giants till their local extinction at least in Uganda by 1983 when the last single individual was shot by the shores of R. Nile in northern Uganda.
Fast forward in early 2005, an NGO with partnership from Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) began a breeding program in a 70km2 of wooded grasslands of Ziwa with a hope to re-introduce this specie of the Africa’s big 5 list in their former range in the near future. From that humble start of 4 southern white rhinos (Ceratotherium.s.simum) donated from Kenya and 2 from Disney World US, today the successful program is on track with numbers now at 37 individuals and increasing!
Tracking Rhinos on Foot at Ziwa
At Ziwa rhino sanctuary, a 2hr guided nature walk in the wilderness brings you up-close and personal to the southern white rhinos that roam these grasslands. The walks are scheduled to time the most active times of these animals. Non aggressive (but wild) and purely grazers, the southern white are not wholly solitary animals; territorial bulls often accept subordinate individuals, the adolescent males keep company in small crushes and female are often in company of a recent offspring.
On a guided walk, knowledgeable rangers point out markings and tracks, 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 wooded grasslands in the complex supports other local residents like, the elusive leopard seen on night patrols, Kob, beautiful and tame Bushbuck, Common Warthog, Vervet monkey and rich bird species checklist unique to these woodlands.
A way to Support the Conservation Program
Away from adventure and lifetime experience 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 highly encouraged.
Guidelines and Dress code on the Walk
- On a visit to the sanctuary, GPS and other location apps MUST be switched off for the safety of these hunted species.
- While on a walk, follow and stay close to the ranger guide, these are wild animals and are unpredictable. This is for your safety and that of the group.
- Dress casually in nature blending colors.
- Good walking shoes are recommended.
- Don’t use flash photography.
- Carry and use that hat and apply that sun screen; it gets hot in the afternoon.
- Carry plenty of drinking water.
What you need to know about Rhinos
- Rhinos have weak eyesight (stretching up to 30m) but hearing and scent abilities is highly developed.
- Urine and dung serve to mark territories especially to bulls.
- Dung is deposited at maidens within home range of several residents, this is because dung at maidens concentrates and maintains smell better than randomly deposited dung, the scents are used to warn off potential rivals.
- Rhinos start having birth from 3.5yrs-4yrs, 16months gestation for square-lipped rhinos or southern white rhinos.
- A group of rhinos is called a crush.
- Longevity is up to 35-50yrs.