Semuliki National Park is found in the Budibugyo district, Bwamba County, in western Uganda. The park was established in October 1993, covering 220 square kilometers with a tropical rainforest and Sepaya hot spring. Semuliki National Park lies between Uganda’s border and the Democratic Republic of Congo. This is a home to 53 mammals and 11 bird species. It can be accessed using two routes: Kampala-Fort Portal via Mubende in about 180km for 4 to 5 hours or Kampala-Fort Portal via Masaka in about 387km in 7 to 8 hours.
AREAS OF INTEREST in Semuliki National Park
SEMPAYA HOT SPRINGS
The most famous attraction in the park is the hot springs, which are the male spring known as Bintente, and the trail to it can lead to sightings of other forest creatures like monkeys in the vegetation. The female spring, Nyasimbi, meaning the female ancestor 30 minutes from the male, and they boil to 103 degrees Celsius.
SEMLIKI RIVER
This flows from the Rwenzori Mountains to Lake Albert and then the Nile. This is a home to hippopotamuses and crocodiles and is 160 km long. The river forms boundaries between Uganda and the DRC due to the presence of tropical rainforest. There are 6 ethnic groups that live around the shores of the river; for example, the Bamba and Bankonjo in the valley, who are agriculturalists; the Batuku in the rift valley floor (pastoralists); and the Batwa, who depend on hunting and fishing.
TORO SEMLIKI WILDLIFE RESERVE
The reserve was formed in 1926 as a game reserve with tropical rain forest, grassy savannah, and the flat plains in the river valleys located in Kabarole District. The area has 4 communities that line around such as the Ntoroko fishing community, Karugutu-Kyabandara community, Rwebisengo community, and Kasesenge-kyakabaseke community.
SEMPAYA NTANDI ROAD
This road is 6km long and goes through the forest, giving a good view of the monkeys and bird watching.
ANIMALS
Fanged deer, pygmy antelope, forest elephant and buffalo, chimpanzee, baboon, vervet monkeys, and hippopotamus. Grey-cheeked mangabey, black and white colobus,
Birds
Dent’s Mona, red-tailed, Brazza’s, billed dwarf hornbill, black dwarf hornbill, white-crested hornbill, piping hornbill, and white-throated blue swallow.
ACTIVITIES in Semuliki National Park
- Birding
- Game driving
- Nature walks
- Hiking cultural encounters
- Camping in the park.
ACCOMMODATION
Semuliki Safari Lodge: This is found in the park constructed in an African design of grass-thatched cottages and is home to the shoebill stork. The lodge can be accessed through a boat cruise on Lake Albert to the swampy area. This is a luxury accommodation facility with a restaurant, bar, lounge, swimming pool, and golden-hued tents.
Nyati Game Lodge: The lodge is located near the shores of Lake Albert, found in the park. Furthermore, the lodge is a luxury accommodation facility that provides 5 luxury tents and luxury rooms. These are self-contained standard double rooms and superior double rooms.
Hotel Vanilla: This is a budget accommodation facility on the park premises located in Bundibugyo town, 25km away from the park. They have a restaurant that serves meals, a well-stocked bar, and 7 rooms.
Ntoroko Game Lodge: This luxury lodge that offers standard accommodation for the mid-market traveler is located along the shores of Lake Albert. They have 5 luxury tents that are well furnished, cottages, 24 guest rooms, a restaurant that serves a complimentary English breakfast, and a bar that is well stocked.