Day 01
Rhino Tracking at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary
- Leave Kampala at 6:00 am, right after an early breakfast, for a 3-hour drive north of Kampala off the Kampala - Gulu highway to Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary in Nakasongola District in Nakitooma Village. The plan is to get to the sanctuary before it is too hot, which often means the rhinos choose to rest instead of feeding. The trip is through the countryside, passing homesteads and various roadside vegetable and fruit markets.
- On arrival at the sanctuary, you will be briefed by a ranger guide about its history and how to behave while on this rhino trek. It is very important to heed the ranger's instructions while on the trek because rhinos can be aggressive if they sense a need to defend themselves. Depending on the location of the rhinos, you may need to drive closer to their location before you start the trek to reduce the distance.
- Once you locate the rhinos, you can stay at least one hour in their presence. Sometimes different families are within a short distance of each other, so you may get to visit more than one group. Capture pictures, learn about their behaviour, and return from your footwalk experience. The rhino search is a 2-3 hour trek into the wild sanctuary, allowing you to view rhinos at a close but safe distance. You also have a chance of other animal sightings on this nature walk, such as Waterbucks, Bushbucks, Gazelles, Antelopes, Leopard (rarely), duikers, and birdlife such as the rare Shoebill stork.
- After your rhino trek, return to the restaurant for a warm lunch and drinks, relax, and later drive back to Kampala or Entebbe for drop-off at your hotel or place of residence.
