Semuliki National park
Semuliki National park: is basically one of the richest areas of floral and faunal biodiversity in Africa, with bird and butterfly species being especially diverse. The park is located in Bundibugyo district and lies on Uganda’s border with the Democratic Republic of the Congo. The Rwenzori Mountains are to the south-east of the park, while Lake Albert is to the park’s north. In addition, it covers a total area of two hundred and twenty square kilometers, siting on an altitude range of 670 to 760 meters above sea level. Besides, the park has more than 400 bird species and also provides habitat for over 53 mammal species.
Mammals include; African buffalo, leopard, hippopotamus, mona monkey, water chevrotain, bush babies. African civet, African elephant as well as the Pygmy scaly-tailed flying squirrel. In addition, nine duiker species are found in the park, including the bay duiker. The forest is also remarkably rich in primates including the chimpanzee, baboon, grey-cheeked mangabey. Black and white colobus, Central African red colobus, blue, red-tailed, de Brazza’s. Vervet, Dent’s monkeys, nocturnal primates sunch as bush baby, etc. Besides, hippos and crocodiles are common along the Semliki River.
What to do in Semuliki National Park
Bird watching
Generally, is park is one of the top birding destinations in Uganda with over 441 recorded species. In fact, there are 46 Guinea-Congo biome bird species that cannot be found anywhere else in East Africa. Some of the bird species include; Maxwell’s black weaver, Red-billed helmet-Shrike. Yellow-throated cuckoo, Piping hornbill, Red-billed dwarf Hornbill, Black dwarf Hornbill, Great blue and Ross’s Turaco, etc.
Visit the Sempaya hot springs
The park basically has two hot springs: the ‘male’ referred to as Bintente and Nyasimbi the female. Its water boils to a temperature of 103°C forming a cloud of steam right over the bubbling water. In fact, water gushing out is hot enough to boil different food stuff like the eggs and matooke within few minutes. Besides, tourists are more fascinated by the local stories about this place than the scientific explanation. Boiling geyser gushes out steam and bubbling water several meters high and can be seen more than 1 kilometer away.
Cultural experience
There are basically four indigenous tribes living around the park and tourists are able to visit any of them for their cultural experience. The Batwa are hunter gatherers who used to live freely in the forests of Rwanda, Uganda and DR Congo but later relocated to areas outside the parks. The Bakonjo and Bamba are farmers growing crops on the slopes of the mount Rwenzori while the Batuku live in the northern section of the park as pastoralists. These tribes basically showcase their cultural heritage through dance, storytelling and other demonstrations. Therefore, don’t miss out visiting any of these groups during their trip to Uganda.
Primate watching
There are a number of different primates found in this park that can best be seen during the forest walks. Some of the commonly seen include: chimpanzees, de Brazza’s, baboons, red-tailed monkeys. Vervet monkeys, grey-cheeked mangabeys, Dent’s mona monkeys, black and white colobus as well as the blue monkeys.
Best time to visit Semuliki National Park
This beautiful national park can be visited throughout the year however, for the best wildlife views we recommend you avoid the wet season and visit during the dry months.
Where to stay while at this park
Accommodation
Luxury
- Semuliki safari loge
Mid-range
- Ntoroko game lodge
Budget
- Kirimia guesthouse
- Bamuga campsite
Some of our safari packages
2 Days Best of Lake Mburo Park Safari.
3 Days Murchison Falls Adventure Safaris.
4 Days Kidepo Valley Wildlife Safari.
5 Days Gorilla and Wildlife Safari in Uganda.
10 Days Best of Uganda Wildlife and Adventure Safari.
11 Days Uganda Primates and Wildlife Safari Experience.
15 Days Best of Uganda Holiday Safari.
Our Special Safaris
