Semuliki National Park
Semuliki National Park is located in the southwestern isolated part of Uganda, and it shelters an extension of the large Ituri Forest that extends from the neighboring Democratic Republic. It is located within Bundibugyo district and covers a land area of 220 sq. km on an altitude range of 670 meters to 760 meters above sea level. It offers a varied habitat for the resident wildlife which includes: semi-deciduous Moist forest that is dominated by ironwood (Cyanometra alexandri), there are scattered areas with swamp forests as well as a number of aquatic habitats including oxbow lakes and forest streams.
Within this forest you will see a big number of Central African endemic bird species which cannot be seen anywhere else across East Africa except in this park. This is one of the best places to enjoy a Bird Watching Trip during which will encounter a number of rare and endemic species. The park is also famous for is beautiful Sempaya hot water springs and wildlife species.
What to do in Semuliki Park
Visit the Beautiful Sempaya Hot Springs
These hot springs are the leding attraction within this park. There are two of them: one – the ‘male’ called Bintente found in a swamp clearing which is twelve meters in diameter and the second ‘female’ known as Nyasimbi, which in the local language means ‘female ancestors’ whose water boils up to 103°C forming a cloud of steam above the bubbling water. It’s a common sight to see people boiling food like bananas or eggs here.
Bird Watching Trips
With 441 different bird species located here, this park offers you a great chance a variety of birds as it represents 40% of the birds found in Uganda as well as 66% of Uganda’s forest bird-species. There are 46 (forty six) Guinea-Congo biome species and 5 (five) species endemic to the Albertine-Rift ecosystem. Some of the species to look for while on a Bird Watching Safari here are: Orange-cheeked Waxbill, Nkulengu Rail, Yellow-throated Cuckoo, Blue-billed malimbe, Piping Hornbill, Red-bellied Malimbe, Red-billed Dwarf Hornbill, Crested Malimbe, White-throated Blue Swallow, Black Dwarf Hornbill, African Piculet, Maxwell’s Black Weaver, White-crested Hornbill, Lemon-bellied Crombec, Black-casqued Wattled Horbill, Swamp Palm Bulbul, Yellow-throated Nicator, Red-rumped Tinkerbird, Leaf-love, and the Chestnut-breasted Negrofinch.
Wildlife Viewing
There are more than 50 different types of mammals living within this park among which are 11 species endemic here and 27 large mammals. Some of the animals you will see here include: the pygmy antelope, flying squirrels, water chevrotain, forest elephants, and buffaloes, In addition to Hippos and crocodiles commonly seen in the shallows of River Semiliki.
Primate Watching
There are various primates living in this park which you can see during the forest walks and among these are: chimpanzee, de Brazza’s, baboon, vervet, grey-cheeked mangabey, Dent’s mona monkeys, black-and-white colobus, red-tailed monkeys, Central-African red colobus, and the blue monkeys
Where to Stay in Semuliki National Park / Accommodation
While on your Uganda Safari in Uganda within Semuliki National Park, one of the places where you can stay includes Semiliki Safari Lodge.
Best time to Visit the Park
Fortunately, the Park can be visited all year round so don’t hesitate to include it on your Uganda Safari itinerary.