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Rhino Tracking in Uganda

Rhino tracking in Uganda offers a rare and exhilarating opportunity to witness one of the Big Five animals in its natural habitat. Once extinct in the wild due to poaching and civil unrest between 1962 when Uganda gained her independence upto 1986, when peace was fully restored in Uganda permanently, rhinos are now making a remarkable comeback, thanks to dedicated conservation efforts led by the Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary. 

Following the declaration of rhino extinction in Uganda in the 1980s due to poaching and armed conflict, in 2005, we saw the formation of Rhino Fund Uganda. This was followed by the establishment of Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary to rebuild the rhino population in a controlled environment, with the long-term goal of reintroducing them into national parks like Murchison Falls National Park and Pian Upe Wildlife Reserve. The sanctuary started this journey with four Southern white rhinos, named Taleo, Moja, Bella, and Kori, that were brought to the sanctuary in July 2005 from Solio Ranch in Kenya, and two additional rhinos were flown in from Disney Animal Kingdom in Florida. Since then, the sanctuary has seen several successful births, a sign of healthy and growing rhino numbers.

Where to Track Rhinos in Uganda - Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary

Rhino Tracking in Uganda is conducted at the Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary. Situated approximately 176 kilometers north of Kampala, the capital city of Uganda along the Kampala - Gulu highway, this is the only place in Uganda where you can track rhinos in the wild. Part of the bigger Murchison Falls Conservation Area, this 70-square-kilometer protected area is home to 42 Southern White Rhinos, roaming freely under the watchful eye of armed rangers and dedicated conservationists.

Visitors who travel to Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary can embark on an on-foot rhino tracking expedition, guided by knowledgeable rangers who provide insights into rhino behavior, ecology, and the sanctuary’s conservation efforts. These close-range encounters are not only thrilling but also educational and deeply moving.

What to Expect During a Rhino Tracking Experience

Rhino tracking in Uganda is done on foot, making it a raw and immersive experience. The experience begins with a transfer to the visitor reception, where guests gather for registration and a detailed briefing from the Sanctuary ranger guides who will share so many insights about rhino conservation, which is very inspiring to see the efforts being made to protect and reintroduce them into Uganda’s parks. Guided by experienced rangers, visitors walk through savannah grasslands, acacia woodlands, and open plains, tracking rhino spoor such as footprints, dung, and grazing patterns.

Tracking typically lasts between 1.5 to 3 hours, depending on the rhinos' location. The best time to track rhinos is during the early morning (around 8 AM) or late afternoon (around 4 PM), when temperatures are cooler, and rhinos are more active. Unlike game drives where animals are viewed from a distance, rhino tracking on foot allows you to get within 7 to 10 meters of these powerful creatures, under strict safety guidelines. Observing rhinos up close, watching them graze, socialize, and interact creates a once-in-a-lifetime memory.

How to Get to Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary

Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary is approximately 176 kilometers north of Kampala via the Kampala–Gulu Highway. The journey typically takes about 2.5 to 3 hours. When you reach Nakitoma Trading Centre, you branch off then proceed driving for about 7 kilometers to reach the sanctuary gate. 

Where to stay for Rhino Tracking in Uganda

There are several lodges and guesthouses in and around Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary where guests can opt to stay when visiting and tracking rhinos. Two of these, Amuka lodge and Ziwa guest house, are inside Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary, while other accommodation facilities can be found in Murchison Falls National Park, since most clients combine Rhino tracking with a visit to Murchison Falls National Park. These include Nile Safari Lodge and Paraa Safari Lodge for Upmarket visitors, Pakuba Safari Lodge and Bamboo Village Lodge for midrange guests. 

How much does Rhino Tracking in Uganda cost

When planning a safari to visit Uganda and rhino tracking is on your bucket list, understanding the cost of rhino tracking is crucial for crafting a memorable and budget-conscious adventure. The permit to track rhinos in Uganda is very cost-friendly and affordable, and inclusive of the entrance fees. The prices are broken into categories as below.  

  • Foreign Non-resident – 50 USD Per Person
  • Foreign Residents in East Africa – 45 USD Per Person
  • East African Citizens – 40,000 Uganda shillings Per Person

Best Time for Rhino Tracking in Uganda

Rhino tracking is an all-year-round experience. However, the best time to visit rhinos is the dry seasons of June to June to August and from December to February, when the walking trails are very dry and less slippery and muddy. The best time to track rhinos is during the early morning (around 8 AM) or late afternoon (around 4 PM).

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