Semuliki National Park is situated in the extreme west of Uganda in Bundibugyo District. It lies along the Uganda/ Democratic Republic of Congo border within the western arm of the East African Rift valley. In the south east are the Rwenzori Mountains, to the west is Democratic Republic of Congo and to the north are the Semuliki Flats and Lake Albert. The park is 220 square kilometers and occupies flat and gently undulating terrain raging from 670metres – 760metres above sea level. The average annual rainfall is high at 1,250mm that peaks from March to May and again from September to December. The temperatures vary from 18 degrees centigrade to 30 degrees centigrade with relatively small daily variations.
Semuliki National Park is the only lowland tropical rain-forest in East Africa classified as moist and semi deciduous. There are 336 tree species recorded, 374 species of butterflies, 63 species of mammals and 9 species of primates. These include: chimpanzee, blue monkey, vervet monkeys and olive baboons while the nocturnal primates include pottos and galagos. Also to be found are Forest buffalo, blue duiker, bee croft’s flying squirrel, pygmy squirrel, little collared fruit bat and target rat.
Other attractions include the Batwa people (pygmies) hunters gatherers that live a simple life style and depend on Semuliki forest for food. The meandering river Semuliki, Sempaya hot spring. River Semuliki is a shelter of water birds and crocodiles.
ACTIVITIES
– Bird watching
– Nature walks
– Hike to Sempaya hot springs
– Batwa experience
ACCESS
Semuliki National Park is accessed via the town of Fort Portal in the west of the country. The Bundibugyo road that skirts the Rwenzori escarpment offers a wonderful scenic view at Munu ni Mkubwa where the road has promontory over the Semuliki river and Sempaya hot springs. Driving time from Kampala 6 hours.
Safaris with Semuliki National Park
Take a look under “safaris” in the menu at the top of this page for itinerary options that can be adapted to your wishes. See some top safaris to Semuliki NP below.
10 days UGANDA BIRDING SAFARI
Discover why Uganda is called a birders paradise during this bird-watching safari to Uganda. The itinerary is made with the Twitcher in mind and birding is the main focus.
HARDCORE UGANDA’S BIRDING PARADISE – 15 DAYS
Cover most of Uganda’s different birding habitats with top IBA’s as well as have time for classic safari and optional gorilla trekking during this Uganda bird-watching safari. Go with our specialised birding guide to discover the amazing birds Uganda has to offer during this hardcore birding safari.
UGANDA & RWANDA BIRD WATCHING SAFARI – 17 DAYS
In this Uganda bird-watching safari we mainly focus on woodland and forest species but also include some great wetland and savanna locations. You have the chance to tick off top species like the Green Breasted Pitta, Nkulengu rail, Papyrus Gonolek and Great Shoebill Stork.