SEMULIKI NATIONAL PARK

The park is found in Western Uganda in Bundibugyo district on Uganda’s border with DRC. It is bordered by Lake Albert on the Northern side and mountain Rwenzori on the Southeastern side. Two rivers Lamia and Semuliki are found at the park’s borders. It is well known as a top birding destination with over 410 bird species and 60 species of mammals. Two major tribes live outside the park including the Bamba and the Bakonjo

THINGS TO DO

Visiting Sempaya Hot springs: The two hot springs male and female have made the park very famous through their fascinating local stories about their formation and the wonders they can do like boiling eggs and food.

Visiting Semuliki River; the river is home to crocodiles, hippos, and hundreds of birds. Visitors love taking long walks to follow the river as it meanders through the forest

Forest and Nature walk: one of the most popular activities in the park is taking a walk in the jungle to spot vegetation, birds, butterflies, and primates. The walks usually begin at the sempaya park gate and end at the hot springs

Game Drive: This offers tourists the opportunity to spot over 52 mammal species in the park already mentioned. The park organizes both day and night game drives with three major tracks used for game drives that pass through the savannah plains. Tourists are advised to come with four-wheel drive vehicles particularly in the rainy season to pass through the hard sections of the park for a smooth safari.

Chimpanzee Tracking: While trekking, visitors should also expect to spot smaller primates like the black and white colobus, central African red colobus, dents Mona monkeys, grey-cheeked mangabeys, olive baboons, and red-tailed monkeys among many others. Ensure to come protected with the right clothing and equipment for protection against stinging insects and thorns from trees.

Birdwatching: Semuliki National Park is one of the best birding destinations in Uganda. It has half of the bird species found in the Democratic Republic of Congo because of the Ituri forest extension of the DRC. Birding can be done in the forest, around Sempaya hot springs, and behind the ranger’s post.

Cultural visits and experiences: the area around the park is home to four indigenous tribes including the Bakonjo, the Bamba, the Batwa pygmies, and the Batuku pastoralists that live on the northern side of the park. You can choose to visit either of the tribes.

HOW TO ACCESS THE PARK

The park has two roads from Kampala to the park. One can take the shorter route from Kampala to fort portal via Mubende or take the longer route from Kampala to fort portal via the towns of Kasese Mbarara, and Masaka.

WHERE TO STAY

Campsites and bandas by the Uganda Wildlife Authority: These are located 3km away from the Sempaya trail where all the activities begin.

Semliki Safari Lodge: This is the oldest luxury in the area found in the Semuliki wildlife reserve near the Park with wonderful views of the Congo Blue Mountains.

Ntoroko Game Lodge: This is also located in the Semuliki wildlife reserve near Lake Albert

Kirimia Guest House: It is located 10km away from the Sempaya gate towards the Bundibugyo town in the village of Kirimia. This guest house is very popular with tourists because it offers budget rooms that are still of good quality.

Hotel Vanilla: This is a budget accommodation found in Bundibugyo town and is closest to the biggest town market

WHEN TO VISIT

The park is open throughout the year but its bet to be visited in the dry seasons of April- June, and July -September