Rhino tracking in Uganda: Although Uganda is best known for gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable and Mgahinga National Parks, game drives and walking safaris for wildlife viewing in Queen Elizabeth National Park, home to tree climbing lions, and Kidepo Valley National Park, rhino tracking is another stunning safari activity in Uganda that is less well known but still worthwhile. In Uganda, tracking rhinos is a beautiful experience that involves hiking into the jungle with skilled rangers who help to protect tourists from this unique and gravely endangered creature. It entails observing rhinos in their natural environment.
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.
When you get to the Ziwa Sanctuary, report to the main office for a briefing from the guides regarding rhino tracking activities. The guides give guests all the information they need, including advice on what to wear, such as sturdy hiking boots, long pants, bug repellent lotion, and a portable camera for capturing pictures. After hearing about the Dos, visitors start following rhinos through the Savannah flora. While the black rhinos are hostile and violent, the southern white rhinos at the Ziwa rhino reserve are not. Depending on your level of fitness, the activity may take between 1 hour and 30 minutes and 2 hours and 30 minutes.
The optimum time to go rhino tracing is in the morning, between 8 and 10 am, although you can also choose to go rhino tracing in the late afternoon, between 4 and 6 pm. Rhino tracking is best done during the dry season. If your child is older than 6 years old and you’re wondering if you may bring them along for rhino tracking, the answer is yes. Since it is a guided nature walk that gives beautiful sights and ambient sounds of the Ziwa rhino reserve, rhino tracking in Uganda is thrilling and rejuvenating. Over 300 different kinds of birds and a wide variety of mammals, including chameleons, antelopes, hippos, monkeys, and crocodiles, can be seen as you track.
For non-resident adults, rhino trekking in Uganda costs more than $50, $25 for children, $40 for people who live in East Africa, $20 for children, 30,000 Ugx for Ugandan adults, and 10,000 Ugx for kids. Rhino tracks contain two smaller lobes on either side of a large middle-toe shape that generates the curved border at the front of the footprint. There are two distinct species of white rhinoceros, including the northern and southern subspecies. Despite their name, white rhinos are actually grayish in color and may be distinguished from one another by the curve of their lips. They typically graze. The African elephant is regarded as being the largest land animal, followed by the white rhino.
While the male rhinos protect their territories from invaders, the female rhinos migrate in groups with the younger rhinos. Rhinos tumble in the mud to cool off on sweltering days and protect themselves from the wrath of the African sun. The cooler parts of the day, such as early in the morning and late in the afternoon, are when rhinos are most active. It is challenging to track rhinos since they tend to hide throughout the day to avoid the heat of the sun and being observed.
GUIDELINES FOR RHINO TRACKING ACTIVITY IN UGANDA:
- 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.
People who break the established guidelines for rhino tracking are required to pay a fine of roughly $100 to the relevant authorities. The amazing adventure of rhino tracking in Uganda should be added to your list of things to do while traveling this holiday season. Focus East Africa Tours will be happy to include it on your agenda.
