SEMULIKI NATIONAL PARK | A TOP UGANDA BIRDING SAFARI & PRIMATE TRACKING DESTINATION

Find ALL  Information About Semuliki National Park In Uganda Such As:- Attractions, Activities, Semuliki National Park Safari Lodges/Accommodation/Where To Stay, Uganda Travel Tips/Advice, What To Wear For Your Uganda Safari, When To Go/Best Time To Go.

Semuliki National Park was gazetted as one of Uganda’s national parks In 1993 and renamed from Bwamba Forest. Semiliki National Park is an extension of the West African jungle that stretches all the way from Equatorial Guinea through Congo, forming a habitat for some special Guinea-Congo biome species that do not exist in other areas of East Africa.

The majority of Semuliki National Park is a 220km² tract of rainforest that ranges from 670 to 760m in altitude. The park is situated on the Albertine Rift Valley floor in western Uganda, close to Kibale National Park, and the snow-capped Rwenzori Mountains.

It is also contiguous with the DR Congo’s great Ituri Forest and contains East Africa’s only tract of true lowland tropical rainforest.

Semuliki National Park Uganda Map

Semiliki National Park is one of the richest areas of floral and faunal diversity in East Africa, especially for bird species. Over 440 species of birds have been recorded here with almost 50 Guinea-Congo biome species that are found nowhere else in East Africa! In terms of mammals, there is a total of 53 species including 10 species of primates. The park is also famous for its primordial hot springs that can be seen on a short day hike. It is the closest you can get to central Africa’s steaming jungles from anywhere in East Africa.

Location Of  Semiliki National Park

Semliki National Park is located in the Western region of Uganda, in the Bundibugyo District, about 355km from Kampala. It lies on Uganda’s border with the Democratic Republic of Congo. The Rwenzori Mountains are to the southeast of the park, while Lake Albert is to the park’s north.

Semuliki National Park is part of a network of protected areas in the Albertine Rift Valley.

Top Attractions In Semuliki National Park ∣ Things To See In Semuliki National Park Forest

There are a variety of amazing things to explore on your Semuliki Uganda wildlife safari. These include endemic and rare birds of Uganda, primates, colorful butterflies, bubbling hot springs, and much more. Here are the top Uganda safari attractions to see in Semuliki:

1. Birds In Semuliki National Park

Uganda is a fantastic birding destination and Semuliki Forest is no exception.

There are over 440 Uganda bird species in Semiliki National Park including 9 hornbill species and 66% of Uganda’s total forest bird of Uganda species. Among these are 131 of the 144 Guinea –Congo forest Biome species including almost 50 species that cannot be found anywhere else in East Africa!

Other species such as White-thighed Hornbill (also recorded in Budongo Forest Reserve), Capuchin Babbler, Blue-headed and Crested flycatcher are now known from Mabira Forest Reserve, the Orange Weaver is common along the northern shores of Lake Victoria, and the Red-billed Malimbe has been recorded from Kibale Forest.

The park’s Semliki River meanders down to Lake Albert, forming ox-bow lakes in some places, and is surrounded by swamp, which is home to 4 Lake Victoria biome species, including Papyrus Gonolek and Caruthers’ Cisticola. There are also 2 restricted-range species and, surprisingly, 6 Afrotropical highlands biome species, all of which are widespread elsewhere. Other interesting species include some of the continent’s most spectacular and sought-after birds such as:

• Lyre-tailed Honeyguide.
• Congo Serpent Eagle
• Long-tailed Hawk
• Nkulengu Rail
• Black-wattled Hornbill
• Piping Hornbill
• Red-billed Hornbill
• Black Dwarf Hornbill
• White-crested Hornbill
• Long-tailed hawk
• African piculet
• Maxwell’s black weaver
• Blue-billed malimbe
• Yellow-throated Nicator
• Yellow-throated Cuckoo
• Zenker’s Honeyguide
• Swamp palm bulbul
• Western Green Tinkerbird
• Grey-throated Barbet
• Fine-banded woodpecker
• Gabon woodpecker
• Green-tailed Bristelbill
• Equatorial Akalat
• Forest Robin
• Red-throated Alethe
• Stripe-breasted Tit
• Spotted-breasted ibis
• White-bellied Robin-chat
• Green Hylia
• Hartlaub’s duck
• Black-throated coucal
• Lowland akalat
• Bronze-naped pigeon
• Long-crested eagle
• Great blue turaco
• Klaas’s cuckoo
• African emerald cuckoo
• Banded Prinia
• Scaly-breasted Illadopsis
• Sooty boubou

2. Animals In Semuliki National Park

In terms of Uganda mammals, Semuliki National Park also has some special species you can look for on your Uganda wildlife safaris. Of the 53 mammal species that call this park home, at least a dozen of them occur nowhere else in Uganda. Among them are 2 types of flying squirrel and 6 types of bat including the Zenker’s flying mice.

Semuliki National Park is the only East African stronghold of the oddball Water chevrotain/Fanged deer, a superficially duiker-like relic of an ancient ungulate family that shares many structural features with pigs and is considered ancestral to all modern-day antelopes and deer. It also hosts Forest Elephants, Buffaloes, Bushpigs, Sitatunga, White-bellied duikers, Hippos and Crocodiles, as well as 10 species on diurnal primates such as:

• Central African red colobus monkey
• Black-and-white colobus monkey
• Grey-cheeked Mangabey
• Dent’s Mona monkey
• De Brazza’s monkey
• Red-tailed monkey
• Vervet monkey
• Olive baboon
• Blue monkey
• Chimpanzee

3. Semuliki National Park Hot Springs

Semuliki is also famous for its 2 hot springs. Ringed by forest and palm trees, and veiled in a cloud of steam, the hot springs are indeed a primeval, evocative sight. They are a visual testament to the powerful subterranean forces that have been shaping the rift valley during the last 14 million years.

Visitors are usually more fascinated by the local stories about their formation than the scientific explanation. There is a female and male hot spring.

The Male hot spring known as Bintente is about 12 meters in diameter while the Female hot spring called Nyasimbi is a geyser that spouts up to 2 meters into the air from an opening in a low salt sculpture. The emerging water has a temperature of over 100 °C and the surrounding pools are hot enough to boil eggs in 10 minutes.

There are short hiking trails to the hot springs that lead you through a patch of forest where Black-and-white colobus, Red-tailed monkeys, and Grey-cheeked Mangabeys are common. You also see a variety of interesting birds in Uganda including:

• Yellow-throated tinkerbirds
• Blue-breasted Kingfisher
• Red-rumped tinkerbirds
• Frasier’s ant thrush
• Forest hornbills
• Honeyguide
• Greenbuls

Attractions Outside Semiliki National Park

1. Batwa Community

The Batwa People near Semuliki National Park originated from the Ituri forest of the Congo basins. Short in height, they are very special and social people.

For 1000s of years, they lived in Semuliki Forest as fruit gatherers, hunters, leaves eaters, and took shelter in holes of dead woods and huts.

But in order to conserve Semuliki Forest and its wildlife, Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) evicted the Batwa from the forest and relocated them to the nearby community at Ntandi. Here, they have been given a residence by the park with a move to improve their standards of living.

Batwa are allowed access to the park any time for their cultural ceremonies, collection of resources such as firewood, water, herbs, and other food materials that would be got from the forest. However, they are restricted from hunting.

They are being sensitized and encouraged to live a normal human life. It is from this site that the Batwa can demonstrate to visitors how they lived during ancient times. They also offer performances about their rich culture and customs through music, dance, and drama.

3. Toro-Semliki Wildlife Reserve

Semuliki Reserve lies 20km east of Semuliki National Park on the southern tip of Lake Albert.

Gazetted in 1932, Toro Semuliki is the oldest wildlife reserve in Uganda. The reserve covers an area of about 542km² and ranges from 600 to 700m in altitude.

Its location is truly awesome with the sheer Rift Valley Escarpment rising sharply from the eastern shore of Lake Albert, the 2,500 meter-high Congolese Blue Mountains on the western horizon, and on a clear day, the glacial peaks of the Rwenzori Mountains to the southwest are visible.

The dominant vegetation is open Acacia woodland and grassy savannah, interspersed with patches of Borassus palm, riparian woodland along the main watercourses, and extensive swamps towards Lake Albert.

Wildlife has partially recovered from the poaching that took a heavy toll during the civil war. You can see Forest and savannah elephants, Buffalos, Waterbucks, Warthogs, Uganda kobs, Black–and-white colobus, Olive baboons, Red-tailed, and Vervet monkeys. With luck, you may even see a leopard. A chimpanzee’s community inhabits the Mugiri River Forest. The reserve is highly alluring to visitors on Uganda birding tours with more than 425 species.

4. Lake Albert And Shoebills

Situated near Semuliki Wildlife Reserve, Lake Albert is a rift valley lake with serene natural beauty and a tranquil atmosphere. It was named after Albert prince consort of Britain in 1864 by Sir Samuel Baker a British explorer and the first European to spot the lake.

Besides the beauty of the lake, the people around the lake are mainly a fishing community and are a subject of interest especially late morning when they erupt into a flurry of activity for the day’s catch is coming in. The lake is also a habitat for several aquatic and semi-aquatic animals such as hippos, Nile crocodiles, and Turtles.

A variety of water birds are sighted along the shores of the lake including Herons, Pelicans, Kingfishers, Fish eagles, and the swamps around the lake are among the best places to see mighty  Shoebills in Uganda, at close quarters

Top Best Activities In Semuliki National Park/Things To Do In Semuliki National Park

Semuliki National Park offers several exciting tour activities to visitors on Uganda tours. It is a perfect destination if you are interested in unusual Uganda safari experiences. Here are the top Semuliki National Park activities you can enjoy your wildlife safaris in Uganda:

1. Birding In Semiliki National Park

Birding is one of the most amazing Uganda wildlife safari activities you can enjoy on your Semuliki National Park Uganda safari.

Semuliki is an incredible destination for birding in Uganda, and it is indeed a must-visit if you’re planning your Uganda birding safari tours.

The park is home to over 440 bird species, representing over 40% of Uganda’s total bird species and 66% (216) of the country’s forest bird species. Out of the 131 Guinea-Congo biome species that you can find in Semuliki, almost 50 cannot be found anywhere else in East Africa!

Birding in Semuliki National Park is done on foot along the well-established forest trails. Some of the prized sightings are:

• Piping Hornbill
• White-crested Hornbill
• White-thighed Hornbill
• Black-wattled Hornbill
• Red-billed Hornbill
• Black Dwarf Hornbill
• Lyre-tailed Honeyguide
• Zenker’s Honeyguide
• Congo Serpent Eagle
• Long-tailed Hawk
• Nkulengu Rail
• African piculet
• Maxwell’s black weaver
• Blue-billed malimbe
• Yellow-throated Cuckoo
• Spot-breasted Ibis
• Capuchin Babbler
• Red-chested Owlet
• Red-throated Alethe
• Grey-throated Barbet
• Equatorial Akalat
• Western green Tinkerbird

Semuliki National Park Birding Fees

• USD 30 Per person for foreign non-resident visitors
• USD 30 Per person for foreign resident visitors (with work permits)
• UGX 10,000 for East African Citizens

2. Hiking In Semuliki National Park

Hiking or a Nature walk is another exciting Uganda safari trip experience you can have when touring Semuliki National Park. You will walk along the lush forest trails and your senses will be treated to an atmosphere of sheer tranquility and calm.

You’ll also feel like you’re the only visitor in this ancient rainforest, with a guide for company describing and pointing out many of the park’s rare birds, primates, butterflies, amphibians, and plants. Semuliki has 3 different trails that offer the most exciting walk, including:

Kirumia Trail

If you’re a bird lover on a birding tour in Uganda, Kirumia is the most recommended trail.

It’s a 13km trail that passes through the north of the forest to the banks of Semuliki River, crossing Kirumia River twice, as well as passing a succession of forest-fringed beautiful Ox-bow lakes.

The first 4km of the trail passes through the secondary and riparian forest where you have an opportunity to spot special bird species like African piculet, Long-Tailed Hawk, Red-Sided Broad Bill, Black-Faced Rufous Warbler, and Lemon Billed Crombec are common.

Among the 20-30 bird species associated with ox-bow lakes and their environs, but unlikely to be seen elsewhere in Uganda are Nkulengu rail, Spot-breasted Ibis, Black-throated coucal, Yellow-throated Cuckoo, Lyre tailed Honeyguide, Grey ground thrush, Blue-billed malimbe, Maxwell’s black weaver, and Grant’s bluebill.

Hartlaub’s duck and White-throated blue swallow are resident on Semuliki River. This trail is an 8 hours round trip from the park headquarters at Ntandi and starts at 8:00 am.

Red Monkey Trail

This 11km Red Monkey Hiking Trail follows the park’s eastern border, a stronghold of the rare De Brazza’s monkey.

It’s more populated with the Red-tailed monkeys hence the name.

It starts from the Sempaya tourism site and does stretch into the forest giving you the provision to reach the Semuliki River and end up from the park headquarters.

Several forest and woodland birds are seen along this trail.

Some mammals such as the Duikers, Forest elephants, and Forest buffaloes can be seen on some occasions, as well as primates such as Baboons, Red-tailed monkeys, Black and white colobus, and Mangabeys. Also, hippos and crocodiles can be seen in the Semuliki River.

This trail takes at least 3 hours in either direction.

Sempaya Hot Springs Nature Trail

This 8 km nature trail takes a 2-4 hour hike and takes place in the morning or afternoon.

The trail offers you a chance to see the hot springs, birds, butterflies, primates, and views of the snow-capped Rwenzori Mountains in the background on a clear day.

It leads through a patch of forest where Red-tailed monkeys, Grey-cheeked Mangabeys, and Black-and-white colobus monkeys are common. Among the more interesting birds regularly seen here are various Forest hornbills, Blue-breasted kingfisher, Red-rumped and Yellow-throated tinkerbirds, Frasier’s ant thrush, and Honeyguide greenbul.

The eye-catching Sempaya hot springs are ringed by forest and palm trees and veiled in a cloud of steam. The largest geyser spouts up to 2 meters into the air from an opening in a low salt sculpture. The emerging water has a temperature of over 100 °C and the surrounding pools are hot enough to boil an egg in 10 minutes.

Semuliki National Park Hiking Fees

• USD 30 Per person for foreign non-resident visitors
• USD 15 Per person for foreign resident visitors (with work permits)
• UGX 10,000 for East African Citizens

Things You Can Do Near Semuliki National Park

1. Batwa Cultural Experience

After your Uganda wildlife safaris at Semuliki, you can visit the Batwa pygmies and learn about their hunter-gatherer lifestyle. They live at Ntandi on the Bundibugyo road about 5 kilometers past Sempaya and 500 meters from the park headquarters.

Initially, they were fruit gatherers, hunters, leaves eaters, and did not carry any form of farming but lived in the forest and took shelter in holes of dead woods and huts.

However, are forbidden to use their traditional hunting ground after Semuliki was gazetted a National Park in 1993. They today live outside the forest. It is from this site that the Batwa can demonstrate to visitors how they lived during ancient times. They also represent performances about their rich culture and customs through music, dance, and drama.

Batwa Cultural Experience Fees

• USD 10 Per person for foreign non-resident visitors
• USD 10 Per person for foreign resident visitors (with work permits)
• UGX 10,000 for East African Citizens

2. Game Drives in Semuliki Wildlife Reserve

Game drives in Toro – Semuliki Wildlife Reserve may not be as rewarding as some of the other National Parks in Uganda but it has plenty of Buffalo, Uganda Kob, and Elephant. There are three tracks across the savannah grassland of the reserve. If you are lucky, you may even see a leopard, Giant forest hogs, and parties of Warthogs.

Game drives here are done in the morning, afternoon, and at night. After dark, you may come across curious nocturnal creatures such as the white-tailed mongoose, Owls, as well as pennant winged and standard winged nightjars.

Semuliki Wildlife Reserve Game Drive Fees

• USD 20 Per person for foreign non-resident visitors
• USD 20 Per person for foreign resident visitors (with work permits)
• UGX 20,000 for East African Citizens

3. Looking For Shoebills On Lake Albert

When staying at Toro-Semliki Wildlife Reserve, you have a great opportunity to enjoy a thrilling boat trip on Lake Albert. This Rift Valley Lake teems with birds, but the ultimate prize is a glimpse of the odd-looking shoebill. You’ll probably get more than a peek. Sightings of this rare bird, resembling something from the dinosaur era, are excellent here.

View Shoebill By Boat Fees

• USD 100 Per person for foreign non-resident visitors
• USD 100 Per person for foreign resident visitors (with work permits)
• UGX 100,000 for East African Citizens

Semuliki National Park Accommodation  | Uganda Safari Lodges In Semuliki National Park

The Semliki Valley can be visited by anyone staying in Uganda safari lodges/accommodation in Fort Portal – or even Kibale National Park if you don’t mind the time on the road. However, it is best enjoyed by spending a few nights at the wonderful Semliki Safari Lodge. Here are some of the best luxury, mid-range, and budget places to stay on your Semuliki National Park safari in Uganda:

Luxury Accommodation In Semiliki National Park | Luxury Lodges In Semuliki National Park

1. Semliki Safari Lodge – Luxury

Semliki Safari Lodge is situated in Toro- Semliki Valley wildlife reserve and is the only accommodation in over 500km² of wilderness, offering a truly private experience.

The lodge is built out of local materials, giving it an appearance of traditional rustic, but with still a feeling of total luxury and comfort. There is a homely feeling in the main building with sofas piled high with soft cushions, loads of books to read, and hospitable staff. The main lodge is perched on a hill overlooking the riverine valley with the Rwenzori Mountains in a distance.

Highlights

• The lodge hosts a maximum of 18 guests.
• There are 8 golden-hued tents with gleaming hardwood floors.
• Rooms include 1 family – sleeping 3-4 people, 3 doubles- sleeping 2 each and 4 twins – sleeping 2 each.
• There are Canvas tents with grass protected by thick thatched roofs.
• They feature an en-suite bathroom, hot water, and double vanities.
• A large dining area
• A patio bar
• Swimming pool
• A breezy shaded lounge with superb forest view, perfect for a lazy afternoon.

2. Kyaninga Lodge – Luxury

Kyaninga Lodge is among Uganda’s most luxurious accommodations outside the capital, Kampala City. Built from timber and thatch, and overlooking Lake Kyaninga, which is one of the country’s deepest crater lakes, it is nearby the town of Fort Portal and has easy access to spectacular hiking trails of Semuliki National Park with views of the Great Rift Valley and the Rwenzori Mountains, which are also known as the Mountains of the Moon.

Highlights

• Luxurious lodge on the edge of a crater lake at the base of the Rwenzori Mountains
• 8 sumptuous cottages, including two cottages for families
• Cozy lounge and bar, dining area, terraces, gardens, tennis court, croquet lawn, wellness center, swimming pool
• Views of Lake Kyaninga and the Rwenzori Mountains
• Excellent hiking to superb outlooks
• Tennis, croquet, badminton, swimming, and boules
• Wellness center for post-trek massage
• Good proximity to Queen Elizabeth and Kibale National Parks
• Kitchen garden and significant wine cellar

Midrange Accommodation In Semiliki National Park | Standard/Midrange Lodges In Semuliki National Park

1. Mountains Of The Moon Hotel

Mountains of the Moon Hotel is one of Uganda’s distinguished Uganda safari accommodations sitting on 15 acres of landscaped gardens and trimmed terraces with a scenic view of the eminent Rwenzori Mountains – mountains of the moon. The hotel is stationed near Semliki National Park.

Highlights

33 fully furnished rooms

• 9 standard rooms, 11 deluxe rooms, 12 superior rooms, & 1 suite
• A restaurant that offers local, continental, and exotic dishes
• 3 well-stocked bars where one can hang out with friends
• A wellness center with a gym, spa, and sauna
• Swimming pool
• A business center
• Free Wi-Fi internet access

2. Ruwenzori View Guest House

Ruwenzori View Guest House is a comfortable and family-run place set within the backdrop of the breathtaking Rwenzori Mountains. Purpose-designed by a Swiss architect and started by a Dutch / English couple. This outstanding guesthouse remains Fort Portal’s top pick for independent-minded travelers on a mid-range budget.

Highlights

• Spectacular views of Rwenzori Mountains
• Single rooms, Double rooms, Twin rooms, Family rooms, and a wooden cabin
• The rooms are beautiful, clean with a large comfortable double bed plus balcony.
• Each room has a private veranda.
• A restaurant offering delicious meals
• A craft shop with locally made baskets and other crafts made by local women groups
• Lounge with a large dining table, sitting area, and free Wi-Fi
• Special meals for families with children
• A beautiful garden with flowers and a lot of birds

3. Kluges Guest Farm

Kluges Guest Farm is situated on the foothills of the Rwenzori Mountains, near the town of Fort Portal, and offers gorgeous vistas, fresh home-grown cuisine, and easy access to chimpanzee trekking in Kibale Forest and the hiking trails of Semuliki National Park. The farm is the ideal base for local exploration, and there’s plenty of exploring.

Highlights

• 10 self-contained bungalows that accommodate singles, couples, and families.
• Sweeping vistas of the Rwenzori Mountains & private terraces from which to enjoy them.
• Bungalows contain en-suite facilities with a shower and bathtub.
• Sprawling grassy lawns, neat vegetable gardens & a paved patio
• Kluges grow all their own fruit and veg and raise livestock for meat and dairy.
• ​A farm-to-table restaurant.
• The pool offers a bit of respite from the jungle heat, for big and little kids alike.

Budget Accommodation In Semiliki National Park | Basic/Budget Lodges In Semuliki National Park

1. UWA Bandas & Campsite At Bumaga – Budget

Semuliki National Park also has Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) managed Bandas and Campsite located at Bumaga, about 2.5km from Sempaya – a notable starting point for exploring the park and the nearby Semliki Game Reserve. The Bandas and Campsite are a budget Uganda safari accommodation option. Basic facilities are offered and meals are arranged on order, catering equipment is available for hire to those who want to do self-catering.

Frequently Asked Question About Semuliki National Park

What Is Semuliki National Park Famous For?

Semliki National Park is famous for its spectacular birdlife with over 440 bird species including rare species that are not seen in other Uganda National Parks. The park is also known for its bubbling hot springs and the pygmy village which surrounds the reserve. Though the reserve is not included in most of the Ugandan safari packages, the reserve has more scenic views to offer you, as well as mammals, primates, butterflies, and much more.

Where Is Semuliki National Park?

Semuliki National Park is located in western Uganda about 300km from Kampala.

It is situated on Uganda’s border with the Democratic Republic of Congo, close to Rwenzori Mountains National Park and Kibale National Park – the famous home of chimpanzees. Lake Albert is to the park’s north.

In Which District Is Semuliki National Park?

The 220 square kilometer Semuliki National Park is found in the isolated Bundibugyo district, beyond the Rwenzori Mountain or Mountains of the Moon on the floor of the Albertine Rift Valley which is the western arm of the East African Rift.

How To Get To Semuliki National Park?

Semuliki National Park can be accessed by road and air. By road, you access Semuliki via Kampala – Mubende – Fort Portal road which is about 355kms (5-6 hours) drive. Chartered flights can land at an airstrip on Toro Semliki Wildlife Reserve. Flights can be chartered from Entebbe International Airport or Kajjansi Airfield near Kampala. It can take about 40 minutes to reach and land Semuliki airstrip from Entebbe or Kajjansi.

When To Visit Semuliki National Park?

Semliki National Park can be visited all year round but the best time to visit the park is during the dry season. While weather patterns are changing, from December to March it is generally hot and dry. April to June sees higher levels of more consistent rainfall. June to September is generally dry with occasional light rain, and October and November see short, but heavy, showers.

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