Semuliki National Park

Semuliki National Park is located far west of Uganda and is the one and only tropical rainforest located in the lowlands. It is an extension of the evergreen and vast Ituri forest of the Eastern Democratic Republic of Congo. It has an area of about 230 sq km and heaven to both flora and fauna in Africa. This protected Area comprise of extensive vegetation ranging from forest swamp, grassland, bush land, warm swamp savannah woodland and a system of hot springs. A  vast number of small 9 mammal species like green chameleon, target rat, pigmy squirrel among others, 374 species of butterflies and moths and 435 birds species were recorded more than in any park in Uganda and some of which are endemic and cannot be found any where in East African region. It is home to volcanic activities like hot springs and geysers most notably the magnificent Sempaya hot springs. Some diurnal forest primates include blue monkey, vervet monkeys, and chimpanzees while pottos and galagos are nocturnal primates. Forest buffaloes, flying squirrels may also be seen.

 
The Sempaya hot springs                     Bird watching in Semuliki NP

Activities

  • Scenery viewing is one of the great and thrilling experiences through the Rwenzori escarpments enroute to Bundibugyo. The scenic views of the vast extension of the Ituri forest the fuming Sempaya hot springs and the meanders of river Semuliki are photographer’s heaven.
  • Forest guided walks to see general tree and plant species of which some are considered to been endangered.
  • Bird watching such as the horn bills and lyre tailed honey guide may be seen.
  • A visit to the hot springs is eye catching and is photographic given the sight of oozing boiling water at 106 degrees centigrade.
  • Sport fishing can be arranged along the Semuliki River and a nearby visit to Semuliki Wildlife Reserve may be an option.

Accommodation Facilities:
The park has numerous facilities for accommodation that after a hectic and tiring day’s activities provides you with warm and comfortable rest. Some of these include a luxurious Semuliki Safari lodge in savannah grasslands of Semuliki wildlife Reserve and a camping site at the park Headquarters.

Dos and Don’ts while in the park

  • Enter the protected area through Sempaya gate.
  • Drive only designated roads.
  • Don’t sound your horn.
  • Walk only on designated trails.
  • Visitors should be accompanied by guide on nature walks and game drives.
  • Camp only at designated camp sites.
  • Don’t pick flowers, cut plants nor destroy any vegetation.
  • Dogs or any other domestic animals are not allowed in the park.
  • Fire arms or ammunitions are not allowed in the park.
  • Don’t litter.
  • Drive only between 6:30am and 6:30pm.
  • Light fires only at the fire rings at the camp site.

 

Major facts about the Park
Size: 230sq km
Rainfalls: 1250mm with peaks from March-May and September-December.
Temperatures: vary from 18degrees Celsius-30 degrees Celsius.
Altitude: 670m-760m.