Semuliki Wildlife Reserve
Semuliki National Park was created in 1932 as Tooro-Semuliki wildlife reserve and later upgraded to a national park in 1993, Semuliki wildlife reserve occupies an area 220 square and it hosts up to 53 mammal species & up to 441 bird species. The reserve sprawls across the floor of valley on the western side of Rwenzori Mountains, the Semuliki River which is a miniature version of Congo River as well as the contiguous Ituri forest offers home to some of the most popular Central African wildlife species.
Wildlife in Semuliki national park
There are over 53 mammals recorded in Semuliki valley, 11 are endemic to the park including the flying squirrels and Bate’s pygmy antelope. Other mammals in the park include elephant, buffalo, chimpanzees, baboons, Dent’s Mona monkey, vervet monkeys, red-tailed monkey, Central African red colobus, blue monkey, fanged dear, potto, bush baby plus you can find hippos and crocodiles at the Semuliki River.
Among the 441 bird species recorded is Semuliki park, the most common birds include the Guinea Congo biome species, Yellow-throated cuckoo, piping hornbill, red-billed dwarf hornbill, red-rumped tinker bird, Maxwell’s black weaver, red billed malimbe, leaf-love, African piculet to mention but a few.
Attractions in Semuliki National park
Sempaya hot springs
This the park’s star attraction, they are the 2 hot springs which are categorized as male & female with the male locally known as Bintente and the female called Nyasimbi. The female spring is the most visited, it’s a boiling geyser that spurts bubbling hot water up to 2 meters high forming a steam cloud that can easily be seen 2 km away from the hot spring. Locals visit the hot springs for luck, to get healed and also cook food.
Sempaya-Ntandi road
The 6km road pass through the forest offering tourists a chance to watch birds and monkeys comfortably in their seats. Bird walks are regular in this region as well as night hikes. You will also get chance to encounter the Batwa who will entertain you to some amazing cultural dances and singing performances.
Semuliki River
The miniature version of the Congo River spreads over 160 km from Rwenzori Mountains into Lake Albert and is home to hippos and crocodiles plus a variety of aquatic bird species.
Activities in Semuliki national park
- Bird watching
- Hiking & nature walks
- Game drives
- Hot spring tour
- Cultural encounters
Accommodation in Semuliki national park
There is only one accommodation option in Semuliki national park and it is a luxury lodge, however there are other lodges outside the park, they include;
- Semuliki Safari lodge
- Ntoroko Game Lodge
- UWA Bandas
- Kirukia Guesthouse
How to get to Semuliki national Park
The park is situated about 444 km from Kampala city, Semuliki park can be accessed by road using a 4×4 station wagon vehicle and a road trip will last about 7 to 8 hours drive via the Kampala-Hioma road.
Planning a future road trip to Semiliki safari park or would love to delight in a dream life tour with your family? We hope the above information will of help to assist you enjoy a lifetime safari experience. To book a Uganda safari to Semiliki Park with us, simply get in touch with reservation team by sending an email on info@gorillaugandasafaribookings.com or call us directly on +256-775630809 or +256-701343598 to speak directly to our reservations team.
