Giraffes in Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary, Uganda safaris, Wild conservation
Did you know that the Rothschild giraffes have been introduced in the Ziwa Sanctuary in Uganda? Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) introduced giraffes plus hartebeests to Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary, the only location where rhinos can be encountered in the wild on Uganda safaris. If you plan to visit Uganda for a wildlife tour, we are thrilled to let you know that Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary is currently home where the Rothschild giraffes and hartebeests are freely roaming. This follows the recent translocation exercise UWA conducted on 19th/8/2024.
The translocation of the giraffes to Ziwa Sanctuary is primarily aimed at establishing a viable population in a new destination, thus supporting the long-term conservation goals and also enhancing tourism in the area. On your next road trip to explore Uganda and her wonders in Ziwa, expect to encounter these long-necked mammals freely ranging in the natural wild.
The giraffes in Ziwa were translocated from Murchison Falls National Park –Uganda’s biggest park. A total of 3 giraffes were successfully translocated to the Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary, a natural wildlife sanctuary that spans up to 70 sq. km. The introduction of the giraffes and hartebeest antelopes means an increase in the sanctuary’s biodiversity thus providing nature lovers a lifetime opportunity to explore these species plus the Southern White Rhinos.
According to UWA, the translocation comes at the time crucial moment and is intended to expand the range of giraffes, considering the potential impacts of oil and gas activities in the Northern part of Murchison Falls National Park.
Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary
Ziwa Sanctuary is located in Nakitoma Village, Nakasongola District on the Kampala –Gulu highway. Ziwa was officially established in 2005 and currently, it is the only location to find the white rhinos thriving in the natural environment. Ziwa has recorded a successful rhino conservation story. The sanctuary started with 6 rhinos and today, about 40 of them call Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary their home.
In the 1980s, the rhino population was whipped away as a result of poaching and human conflicts. The creation of Ziwa was primarily to provide refuge to rhinos with the hope of reintroducing them into other natural environments. Their presence in the Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary makes Uganda, a home to all the Big 5 game members. Ziwa’s rhinos were imported from Kenya and the United States of America.
What to expect to do in the Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary
Rhino Trekking
Ziwa is the only destination in Uganda where you can go to enjoy a rhino trek. The rhino tracking is entirely a guided walk experience. Visitors are accompanied by an experienced guide at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary. You walk through the wild and upon finding these large mammals, you enjoy a close encounter with them at a distance of about 6 (six) meters. Often, it is possible to find them as they graze in their location and you will explore in depth of their behaviors in their natural habitat. Ensure that you also have your camera equipped for action-packed photography action. Book a 3 days Murchison Falls and rhino trek to explore the best of Uganda.
Bird watching
Over 350 species of birds call Ziwa their home making it one of the best destinations to enjoy birding tours in Uganda. A bird-watching excursion in Ziwa allows you to search for birds such as the shoebill storks, African black crakes, blue-spotted doves, Abyssinian ground hornbill, blue-spotted dove, African fish eagle, Golden-breasted bulbul, giant kingfishers, African jacana, African hoopoe, African hawk eagle, African grey hornbill, black and white shrike flycatchers, black-bellied bustard, Great blue turacos, and grassland pipit.
Additional birds to identify on bird watching in Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary include the fox weaver birds, black and white cuckoos, black and white casqued hornbills, black-winged bishops, black-winged stilt, greater honeyguide, great sparrow hawk, laughing dove, double-toothed barbet, curlew sandpiper, lesser striped swallow, lesser kestrel, African paradise flycatchers, lemon dove, buff-spotted fluff tail, cardinal woodpeckers, African open-billed stork to mention but a few.
The numerous birds in Ziwa range in various habitats including woodlands, grasslands, savanna, and swamps. To enjoy your birding expedition, carry with you a good camera, a pair of binoculars, safari clothes, a safari hat, insect repellents, a daypack, and other essentials.
Accommodation in and around Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary
The available accommodation options in Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary include Amuka Lodge. This lodge is found in the corner of Ziwa. There are also campsites and guesthouses for guests to consider for their overnight stay.
How to get to Ziwa to see the Rothschild giraffes
Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary can easily be reached by road and takes about 3-4 hours for visitors to drive there. You take the Kampala-Gulu highway, then branch off from Nakasongola to Nakitoma. From the heart of Kampala, Ziwa is 176 km and is suitably located allowing you to connect up to Murchison Falls National Park to experience the best Uganda wildlife safaris.
Best time to go see giraffes in Ziwa Sanctuary
The peak dry months are without doubt the most preferred months of the year to consider on your travel calendar if you have plans to explore Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary. This can be done anytime from June to September or December to February. These months are characterized by low rainfall, and clear vegetation thus making it easier to search for wildlife such as giraffes and rhinos.
Where else are giraffes found in Uganda?
Murchison Falls National Park
Lying in far Northwestern Uganda, Murchison Falls National Park is without doubt home to diverse wildlife including the Rothschild giraffes. These mammals freely range in the wilderness of Murchison Falls Park. They can be spotted on a guided game drive in the northern section of the park. Murchison Falls National Park is the biggest of the 10 Uganda safari parks, over 3840 sq. km.
Lake Mburo National Park
Lake Mburo Park in Kiruhura District is another special place where you can find a section of Rothschild giraffes. This is one of the smallest parks in Uganda and is best explored during a guided game drive or bush walks. A guided Uganda safari in Lake Mburo National Park allows you to enjoy the sights of giraffes, zebras, and countless antelope families including elands, topis, and others.
Kidepo Valley National Park
Kidepo in the extreme Northeastern Uganda is a special home to a great population of giraffes. Kidepo National Park is known for its unmatched natural beauty and diverse wildlife including giraffes.
Conclusively, Rothschild giraffes are just a few of the diverse species that you should expect to encounter on a guided game drive in Uganda National Parks and now at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary. Feel free to book your next Uganda safari to explore the wonders of the Pearl of Africa. Your journey to unearth the wonders of Uganda begins with Flawless Adventure Planners Ltd; info@premiumafricasafaris.com or flawlessadventureplanners@gmail.com.