A one-day rhino tracking tour in Uganda typically takes place in Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary, which is the only place in Uganda where you can see wild rhinos.The 1 day Rhino Tracking tour is an exciting short tour that allows tourists to spend quality time with Uganda’s only wild Rhino population in their natural habitat. Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary is found in Nakasongola district and is usually visited by tourists heading to Murchison falls and Kidepo valley National Parks spending few minutes but for your 1 day Rhino Tracking tour, you will have ample time in the Sanctuary to explore other additional attractions in addition to the Rhinos.
Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary was founded in 2005 as a private non-profit Sanctuary and comprises of over 70 square kilometers of wooden and savannah ecosystems. Besides the Rhinos, other wildlife species to be spotted in this Sanctuary are Defassa waterbucks, Uganda kobs, hippos, warthogs and elands as well as over 350 species of birds including the shoebill storks, African broadbill, Broad-billed rollers and African black crakes among others.
What to expect during the 1 day Rhino Tracking tour
- Hotel pick-up and drop-off.
- A walk through the savannah and woodlands for a chance to track the Rhinos.
- A refreshing 2-3 hours’ journey.
- A stopover at Luwero.
- En-route lunch
- Canoe ride.
Detailed itinerary of the 1 day Rhino Tracking tour
Rhino tracking can be conducted by tourists on their way to Murchison or Kidepo Valley National Parks but for this tour, you will have more time with the Rhinos and other attractions of Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary.
Wake up early for your breakfast within the Hotel in Kampala and depart for the Sanctuary at 6:00am for the 3 hours’ drive to avoid the morning traffic jam and drive through Matugga, Wobulenzi and the popular Luwero Triangle known for its heartbreaking massacres during the NRA Bush war that ushered in the current regime.
There will be a stopover at the Luwero fruit market where you can purchase several Tropical fruits such as mangoes, pineapples, jackfruits, passion fruits, yellow bananas and oranges prior to approaching Nakasongola where you will branch off to the Sanctuary. On arrival at the destination, you will be briefed on the activity and its do’s and don’ts. Rhino tracking lasts about 2-3 hours but involves encountering other wildlife and bird species.
You will have lunch and proceed for the canoe ride with a 60% chance of encountering the shoebill storks within the wetlands. Later return to Kampala.
End of your 1 day Rhino Tracking tour
The 1 day Rhino Tracking tour package includes;
- Rhino tracking fees.
- Lunch.
- Entrance fees.
- Bottled water.
- A full-time English speaking driver/guide.
- Hotel pick-up and drop-off.
The 1 day Rhino Tracking tour package excludes;
- Optional activities not included on the itinerary.
- Personal expenses such as purchases (fruits at Luwero), tips, souvenirs and beverages except the ones offered during lunch.
- Hotel fees.
- Ugandan visa.
- Airfares.
What to carry and wear for the 1 day Rhino tracking tour
- Long sleeved shirt.
- Safari pants.
- Waterproof backpack.
- Strong waterproof hiking boots.
- Cotton socks.
- Water bottle.
- Rain jacket/ or poncho.
- Good camera with enough memory and battery.
- Pair of binoculars.
- Safari hat.
- Sunglasses.