Semuliki National Park crosses the Semliki valley on the remote, western side of Rwenzori, it’s filled with the easternmost extension of the great Ituri forest of Congo Basin. This is also Africa’s most bio diverse and ancient forest and it’s one of the few to survive the last ice age many years ago.
The semliki valley also contains many features that are associated with the central and rather than the eastern Africa. The hats are shaded by the West African oil palms, also the Semliki River is a miniature version of the Congo River, and the forest is also home to the many central African wildlife species as well as the local population that includes the batwa community which originated from the Ituri. The park species have been increasing for over 25000 years and it contains evidence of the older processes. The hot springs here bubble up from the depths to show the powerful subterranean forces that shaped the rift valley the last many years.
What to See in Semuliki National Park
This captivating destination offers a mix of adventure and relaxation, from guided nature walks to the famous Sempaya hot springs, and exceptional bird watching opportunities. It’s a place where visitors can connect with nature, away from the usual tourist hotspots. Here is what to expect on your Uganda self-drive adventure to Semuliki.
The Sempaya Hot Springs
One of Semuliki’s major attractions is the Sempaya Hot Springs as earlier mentioned. These springs are known for their high temperatures and impressive bubbling force. They are a result of powerful subterranean forces that have been shaping the valley for millions of years. The temperature of the water exceeds 100°C, showcasing the incredible geological activity below the surface.
The hot springs are located in two distinct areas: the “male” and “female” hot springs. The male hot springs are accessible via a 1-hour trek through the park’s woodland, where you’ll spot various primates like grey-cheeked mangabeys, red-tailed monkeys, and black-and-white colobus monkeys. There’s also a treehouse along the way, offering a panoramic view of the surrounding forest, a perfect stop for birdwatchers.
The female hot springs on the other hand are located a 30-minute walk away through a palm forest. They are known for their powerful boiling waters, such that you can cook eggs and bananas on the surface.
Wildlife and Nature Walks
Semuliki is home to an impressive array of wildlife, including leopards, elephants, civets, chimpanzees, and the elusive pygmy antelopes. With eight primate species, over 400 species of birds, and more than 300 butterfly species, the park is a haven for nature lovers. Visitors can explore the park’s set trails, each offering a different perspective of the park’s lush ecosystem. The park also offers guided nature walks to various areas, allowing you to get up close and personal with the forest’s rich biodiversity.
The fauna and flora is this park show a strong sense with the Congo basin forest with many species that reach the eastern limit of their ranges in the semliki forest. The flora is filled with the single tree species, the cynometra alexandri that is mixed with tree species of a more evergreen nature. There are also the swamp forest communities. The fauna also includes over 400 bird species of which 216 are true forest birds like the green bul, the forest ground thrush and many more. There are also the butterflies, 1 species of primate and one of the butterflies. This forest is also home to over 53 mammals of which 27 are large mammals , 11 species are also endemic to the park including the pygmy antelopes and the two flying squirrel species, this national park is also home to the peculiar water chevrotain that are known as fanged deer.
The mammals to see in Semuliki include; the hippos, leopards, buffalos, elephants, civets, the potto, the bush babies, the water chevrotains, the mona monkeys, as well as the many species of Duikers including; the Baby duikers, the pygmy flying squirrel and many more.
Things to Do in Semuliki National Park
The major tourist activities that are carried out from the park include; game viewing, hiking, the nature walks, bird watching, the cultural encounters, as well as visit the hot springs
When is the Best Time to Visit Semuliki National Park?
The tourists can also visit the park at any time of the year, although the conditions within the park are harder during the rainy season of December to March. Which is relatively hot and dry, April to June, it’s rainy, July to September, its dry with the occasional passing rain. In October to November, there are also short rains and it’s also advisable to use a 4×4 vehicle while passing in the park. The main accommodation facilities found in the park include; Ntoroko gamelodge, and the semliki safari Lodge.
Getting There
The park is 6 hours’ drive from Kampala by road following the Kampala Mubende fort portal road. And the alternative route of Kampala Mbarara Kasese Fort portal route can take 9 hours. There are also the regular scheduled flights by Aero link that take only 2 hours and then fly into the park. These charters can also be arranged by Eagle Air, Kampala Aero club, as well as Ndege Jju.