Semuliki National Park was initially designated a forest reserve in 1932 and later its status was upgraded into a national park in 1993. It is one of Uganda’s most beautiful parks and hidden gem worthy exploring while on Uganda safari. It straddles suitably within the Semuliki valley, western side of the Rwenzori mountain range with remote confinement of the Ituri forest that extends to cover parts of the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Semuliki National Park covers an area of about 220 square kilometers and like other national parks, it is managed by Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) an organ that manages all the ten national parks in Uganda.
It features the only lowland tropical rain-forest in East Africa inhabiting diverse flora and faunal species in African continent. Semuliki National Park prides itself as a home to over 441 bird species, exceptional hot springs, 53 mammal species, 11 unique antelopes and 2 flying squirrels a mention but a few.
Wildlife species in Semuliki National Park
Semuliki National Park is one of the prime safari destinations in Uganda with diverse wildlife species. Its distinct ecosystem comprises of animals that are also thrive in the Congo basin forests. It inhabits over 53 species of mammals including chimpanzees, buffaloes, 9 duikers, hippos, elephants, leopards, pygmy flying squirrel, Mona monkeys, bush babies, red tailed monkeys, blue monkeys, olive baboons, De Brazza’s monkeys, bush pigs, dwarf antelopes, pottos, galagos, grey cheeked monkeys to mention but a few. Most of these wildlife species can be spotted while you are on Uganda wildlife safari.
Bird species to see in Semuliki National Park
About 441 bird species are confined in this park making it one of the exceptional birding safari spots in Uganda. It inhabits several unique forest birds including the forest ground thrust, Sarsi’s olive greenbul, 9 hornbills plus shoebill stork, red chested owlets, bates’ nightjars, piping and black wattled hornbills, Xavier’s, blue headed crested flycatchers, red eyed puff back, Maxwell’s black weaver, red bellied malimbes, pale fronted, grant’s bluebill, chestnut breasted negro finches, brown crowned eremomela, red sided broadbill, yellow throated cuckoo, western bronze napped pigeon, black collared lovebird, red thighed sparrow hawk to mention but a few. There are several nocturnal bird species including the buff spotted flufftail, Nkulengu rail, black shouldered nightjars, crepuscular freckled nightjar, African wood owl, red thighed and great sparrows, Ayres hawk eagle, African goshawk among others.
Other tourist attractions in Semuliki National Park
Semuliki National Park inhabits over 374 butterfly species and 235 species of moths, 305 tree species-125 of which are only found in here.
Activities to do in Semuliki National Park
Game drive
While on Uganda safari in Semuliki National Park, game drive should be a must to do. A game drive in this park is best done in a 4×4 safari van or land cruiser and it rewards travelers with astonishing sights at diverse wildlife species including among others warthogs, elephants, waterbucks, buffaloes, leopards, birds.
Birding
Bird watching is one of the best activities offered to visitors on Uganda safari in Semuliki National Park. About 441 bird species call this park a home making it an essential birding site in Uganda. A birding tour in Semuliki National Park allows you to identify birds such as white crested hornbill, shoebill stork, red chested owlets, bates’ nightjars, piping and black wattled hornbills, Xavier’s, blue headed crested flycatchers, red eyed puff back, Maxwell’s black weaver, red bellied malimbes, pale fronted, grant’s blue bill, red billed dwarf hornbill and many others.
Nature walks
Nature walk is the best discover Semuliki National Park. Nature walks in this park are best done via Kirunda trial that covers about 13kms. It comes with incredible sights at different birds with a chance for you to visit the scenic Semuliki River.
Explore the hot springs
The dual Sempaya hot spring is one iconic attraction and hidden treasure in Semuliki National Park. It consists of the male- Bitende and female- Nyasimbi. This hot spring is famous for its powerful boiling rate that goes up to 100 degrees Celsius.
When to visit Semuliki National Park
Semuliki National Park is accessible all year round. This protected area receives average rainfall amount of 1250 mm and the temperatures range from 18-30 degrees Celsius. The dry season is perfect for game viewing in this park and it starts from June to mid-September and December to February. The wet season is ideal for bird watching and for interested bird enthusiast, the best months to travel to this park begin from March to May and October to November.
Accommodation options in Semuliki National Park
The key accommodation choices for visitors to stay in Semuliki National Park include Semiliki Safari Lodge, Ntoroko Game Lodge-a luxury facility in Semliki Wildlife Reserve just along the shores of Lake Albert; Kirimia Guesthouse is a good budget accommodation option which is 10kms away from Sempaya or spend a night in any of the park’s Bandas and campsite.
Getting to Semuliki National Park
Semuliki National Park is set in western Uganda about 400kms away from Kampala capital city. You can reach to this protected area start from Kampala via Mubende then to Fort Portal which is approximately 4-6 hours’ drive. Or drive from Kampala-Masaka-Mbarara-Kasese route and the best way to get to this park is hiring a 4×4 safari van or land cruiser.
In conclusion, Semuliki National Park is one of the few national parks in Uganda that have not been fully explored and visitors on Uganda safari get rewarded with authentic experiences.