Visit Toro-Semliki Wildlife Reserve

Christened the Pearl of Africa by Winston Churchill, Uganda boasts in a variety of wonderful things including a range of interesting wildlife, spectacular landscapes, a mild climate and different kinds of delicious foods not forgetting the world’s tastiest fruits such as pineapples and many more. When you talk about Uganda safaris, the first thin that crosses your mind could be gorilla trekking in Bwindi forest, game viewing in queen Elizabeth national park and boat cruise along the Nile and other national parks of Uganda. However, the country has a number of silent jungles that can offer the best of adventure on a safari in Uganda. Toro Semuliki Wildlife Reserve is a treasure worth visiting if you are a looking for untouched wildlife areas.

The reserve is one of the first protected areas to be gazetted in Uganda, established in 1926 as a game reserve. The main aim of establishment was to protect the large number of uganda kobs in the place. Toro Semliki wildlife reserve is characterized by open acacia-combretum woodland and grassy savannah, patches of Borassus palm forest, riparian woodland and swamps. The topography of the reserve is outstanding; it sits at a relatively low altitude at around 700m above the sea level. 

Size and location of Toro-Semuliki wildlife reserve

This beautiful reserve is located in Ntoroko and Kabarole districts in the western part of Uganda, close to its border with the DRC. It is strategically located at the rift valley floor between Rwenzori Mountains, Kijura escarpment and Lake Albert which offers picturesque sceneries. Toro Semliki reserve covers a total land area of 542 sq.km with four communities living around it namely; Karugutu-Kyabandara, Ntoroko fishing community, Kasesenge-Kyakabaseke and Rwebisengo.

What to do and see in Toro Semuliki wildlife reserve

Nature walks: walk through the trails of the reserve to the tranquil locations where a variety of birds and primates such as chimps, monkeys, baboons, kobs and warthogs are spotted. If you are interested in encountering nocturnal animals, head out after dusk for you stand a chance to see white-tailed mangoose and other species.

Bird watching: out of the 400 bird species in this reserve, birders spot a have a variety of birds in one day and they enjoy their sessions throughout the day because of the climate is perfect for the activity. Some of the commonly sighted bird species include the Tropical Boubal, Black-headed Bushrike, Arrow Marked Babbler, Black-billed barbet, the ground hornbill and Red-necked Falcon among others.

Game drives: Toro Semuliki wildlife reserve is home to diverse mammal species including buffaloes, Uganda kobs, waterbu8caks, warthogs, elephants, giant forest hogs, bushbucks and cats like lions which can be seen during game drives. Hit the trails early morning or in the evening, on a guided safari game drive through different trails that could disclose the rarely seen leopards. 

Boat cruise: Boat cruise tours go beyond the reserve to Lake Albert which take us through schools of hippos and crocodiles at the shores. The boat cruise also offers an opportunity to see the elusive shoebill stork.

Hike to Nyaburogo gorge: the 7km hike starts at the headquarters of the reserve through Nyaburogo gorge trail comprising of different habitats ranging from savannah to forest. Attractions include birds and primates.

Best time to visit the Reserve

The best time to visit Toro Semuliki wildlife reserve is during the drier months; January, February, June, July, august and December. At this time, the rains are low and most parts of the reserve can be accessed.