Guide to Semuliki National Park
A Complete guide to the 220 sq km Semuliki National Park. You are invited to discover or rediscover the magic of Semuliki National Park in Western Uganda. From safaris and touristic experiences to finding your way, things to or top attractions to see, find the information you need to plan a uniquely memorable visit to the extraordinary destination of Semuliki National Park.
About Semuliki National Park
Semuliki Valley National Park lies in the remote western part of the Rwenzori Mountain ranges west of Uganda. The easternmost extension of the Ituri forest of the Congo River basin in DRC makes up part of this protected area.
This national park lies in the isolated Bundibugyo district, beyond the Rwenzori mountains on the floor of the Semliki section of the Albertine Rift Valley.
This largely forested park represents the easternmost limit of the great Ituri Forest of the Congo Basin and contains numerous species associated with central rather than eastern Africa. Thatch huts are shaded by West African oil palms, the Semliki River (which forms the international boundary) is a miniature version of the Congo River, while the local population includes a Batwa (Pygmy) community that originated from the Ituri. As a result, a visit to Semuliki provides a taste of Central Africa just a couple of hours from the comforts of Fort Portal.
This park boasts of its over 441 avifaunal species, 216 of these are forest birds especially the forest ground thrush and Sassi’s olive greenbuls. Other birds to sight at this park include the red billed dwarf, spot breasted ibis, hartlaub’s duck, chestnut flanked goshawk, lyre tailed and zenker’s honey guides, white throated blue swallow, black wattled hornbills a mention but a few.
There are also 53 mammals 11 of which are endemic species-the pygmy antelopes and the 2 flying squirrel species. The other mammal species include leopards, buffaloes, elephants, hippos as well as many primate species including grey cheeked mangabeys, red tailed monkeys, vervet mention but a few.
Things to See in Semuliki National Park
There are lots of things to see in Semuliki National Park. Here are some of the natural wonders to see in the Semuliki National Park;
Semuliki Valley
The Semuliki Valley comprises of varied natural wonders which are linked to Central other than Eastern Africa. The Semliki River is a miniature version of the Congo River and the forest offers refuge to varied wildlife species and not to forget local communities especially the Batwa community which originates from the Ituri forest.
Sempaya Hot Springs
Semuliki National Park is famous for its twin hot springs- also best referred to as male and female. Male (Bitende) has a width of up to 12m and female (Nyasimbi) with diameter of 2m and it is notably the powerful hot spring. Nyasimbi is popular because it boils up to 100 degrees Celsius and it is believed to make food stuffs such as banana or an egg to get ready in minutes.
Primates
Semuliki National Park is a primate paradise, housing variety of interesting primate species in its lowland forest. The 220sq.kms protected area is a home to significant species of primates such as blue monkeys, olive baboons, chimpanzees, red tailed monkeys, red colobus monkeys, vervet monkeys, colobus monkeys and more.
Other species of animals Semuliki National Park protects include forest elephants, little collared fruit bats, leopards, warthogs, buffaloes, Kobs, hippos, crocodiles, bush babies, bush pigs, bush bucks, waterbucks, pygmy squirrels,
Birds
Semuliki National Park is one the leading birding spots in East Africa, protecting up to 441 bird species and majority of these are Albertine Rift endemic species. The birds of interest on Semuliki birding tour include orange cheeked waxbills, piping hornbill, yellow throated cuckoo, blue billed malimbe, white crested hornbill, African piculet, leaf love, black winged starling, red eyed puff back, Congo serpent eagles, lemon bellied crombec.
The park also has the lyre tailed honeyguide birds, long tailed hawk, dwarf hornbills, Maxwell’s black swallow, black throated coucal, western bronze napped pigeon, ibis, white bellied kingfishers, swamp palm bulbul, Ituri batis, yellow throated nicator, Ross’s turacos and more.
Top Things to do in Semuliki National Park
Tourists on Uganda safari in Semuliki National Park have plenty of memorable safari activities to engage in. They include guided game drives, birding, nature walks, primate walk, Batwa cultural encounter, chimpanzee tracking, boat ride and a lot more.
Birding
Semuliki NP is amazingly one of the interesting birding sites, offering opportunity for birders to identify variety of birds including a large profusion of Albertine rift endemic species. The park is a home to 441 bird species including white crested hornbill, shoebill stork, piping hornbill, red billed dwarf hornbill, yellow throated nicator, African Pacolet, Ross’s turacos, yellow throated cuckoo, orange weaver, swamp palm bulbul and more.
Sempaya Hot Springs tour
The Sempaya Hot springs are Semuliki National Park’s iconic attractions set at the edge of the Ituri Forest. The hot springs comprises of female (Nyasimbi) and male (Mumbugu)- these are a few most powerful hot springs on planet earth. The hot springs’ water is known to boil up to 100 degrees Celsius.
Game drive
Semuliki NP also offers the best game viewing experiences- a great chance for tourists to look out for interesting mammal species, birds etc. It is one of the best places in Uganda worth visiting for a night game drive or day game drives. The birds of Semuliki NP include blue billed malimbe, Gabon woodpecker, black dwarf hornbill, yellow throated cuckoo, Maxwell’s black weaver, forest hornbills, yellow throated tinker bird, leaf love, chestnut breasted turacos, honey guided greenbul, piping hornbill, Nkulengu rail and more.
Nature walks
Semuliki NP is one of the best places offering outstanding guided nature walking experiences. There are interesting nature trails to explore while at Semuliki NP including the red monkey trail- a 11 kms nature walking trail that introduces visitors to the scenic River Semuliki. Along the way, there is a chance sighting the unique DeBrazza’s monkeys. 13 kms Kirumia trail 8 hours, 8kms Sempaya nature trail and more.
Cultural Encounters
The Semliki Valley contains numerous features associated with central rather than eastern Africa. Thatched huts are shaded by West African oil palms; the Semliki River (which forms the international boundary) is a miniature version of the Congo River, the forest is home to numerous Central African wildlife species, and the local population includes a Batwa pygmy community that originated from the Ituri. As a result, this park provides a taste of Central Africa without having to leave Uganda.
Plan Your Safari
Taking time to plan your safari to Semuliki National Park. This travel planner will make your experience more safe, fun, and rewarding. We offer the most accurate and up-to-date information about:
Places to stay in Semuliki National Park
The available places worth booking for overnight stay on birding trip in Semuliki National Park include Ntoroko Game Lodge, Semuliki Safari Lodge, Kirimia Guesthouse, Bandas & Campsite. These accommodation options have all Uganda safari travelers sorted- budget, mid-range and luxury.
Getting to Semuliki National Park
From Entebbe/Kampala to Semuliki National Park is about 7-8 hours’ drive via Masaka – Mbarara – Kasese route. Or spend up to 6 hours driving from Kampala through Mubende-Fort Portal route. Alternatively, contact our reservation and let us arrange a fly in tour- with your flight taking from Entebbe Airport/Kajjansi Airfield to Semuliki Airstrip.
When is the Best Time to Visit Semuliki National Park?
Tourists can visit the park any time throughout the year, although conditions in the park are more difficult during the rainy season (December to March: It is hot and dry, April to June: It is relatively rainy, July to September: It is dry with occasional passing rain, where as October to November: there are short heavy rains) and it is usually advisable to use 4×4 vehicles while in the park, Note that seasons are changing in the world and very often no longer predictable as ever before.
Where to Stay in Semuliki National Park?
Available tourist accommodation in and around the park includes lodges notably Semuliki Safari Lodge, Ntoroko Game Lodge and Camp and alternative budget accommodation in Bundibugyo and Fort Portal towns.