Semuliki National Park – a theatre of beauty and splendor

Semliki National Park and the beautiful Semliki wildlife reserve lies on the southern shores of Lake Albert and offers a mosaic of different habitats with some excellent birding opportunities.
Perfectly situated in a remote corner of southwestern Uganda, Semuliki National Park protects an eastern extension of the vast Ituri Forest and forms part of a forest continuum that stretches across the Democratic Republic of Congo to the Zaire River.

Semuliki National Park (220 km2) gazetted in October 1993, is one of Uganda’s newest National Park. The Park occupies a flat to gently undulating landform ranging from 670 -760 metres above level. As all streams and rivers from the surrounding areas are flooded drain into the Park plus the poor drainage and topography, many areas are flooded during the rainy season. The average annual rainfall is 1250 mm with peaks from March to May and September and December. The temperature varies from 18o C – 30o C with relatively small daily variations.

Being a relatively stable forest “refugium” during the climatic upheavals of the Pleistocene, this is one of the richest areas for forest birds in Africa. A large number of predominantly Central African species reach the eastern limit of their distribution here and cannot be found anywhere else in East Africa. These include some of the continent’s most spectacular and sought-after birds such as; Congo Serpent Eagle, Long-tailed Hawk, Nkulengu Rail, Black-wattled Horn-bill and Lyre-tailed Honey guide.

Although it lies a bumpy three hours’ drive from Fort Portal, birders who take Uganda safaris, find Semuliki National Park to be richly rewarding with some of the very best forest birding in Uganda.
Jungle life in Semuliki is breathtaking especially for birders, primate, butterfly, and plant lovers. The jungle walk usually takes you up to River Semuliki meanders, the only one of its kind in East Africa.  With luck, you may see forest buffaloes and elephants, sitatungas, leopards, pigmy hippopotamus, crocodile primates and a wide range of forest and water birds. You can also come with fishing facilities for sport fishing along the river.
The Toro-Semuliki Wildlife Reserve (formerly called the Toro Game Reserve) is subtly different and shows affinities with the northern savanna woodland with over 400 birds species coupled with a number of exotic scenery views
Fantastic scenery, Hot springs, forest jungle walk, birding, primate viewing and river Semuliki meanders are some of the ideal attractions. Surely, you don’t have to miss but get off the regular tourists’ circuit and spend three to five days camping and hiking in this jungle part of the world.
There are two Hot springs situated in a tract of hot mineral encrusted swampland, rich in visible birds, insects and mammal life accessible by modern trail network. Come and see a two meters jet of hot water (130oC) and a pool (12 m diameter) of oozing boiling water (106oC). You can boil food especially eggs in the natural boiler within ten minutes and enjoy it.

Did you know that a trip to Semuliki has the most marvel and breathtaking views? Come and experience the most thrilling meandering Bundibugyo road through the Rwenzori escarpments. At ‘Mungu Ni Mukubwa’ while in the mountains, the road offers scenic views of the meandering Semuliki River, fuming Hot springs and the tropical rain forest extending up to Ituri forest in DRC.

Semuliki National Park lies along the main fort Portal to Bundibugyo road, 52 km from Fort Portal. The road can become treacherous, particularly after heavy rains, requiring a 4 WD or a sturdy 2WD with sufficient clearance. The ranger post at Sempaya is well signposted but the park headquarters have been moved to the village of Ntandi, a further 4.4 km along the road to Bundibugyo. The usual National Park fees apply.
From Sempaya it is 10.6 km to the village of Kirumia and start of the Kirumia River trail into the forest. It is possible to hitch a ride between Sempaya and Kirumia but bear in mind that most vehicles head towards Fort Portal in the mornings; traffic in the direction of Bundibugyo passes mainly in the late afternoon and evening.

Experience Semliki national park, a stepping stone to Central Africa, unforgettable views.

PKP.  safaris kenya desk