Rhino Tracking in Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary : The Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary, located in the Nakasongola District of Uganda, is a significant sanctuary dedicated to the conservation of rhinoceros, primarily focusing on the white rhino species. This sanctuary plays a pivotal role in Uganda’s efforts to bring rhinos back to the wild and protect them from poaching and habitat loss. One of the most fascinating and impactful activities at Ziwa is rhino tracking – a process that is vital for monitoring the health, movement, and behavior of the rhinos, and ultimately ensuring their survival in the wild.
Ziwa rhino sanctuary is a Uganda wildlife Safari sanctuary that is located about 170 km north of Kampala towards Murchison falls national park, making it an ideal stop over en route the park. Currently home to 22 rhinos, ziwa rhino sanctuary is the only one of its kind in Uganda with white southern rhinos all living in the wild set up. With the facilitation of the sanctuary guides, you will get the opportunity to watch and take pictures of these magnificent beasts in their natural habitat.
While at ziwa rhino sanctuary, other wild life like; water buck, oribis and Uganda kob can be seen. For keen bird watchers, excellent birds like; blue spotted dove, booted eagle, African blue fly catcher, brown parrot, African crowned eagle, African darter, fish eagle, cardinal wood pecker, cattle egret, African goshawk just to name cannot be missed.
Rhinos once roamed freely across Uganda, but due to poaching, loss of habitat, and political instability, they were declared extinct in the country by the early 1980s. However, with increasing awareness and effort to save these magnificent animals, the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) and other conservationists began working to bring rhinos back to Uganda. This led to the establishment of the Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary in 1997.
Ziwa was selected as the location for the sanctuary due to its vast, secure, and suitable habitat for rhinos. Initially, the sanctuary started with a few rhinos brought from other African countries, such as Kenya and South Africa. Over the years, the sanctuary’s population has grown, and it now serves as a key component in Uganda’s goal of reintroducing rhinos to the wild.
Only in the Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary is rhino tracking permitted. The only location in East Africa where you can track rhinos on foot and observe them in the wild is the Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary. Approximately 7000 hectares of land are home to over 32 southern white rhinos, who are free to roam there. Southern white rhinos were being hunted down and murdered by poachers in Kidepo National Park and Murchison Falls National Park; therefore, the Wild Life Authority and the Rhino Fund Uganda joined the rhino reintroduction campaign to stop it. On the Gulu highway heading toward Murchison Falls, in the Nakitoma, Nakasongola district, is where you’ll find the Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary.
Rhino tracking experience
The rhino trekking experience begins with a briefing from the sanctuary’s staff on the history of the cover, the conservation efforts undertaken to protect the rhinos, and the safety rules that must be followed during the trek. Visitors are then taken on a guided tour of the sanctuary in search of the magnificent animals.
The trek can last anywhere from 1-3 hours, depending on the location of the rhinos at the time and the speed at which the group moves. During the trek, visitors are accompanied by an experienced guide who provides insight into the rhinos’ behavior and habits and ensures their safety.
The trek takes visitors through lush vegetation and open savannah grasslands, where they can see other wildlife. The sanctuary is also home to different species on antelopes and animals.
Finally, after traversing the sanctuary, the group arrives at the rhinos’ location. From a safe distance, visitors can observe the rhinos grazing and interacting with each other. The guides offer more information on the rhinos, their breeding habits, their feeding patterns, and their challenges in the wild.
Cost of rhino tracking
Rhino tracking in Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary cost 30 USD for foreign non-residents, 20 USD for foreign residents and 20,000 UGX for East African Citizens.
Guidelines for Rhino Tracking
The Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary authorities forbid driving or going on jungle hikes without a guide.
It is forbidden to leave trash, plastics (including water bottles, bags, and metallic objects), or both in the sanctuary.
Animals should not be touched or fed because they are not accustomed to humans and might attack if they see you as a threat.
Cycling and jogging are both outright forbidden in the park.
Firearms are not allowed in the park and must be left at the gate.
Methods of Rhino tracking in ziwa rhino sanctuary
Rhino tracking at Ziwa is a multifaceted approach that combines traditional techniques with modern technology. The methods used by the sanctuary are aimed at ensuring that the rhinos are safe and their movements are well understood.
Footprints and Direct Observation: Traditional tracking methods involve following rhino footprints and signs of recent activity, such as droppings and grazing marks. Sanctuary staff and guides are trained to recognize the distinctive patterns left by rhinos, allowing them to track the animals even in dense vegetation or remote areas. This method is particularly useful when tracking individual rhinos or groups of rhinos over a relatively short distance.
GPS Collar Technology: Modern technology has revolutionized the way rhinos are tracked. Some rhinos at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary are fitted with GPS collars, which transmit real-time data on the rhinos’ movements to the sanctuary staff. This technology allows for precise monitoring of each rhino’s location and provides important data on their movement patterns, habitat use, and behavior. GPS tracking also helps the sanctuary staff track rhinos even when they are out of sight, making it easier to ensure their safety and well-being.
Radio Tracking: In addition to GPS collars, some rhinos at Ziwa are fitted with radio transmitters that help conservationists track them over longer distances. The radio collars send signals that can be detected by special receivers carried by the sanctuary staff. While this method is not as precise as GPS tracking, it still provides valuable information about the rhinos’ locations and movements.
Best time for Rhino tracking
Rhinos at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary are tracked all year round. The ranch is located in a region that features savannah grasslands and thickets. Therefore, this makes it possible to track the rhinos in both rainy and dry seasons. However, the prolonged dry season is more suitable since the grass is shorter, making walking easier. Therefore, the dry months of June to September and December to February are the best.
Conclusion
Rhino tracking at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary is a vital part of the ongoing efforts to conserve rhinos in Uganda. Through a combination of traditional tracking techniques and advanced technology, the sanctuary’s staff and researchers can ensure the well-being of the rhinos, protect them from poaching, and study their behavior to improve conservation strategies. By offering educational and eco-tourism experiences, the sanctuary also raises awareness about rhino conservation, inspiring the next generation of environmental stewards. As Ziwa continues its important work, rhino tracking will remain at the heart of its efforts, ensuring that these magnificent creatures have a future in Uganda’s wild landscapes.
