Semuliki National Park, one of Uganda’s oldest and most biodiverse reserves, offers a unique safari experience in the western part of the country. First gazetted as a reserve in 1926, it was upgraded to national park status in 1993. The park spans an area of 220 square kilometers, making it a compact yet ecologically rich destination for wildlife enthusiasts, bird watchers, and nature lovers.

Location and Geography

Position and Accessibility

Semuliki National Park is located in Bwamba County, in the western part of Uganda. The park lies in the remote Bundibugyo District, approximately 52 kilometers from Fort Portal City. Semuliki is strategically situated on the border with the Democratic Republic of Congo, with the Semuliki River marking this natural boundary. The park’s location makes it a crucial conservation area, protecting a mix of dense tropical lowland forest, bamboo patches, grasslands, and wetlands.

Geographical Features: The park’s terrain is dominated by the Semuliki Valley, which lies at the base of the Albertine Rift, part of the larger East African Rift system. Several tributaries of the Semuliki River flow through the park, providing essential water sources for wildlife and creating ideal conditions for birdwatching.

Attractions in Semuliki National Park

Sempaya Hot Springs

The Sempaya Hot Springs are one of the most remarkable features of Semuliki National Park. These geothermal springs, consisting of the “female” (Nyasimbi) and “male” (Bitende) hot springs, are known for their high temperatures, reaching up to 100 degrees Celsius. Visitors are often fascinated by the boiling springs, where locals demonstrate how they can cook food, such as eggs and plantains, in the bubbling waters.

Cultural Significance: The hot springs hold cultural significance for the local communities, who believe in their healing powers. The Sempaya Hot Springs are a must-see attraction for anyone visiting Semuliki.

Diverse Wildlife

Semuliki National Park is a biodiversity hotspot, home to an impressive array of wildlife. The park boasts 53 species of mammals, including:

• Large Mammals: Buffaloes, elephants, and leopards are some of the large mammals that roam the park.
• Primates: The park is a haven for primates, with eight species recorded, including chimpanzees, blue monkeys, Central African red colobus monkeys, baboons, vervet monkeys, DeBrazza’s monkeys, Dent’s mona monkeys, and red-tailed monkeys.
• Other Mammals: Semuliki also shelters unique species like the scaly-tailed flying squirrel, pygmy antelopes, fanged deer, and bush babies.

Wildlife Viewing: The park’s dense forests and varied habitats offer excellent opportunities for wildlife viewing, both during the day and at night.

Birdlife: A Birdwatcher’s Paradise

Semuliki is renowned as one of Uganda’s top birding destinations, with nearly 441 bird species recorded within its diverse habitats. The park’s bird checklist includes several rare and sought-after species, making it a prime spot for avid birdwatchers.

Notable Bird Species: Some of the key species to look out for include the shoebill stork, yellow-throated cuckoo, blue-billed malimbe, red-rumped tinkerbird, Nkulengu rail, African piculet, piping hornbill, and the orange-cheeked waxbill. The park’s rivers, wetlands, and forested areas provide ideal conditions for a wide variety of bird species.

Birding Hotspots: Ideal birding sites within the park include the banks of Lake Albert and the Kirumia River, where visitors can spot both aquatic and forest bird species.

Safari Activities in the National Park

Chimpanzee Tracking

Chimpanzee tracking is one of the most thrilling activities in Semuliki National Park. This adventure allows visitors to trek through the dense forest in search of the park’s resident chimpanzees. The trek can last between 2-4 hours, depending on the location of the chimpanzees, and offers an immersive experience in the jungle.

Guided Treks: All chimpanzee tracking excursions are led by experienced park guides who provide insights into the behavior and ecology of these intelligent primates.

Game Drives

Semuliki offers unique game driving experiences, with both day and night drives available. During a day game drive, visitors can expect to see large mammals such as elephants, buffaloes, and even lions. However, the park is particularly known for its night game drives, which offer the chance to spot nocturnal species like pottos, bush babies, and leopards, as well as nightjars and other nocturnal birds.

Distinct Experience: The compact nature of Semuliki allows for a more intimate and exclusive game viewing experience, with fewer tourists compared to other parks.

Bird Watching Safaris

Bird watching in Semuliki is a highlight for avian enthusiasts. The park’s diverse habitats support a wide range of bird species, many of which are endemic to the region.

Popular Birding Trails: The Kirumia River Trail and Lake Albert are particularly popular for birding, offering opportunities to see species like the lemon-billed crombec, crested malimbe, red-billed dwarf hornbill, lyre-tailed honeyguide, Congo serpent eagle, and Ross’s turacos.

Hot Springs Safari

Visiting the Sempaya Hot Springs is a must-do activity while on a safari in Semuliki. The two hot springs, Bitende (male) and Nyasimbi (female), are known for their powerful geysers and are among the most potent geothermal springs in the world.

Unique Experience: Visitors can watch as local guides cook eggs or bananas in the boiling waters of the springs—a unique and memorable experience.

Cultural Visits

Cultural interactions are an essential part of the Semuliki experience. The park is located in an area inhabited by the Batwa pygmies, an indigenous group of hunter-gatherers of Congolese origin. Visiting a Batwa community offers insight into their traditional way of life, including their history, customs, and survival skills in the forest.

Cultural Exploration: These visits provide a deeper understanding of the rich cultural heritage of the Batwa people and their connection to the forest.

Guided Nature Walks

Semuliki offers several guided nature trails that allow visitors to explore the park’s diverse landscapes on foot. These trails offer the chance to see a variety of wildlife, including primates and birds, as well as the park’s unique plant life.

Popular Trails:

• Kirumia River Trail: This 13 km trail takes about 8 hours to complete and runs from the middle of the forest to the Semuliki River. It is an excellent spot for birdwatching and observing primates.
• Sempaya Trail: A shorter trail that takes 2-4 hours to complete, leading visitors to the Sempaya Hot Springs. This 8 km trail can be explored in the morning or afternoon.

Best Time to Visit Semuliki National Park

Optimal Visiting Seasons

Semuliki National Park can be visited year-round, thanks to Uganda’s favorable climate. However, the best time to visit is during the dry seasons, from June to September and December to February, when there is little to no rainfall, and the skies are clear. During these months, the trails are more accessible, and wildlife is easier to spot.

Rainy Season: The rainy seasons, from March to May and October to November, bring lush vegetation and are ideal for birdwatching, although some trails may become muddy and challenging to navigate.

Where to Stay in the National Park

Semuliki National Park offers a range of accommodation options to suit different budgets and preferences:

• Luxury:
  • Semuliki Safari Lodge: Offers luxurious tented accommodation with stunning views of the park.
  • Nyati Game Lodge: A high-end lodge providing comfort and excellent service.
• Midrange:
  • Ntoroko Game Lodge: A comfortable lodge with good amenities and close proximity to the park.
• Budget:
  • UWA Bandas, Campsite & Cottages: Basic accommodation provided by the Uganda Wildlife Authority, ideal for budget travelers.
  • Kirimia Guesthouse: A budget-friendly option offering simple but comfortable accommodation.

Getting to the Park

By Road

Semuliki National Park is accessible by road, with the journey from Fort Portal taking approximately 2 hours via Bundibugyo. For those traveling from Kampala, the drive takes about 6 hours via the Mityana-Mubende route. The road trip offers scenic views of Uganda’s western region, including the Rwenzori Mountains.

By Air

For a quicker option, flights are available from Entebbe International Airport to Semuliki Airstrip. The flight takes about an hour, and from the airstrip, visitors can transfer to the park in a 4×4 safari vehicle.

Semuliki National Park is a hidden gem in Uganda’s tourism landscape, offering a unique blend of wildlife, birdlife, and cultural experiences. Whether you’re exploring the Sempaya Hot Springs, tracking chimpanzees, or engaging with the Batwa community, Semuliki provides an unforgettable adventure in one of Uganda’s most diverse and beautiful landscapes. Its rich biodiversity, combined with its remote location, makes it an ideal destination for those seeking an off-the-beaten-path safari experience.