Overview
Rhino conservation project in Uganda

Two species of rhino used to roam the savannahs and woodlands of Uganda, but both have sadly gone. Rhino Fund Uganda, with the help of volunteers from GVI, hopes to reverse this and bring these magnificent wild animals back to Uganda. By joining this volunteering in Uganda, you can be involved in introducing rhinos into the Ziwa Wildlife Sanctuary.

Volunteers on this project will be involved in a variety of different jobs, including helping with community education and awareness activities, and with reserve management and maintenance. Late 2007 should also see the re-introduction of other species as well, including buffalo, giraffe, impala, wildebeest and zebra. If you plan to volunteer in Africa, then helping to protect and proliferate one of the world’s most endangered species could be for you.

View Film Footage, images, blogs, volunteer stories from the field, volunteer video diaries and more at the programs media centre

Being involved in such a major part of rhino conservation in Uganda was a big privilege and I loved seeing the impact that our school outreach programs had on the local children’s knowledge of rhinos.

Sophie Sanderson, 2008 Volunteer

What Difference Does This Project Make?

Today, the rhino is gone from Uganda, wiped out by war and the harsh economic conditions that led poachers to hunt it down to sell the horn. GVI, in conjunction with local project partners, is involved in their reintroduction. By introducing greater stability in protected areas and lobbying for better legislation, community leaders have created a sanctuary for the breeding of Southern White Rhino and other more common species of game. In early 2007, 2,500 head of cattle were moved off the sanctuary to pave the way for the implementation of a game sanctuary where eco-tourism will be the main source of income for the venture.

Highlights

Sleeping under African skies, working within local community, teaching the children about rhinos, learning about reserve management, monitoring, hands on conservation project, viewing rhinos and other wildlife.

Location

The Sanctuary is a private ranch located near Nakitoma in Nakasongola district, about 170 kms northwest of Kampala. The Sanctuary has two distinct ecosystems: wooded grassland and an open wetland or swamp grassland area, where the River Lugogo passes through. Animal species present are bushbuck, duiker, oribi, Uganda kob, waterbuck, reedbuck, leopard, hippo, crocodile, vervet monkeys, bush pig, a variety of bird life (including the rare Shoebill stork), snakes, and of course six southern white rhinos!

Field Conditions

Volunteers will be accommodated in rooms in either the Backpackers or Guest House No. 2. Both these facilities have hot showers. All your meals will be provided to you by our resident cook. Your meals will be wholesome but simple as we purchase all our stocks from our local market in Masindi on a weekly basis. You will not go hungry, however if you would like luxuries such as crisps and sweets you will have to buy this yourself.