Rhino tracking is one of the exciting tourist activities enjoyed during Uganda safaris and is one of the sure ways of fulfilling your dream of sighting the big five game, when combined with visits to Kidepo Valley, or Murchison falls National Park.
Where is Rhino tracking offered in Uganda?
Rhino tracking in Uganda is offered in only one place and that is Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary, a 70-square-kilometer Sanctuary located about 109 miles from the Capital (Kampala) along the Gulu Highway when heading towards the popular Murchison falls National Park. This Sanctuary is in Nakasongola district, few kilometers from Nakitoma Trading Center.
Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary was founded in 2005 with an aim of re-introducing the southern white Rhinos into the wild, after they became extinct in the 1980s. At the start, a total of 6 Rhinos were brought into the area (2 from Disneyland America and 4 from Kenya). By the beginning of 2023, about 34 Rhinos were living in the area and their numbers are expected to grow. This beautiful Protected Area offers a peaceful surrounding for nature to interact, and whether you are looking to track and photograph the southern white Rhinos or watch birds, be sure to experience it at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary.
How Rhino tracking is done
If you have Rhino tracking on your itinerary, expect to venture into the territory of these big mammals and search for them on foot. You will first be briefed by the passionate, well-trained and experienced Rangers before being taken through the bush to search for the Rhinos.
This takes about one and a half to 2 hours, depending on the location of these mammals and while at it, enjoy the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity of sighting other exciting wildlife species and birds in this Sanctuary. Remember that Rhinos are not confined in one place but instead freely roam around the 70-square-kilometer Sanctuary thus sometimes visitors will be required to drive to areas close to them, followed by on-foot trekking.
Best time for Rhino tracking in Uganda
Rhino tracking is provided all-year round but the best times of the day to enjoy the adventure is between 8 and 10am or 4:00 and 6:00 pm because it is when the Rhinos are more active. If you choose to track them during hot afternoons, it might be difficult to get perfect photos as they will hide or rest in the woodlands. For seasons, Rhino tracking is preferred during dry months- January, February, June, July, August, September and December because the trails are less muddy or slippery but tracking might take longer as these mammals move further looking for greener pastures. For the wet months- March, April, May, October and November, trails are muddier but tracking takes a shorter time as Rhino don’t have to move further looking for fresh pastures.
What to pack/wear for Rhino tracking in Uganda
For your comfortable and stress-free Rhino tracking experience in Uganda, you will need to bring comfortable hiking shoes/boots, enough drinking water to keep you hydrated during the 2-hour walk, energy-giving snacks, lightweight and comfortable safari pants, an insect repellant, long-sleeved shirt, a good camera to capture all these precious moments, a pair of binoculars to sight smaller and far creatures, a rain jacket (just in case it starts to rain), toiletries (hand sanitizer, deodorant, hair comb and others), to mention but a few.
Where to stay during your Rhino tracking tour in Uganda
There are different options of accommodation during Rhino tracking tour in Uganda and these include Amuka Safari Lodge and Campsites (within the secluded areas with electricity, shared bathrooms with showers and clean toilets).
Besides Rhino tracking, other activities to enjoy during Uganda safaris include gorilla trekking, nature/forest/bush walks, bird watching tours, mountain climbing, chimpanzee tracking, water sports, and many others.