Lugogo Swamp inside Zziwa Rhino Sanctuary
Lugogo Swamp is a 10 km wide swamp situated in Nakasongola district inside the popular Zziwa Rhino sanctuary a favourite en-route stop for travellers on the northern circuit safaris leading to either Murchison Falls National Park and the far-flung Kidepo Valley National Park.
Lugogo swamp is a known habitat for the elusive shoebill stork and a varied list of over 350 bird species found in this swamp including the White Crested Turaco, the Giant Kingfisher, Palm-nut Vulture, Barbets, and most of the woodpecker species, including the Speckled-breasted Woodpecker.
Things to see & do at the swamp
- Shoebill Tracking.
One of the most sought after birds to be seen in Uganda is the shoebill stork. This is one of the only places that you are almost always guaranteed to see the storks. The best sighting has been 11 in one trip! Within our swamps, these prehistoric-looking birds are nesting.
An early morning (06H00) shoebill trek and canoe ride through the swamp not only gives you the opportunity to find the shoebill but also to see the beautiful Ugandan sunrise over Lugogo Swamp.
Waterbirds are plentiful and this activity is a must for anyone who loves nature or is interested in birding.
As this activity is so early in the morning, you must stay the night as you are unable to enter the sanctuary before 07H30.
- Birdwatching.
The sanctuary on which the swamp is located contains over 300 bird species! There are four bird trails within the sanctuary which cover woodlands, swamp and savannah. The bird guides are excellent and this is an activity that cannot be missed by bird lovers! You will probably get to see some of the other game on the sanctuary while doing your bird walk. Spend a night or two on the sanctuary and enjoy the array of feathered friends we have.
- Rhino tracking
The only place to see wild rhinos in Uganda!
Enter the territory of the southern white rhinos on foot. Well-trained rangers will guide you through the bush to where the rhinos are on the day of your visit.
You will get the opportunity to watch these endangered, magnificent creatures in their natural habitat. As these rhinos are free to move around on 7 000 hectares of land, it is often necessary to drive to the areas where the rhinos are, before taking the bush trek. This drive is done in your own vehicle, however, you can hire one of Rhino Fund Uganda’s vehicles and a driver, just ask at reception for the costs.
While at the sanctuary you may also encounter a range of other wildlife species including Uganda kobs, oribis, bushbucks, waterbucks among others and a number of other bird species.
This activity is a once in a lifetime opportunity and should not be missed!
Your guide is there to keep you safe from harm so listening to the safety briefing he gives you is very important.
Best time to Visit Lugogo Swamp for Birdwatching
Although the swamp is generally welcoming to its guest all year round, the best time for bird watching in Lugogo Swamp is from late May through September, when there is less rain and food is abundant. December and January are also good months since the north is not yet too hot and there is less rain too.
Accommodation at Lugogo Swamp ( Zziwa Rhino Sanctuary)
There are only two (02) places to stay from which you can base to explore the swamp. Inside the sanctuary is the budget-friendly Zziiwa guesthouse with a functional restaurant to serve good food.
For travellers with a flexible budget, staying at the more upmarket Amuka Safari Lodge will make for a memorable experience.
Getting there
Lugogo Swamp is located in Nakasongola district – approximately 208Km/129mi from Entebbe along the Gulu – Kampala highway. The journey to Lugogo takes about 3.5 hours by car.
