Semuliki National Park is a national park in Bwamba County, a remote part of the Bundibugyo District in the Western Region of Uganda that was established in October 1993. It encompasses 219 km² (85 sq mi) of East Africa’s only lowland tropical rainforest. It is one of the richest areas of floral and fauna biodiversity in Africa, with bird and butterfly species being especially diverse. The park is managed by the Uganda Wildlife Authority.
The park 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. The park lies within the Albertine Rift, the western arm of the East African Rift3 The park is located on a flat to gently undulating landform that ranges from 670 to 760 m (2,200 to 2,490 ft) above sea level.
It experiences an average rainfall of 1,250 mm (49 in), with peaks in rainfall from March to May and from September to December. Many areas of the park experience flooding during the wet season. The temperature at the park varies from 18 to 30 °C (64 to 86 °F), with relatively small daily variations.
The park borders the Semliki and Lamia Rivers which are watering places for many animals. Semuliki National Park has two hot springs in a hot mineral encrusted swamp. One of the springs – Mumbuga spring – resembles a geyser by forming a 0.5 m high fountain. These hot springs attract a large number of shorebirds and provide salt licks for many animals.
There are many activities and things to do in and around the Semuliki National Park such as:
Game Drives: You can explore the savannah plains and forests of the Semuliki Wildlife Reserve by taking a game drive with a guide from the lodge or the park headquarters. You can see various animals such as elephants, buffaloes, antelopes, warthogs, monkeys and baboons. You may also spot some rare species such as leopards, pygmy hippos and forest hogs.
Bird Watching: You can enjoy the rich birdlife of the park by taking a guided walk along the trails or by visiting the hot springs area. You can see over 400 bird species in the park, including some endemic ones such as the Congo serpent eagle, Nkulengu rail, yellow-throated cuckoo and lyre-tailed honeyguide.
Nature Walks: You can take a guided nature walk through the rainforest and learn about the flora and fauna of the park. You can see various trees, plants, flowers, butterflies and insects. You can also visit the Batwa pygmies, the indigenous people of the forest, and learn about their culture and way of life.
Chimpanzee Tracking: You can track the chimpanzees that live in the park by joining a guided group from the park headquarters. You can see them in their natural habitat, feeding, playing and grooming. You need to book in advance and pay a fee for this activity.
Boat Trips: You can take a boat trip on the Semliki or Lamia Rivers and enjoy the scenic views of the park and the surrounding areas. You can also see various aquatic animals such as crocodiles, hippos and otters. You can also fish on the rivers with a permit from the park authorities.
Cultural Tours: You can visit the nearby villages and towns and interact with the local people. You can learn about their history, traditions, customs and crafts. You can also buy some souvenirs such as baskets, mats, pottery and carvings.
There are several lodging options near or within the Semuliki National Park, ranging from luxury to budget accommodation. Here are some of them;
Semliki Safari Lodge: This is a luxury lodge located within the Semuliki Wildlife Reserve, about 30 minutes drive from the park entrance. The lodge offers golden-hued tents with hardwood floors and all conveniences, such as en-suite bathrooms, solar-powered lighting and fans, mosquito nets and private verandas. The lodge also has a swimming pool, a dining room, a lounge and a bar. The rates include game activities, all meals, non premium brand drinks and laundry. The lodge can accommodate up to 18 guests at a time.
UWA Bandas and Cottages: These are budget accommodation facilities managed by the Uganda Wildlife Authority, located just 2.5 kilometres from the Sempaya tourism centre. The bandas are self-contained wooden cabins with two beds each, while the cottages are brick houses with four beds each. Both have shared bathrooms and toilets. There is also a camping site for those who prefer to pitch their own tents. The rates include breakfast only.
Hotel Vanilla: This is a mid-range hotel located in Bundibugyo town, about 20 kilometres from the park entrance. The hotel offers spacious rooms with private bathrooms, satellite TV, Wi-Fi and balconies. The hotel also has a restaurant, a bar, a conference hall and a garden. The rates include breakfast only.
Arrive at Entebbe International Airport and drive to Semuliki National Park via Fort Portal. Check in at your preferred lodge or hotel. In the afternoon, take a game drive in the Semuliki Wildlife Reserve. Overnight at your lodge or hotel.
In the morning, take a guided nature walk in the rainforest and visit the Batwa pygmies. In the afternoon, visit the Sempaya hot springs and enjoy some bird watching. Overnight at your lodge or hotel.
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