Semuliki National Park.

Semuliki National Park is one of the national parks in Uganda that provide travelers with a one-of-a-kind safari experience. This national park spans the Semliki Valley on the isolated western side of the Rwenzori Mountains.

Semuliki national park in Uganda is a force to be reckoned with, with a radius of 220 square kilometers at a height of 670-760 meters above sea level. The national park is dominated by the Congo Basin’s enormous Ituri Forest’s easternmost stretch. It is one of Africa’s oldest and most diversified woods, and it appears to be one of the few to have survived the last ice age, which occurred between 12 and 18,000 years ago. The park’s woodland is home to 441 bird species and 53 animal species.

Attractions and Activities in Semuliki National Park.

Sempaya Hotsprings.

The Sempaya hot springs in Semuliki National Park are the park’s most distinctive feature. They are also the park’s most well-known tourist attraction. The Sempaya hot springs are made up of a male and female hot spring. The male hot spring is called as “Bintente” and has a diameter of 12 meters. It is placed in the park’s lush, marshy section. The female hot spring, nicknamed as “Nyasimbi,” which means “the female ancestors,” is a boiling geyser that spews boiling water at 103 degrees Celsius. Locals may occasionally gather around these boiling points and cook meals.

Visitors to Uganda’s Semuliki National Park can join a guided trekking adventure to the famed Sempaya hot springs. The route going to the ‘male’ hot spring brings tourists through a rather extensive forest where primates such as the red-tailed monkey, grey-cheeked mangabeys, and black and white colobus monkeys may be seen. Hikes to the male hot spring are only around an hour long. The route to the female hot spring is around 30 minutes long and winds through a palm forest. Visitors can bring a couple raw eggs and plantain to fry when they arrive at this hot spring.

River Semuliki.

The 160-kilometer-long Semuliki River transports runoff from the Rwenzori Mountains to Lake Albert and the Nile. The Semuliki River is a tiny counterpart of the legendary Congo River, being broad, muddy, forest-fringed, and home to hippos and crocodiles. From roadside views, visitors may watch the river meander across the rift valley bottom and stroll through the forest to its bird-rich banks.

Sempaya-Ntandi Road

The Sempaya-Ntandi road is a 5km section that travels through some of Uganda’s most beautiful wilderness. It also offers breathtaking views of birds and monkeys high in the forest canopy. Sempaya offers bird viewing trips as well as night treks deep into the forest. Local Batwa dancers put on traditional shows for tourists in Ntandi.

Chimpanzee Trekking

Chimpanzee trekking in Semuliki National Park is by far the greatest primate experience available. The activity takes place at the Toro-Semuliki Wildlife Reserve. The primate walk in Toro-Semliki Wildlife Reserve follows the footsteps of habituated chimps from the study camp to the Kijura observation point. During the 4-6-hour hike, you are likely to witness spectacular birds in the park, as well as a variety of species such as elephants, buffaloes, and lions. Chimpanzees are more common during the rainy season, when there is more food available.

Hiking/ walking Safaris.

Visitors to Semuliki National Park are always accompanied by expert guides on guided nature hikes. The Kirumia route is a 13-kilometer-long path that leads tourists into the heart of the forest and culminates at the Semuliki River. Hiking activities on this path begin at 8 a.m. and last 8 hours.

It’s perfect for birdwatchers. The Red Monkey Track, which is 11 kilometers long and runs across the park’s eastern boundary to the Semuliki River, is another option for tourists. Hiking this path rewards visitors with sightings of primates such as red-tailed monkeys and the uncommon DeBrazza’s monkeys.

Birding.

With over 441 bird species documented, Semuliki National Park has proven to be an attractive place for Uganda birding excursions. Birding at Semuliki National Park takes place in Sempaya and Ntandi and provides tourists with spectacular views of forest birds such as the White-crested Hornbill, Red-billed Dwarf Hornbill, Piping Hornbill, Great blue and Ross’s Turaco, and Yellow-throated Nicator. Visitors may also go birding in the Kirumia River, and on the beaches of Lake Albert, they can see the endangered Shoebill stork.

Game Drive Safaris

Morning and evening game drives are available at Uganda’s Semuliki National Park. The park also provides night game drives to guests, although they must be accompanied by a park ranger/guide. Visitors on a game drive safari in the national park can see species such as forest elephants, buffaloes, waterbucks, crocodiles, warthogs, pygmy hippopotami, leopards, bush babies, and the Uganda Kob.

Community Cultural Tours.

Local Batwa homesteads are accessible to visitors on cultural tours or community visits just outside Semuliki National Park. Visitors may connect with the natives in these areas, learn about their cultural past, and enjoy traditional dance performances.

Accommodation in Semuliki National Park.

Visitors searching for accommodation in Semuliki National Park can stay at the Kirimia Guesthouse, UWA Bandas and Campsite in Sempaya, and Semuliki Safari Lodge. Other lodging options outside the national park include Hotel Vanilla, Picfare Guesthouse, and Semuliki Guest House in Bundibugyo.

How to get to Semuliki National Park.

Semuliki National Park in Uganda is accessible by road. The national park is roughly 180 kilometers from Kampala via Mubende and 465 kilometers via Masaka, Mbarara, and Kasese districts. The park is located 59 kilometers from Fort Portal, with the park’s headquarters in Ntandi located 6 kilometers further down the road.

The park is also accessible by plane from Entebbe International Airport. Aerolink Uganda, for example, provides domestic flights to the majority of Uganda’s national parks, including Semuliki.