Disabled visitors can now enjoy Rhino Tracking at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary

Today, tracking the 14 rhinos on Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary of the Rhino Fund Uganda is one of the adventurous tourism packages .This activity is mainly done on foot though sometimes vehicles are used. Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary is a home to Uganda’s only rhinos and this makes it a must visit to all tourists interested to see Africa’s “Big Five”.

Tracking the rhinos on foot through the magnificent savannah and swamp is a thrilling experience that many visitors enjoy. This activity is well guided by trained FFU guides and watched over by armed rangers. This is done to ensure maximum security for the trackers since there are other attractions like the grey-crowned cranes and few antelopes. While tracking through the bushes of Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary, visitors are exposed to a diverse collection of fauna and flora.

However, people with disabilities have been missing out on this adventurous safari tours to Ziwa due to the inability to walk through the bush. Many disabled people are left out on various tours to this African country and this has greatly affected tourism sector. Therefore, to overcome this problem, the Rhino Fund Uganda has introduced wheelchair tracking which is aimed at benefiting the disabled people.

The Rhino Fund has reportedly facilitated the visiting requests of disabled people, especially those in wheelchairs. A ranger is always assigned to assist a disabled visitor by navigating through the bush and where necessary, he helps to push the wheelchair.

While other tourists go for a walking Safari, people with disabilities (those with restricted movements) often find themselves left out, but the Rhino Fund has made it possible for everyone to go for Rhino tracking and get to know about their facts. Both visitors on foot and those in a wheel chair are able to see the Rhinos equally while at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary. Maximum security for the disabled people is ensured and they are guided through designated paths. Always an armed guide escorts the visitor to protect him/her from any attempt by ant mammal to attack the tracker.

Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary currently has 14 rhinos after the recent birth of another rhino. Population of the rhinos is expected to increase with more births expected before Easter this year. By Easter, the number of Southern White rhinos is expected to be 15, just under 5 years after the first birth at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary was recorded in June 2009.Initially,there were only 3 adult males and 3 adult females, but the number has greatly increased making Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary a must visit in Uganda.

Ziwa Rhin Sanctuary is also a birding paradise with a wide collection of birds including: the African Jacana, Bat Hawk, Balck-and white Shrike Flycatcher, African Pied Wagtail, Bateleur, Black-bellied Bustard, Barn Swallow, African Scop’s Owl and many more.

What to know before touring

Duration of Rhino Trekking: 1-2 hours
What to bring: Closed walking shoes or boots, sun glasses, insect repellent, bottled water and snacks, light, long-sleeved shirt, hat and sunglasses.

Prices

Residents: $4 adults and $2 children
Non-residents: $25 adults and $12.5 children
East African residents: $12 adults and $6 children
Hiring a guide: $15