Semliki National Park

The True Birder's Haven

Semuliki National Park lies across the floor of the Semuliki Valley on the remote, western side of the Rwenzori. The Park is dominated by the easternmost extension of the great Ituri Forest of the Congo Basin. This is one of Africa’s most ancient and bio-diverse forests; one of the few to survive the last ice age, 12,000-18,000 years ago. Large areas of this low-lying park may flood during the wet season, a brief reminder of the time when the entire valley lay at the bottom of a lake for seven million years. It is the only tract of true lowland tropical forest in East Africa, hosting 441 recorded bird species and 53 mammals.

The Semuliki Valley contains numerous features associated with central rather than eastern Africa. Grass Thatched huts are shaded by West African oil palms; the Semuliki River (which forms the international boundary) is a miniature version of the Congo River, the forest is home to numerous Central African wildlife species, and the local population includes a Batwa pygmy community that originated from the Ituri. As a result, this park provides a taste of Central Africa without having to leave Uganda.

Hot Springs

Semuliki’s most famous attraction is the pair of hot springs – ‘male’ and ‘female’ – found near the park office at Sempaya. The female spring, Nyansimbi, which means ‘the female ancestors’, is a boiling geyser that spurts bubbling water and steam up to two metres high. Visitors can buy eggs locally to cook in boiling pools that surround the central spout. Nyansimbi is reached by a short, 15-minute walk through palm forest from the Sempaya park office. The male spring, known as Bintente, is an hour’s walk distant, along a forest trail and swamp boardwalk. A broad, steaming pool 12m in diameter, this is found in a large, swampy clearing enclosed by forest and with a striking Rwenzori backdrop.

While Semuliki’s species have been accumulating for over 25,000 years, the park contains evidence of even older processes. Hot springs bubble up from the depths to demonstrate the powerful subterranean forces that have been shaping the rift valley during the last 14 million years.

This biologically diverse region also provides shelter to a further 120 mammals, including several primate species such as baboons and chimpanzees, as well as elephants and antelopes. There are around 350 species of birds hosted in this forest, including 23 Albertine Rift endemics.

Hippos are common are common along the semuliki river, as are crocodiles, More than 300 species of butterflies have been identified, including 46 species of forest swallowtail, together with 235 moth species. Over 435 bird species have been recorded in Semuliki National Park. The checklist includes 35 Guinea- Congo forest biome bird species, spot-breasted ibis, Haartlaub’s duck, Congo serpent eagle, chestnut flaned goshawk, red thighed sparrow hawk. Furthermore, another 12 species with extremely little distribution are spotted like the western bronze-naped pigeon, yellow throated cukoo.

Birding

The alluring bird list with Albertine Rift endemics, ‘Semliki specials’ and other ‘restricted range’ specials, makes Semuliki an essential destination for serious birders. The 6km public road between Sempaya and Ntandi provides clear views into the forest canopy. The 14km Kirumia Trail, which runs through the heart of the forest to the Semuliki River provides the chance to check off plenty of ‘specials.’ Though day walks are possible, this trail is most rewarding as an overnight camping trip.

Primate/Forest walks

The 4-6 hour guided nature walks through the Mugiri River Forest provides the opportunity to find habituated chimpanzees and other primates plus a wealth of birdlife. Chimps are commonly found during the rainy season when fruiting fig trees are abundant.

Game Drives

Three game tracks explore the grasslands of Toro-Semuliki around Semuliki Safari Lodge. Smaller forest and larger savannah elephants are regularly seen along with buffalo, waterbuck, crocodile, warthog and Uganda kob. With luck you may see lion, leopard, pygmy hippopotami and bushbabies.

Boat Cruises

Boat trips launched from Ntoroko onto Lake Albert offer excellent opportunities to see the rare shoebill, hippos, and the dramatic Nkusi Falls which plunges over the steep rift valley escarpment into the lake.

For The Best Safaris, Vacations and African Trips

Embark On Some Of The World's Top Expeditions

It's Never Complete Without Sights Of Africa's Big 5

Chimpanzee Tracking And Golden Monkeys

Experience The Top Sports Of Nature

Semliki National Park

The True Birder's Haven

4 DAYS SEMULIKI SAFARI EXPEDITION

6 days Semuliki & chimpanzees wildlife safari

10 days Semuliki-gorillas- wildlife safari

15 DAY SEMULIKI-PRIMATES-WILDLIFE UGANDA SAFARI

18 days birding Uganda safari experience

24 days' Semuliki-gorilla-river Nile-Serengeti-safari

Hot Springs

Birding

Primate/Forest walks

Game Drives

Boat Cruises

Proudly associated with;

Travitude Safari Tours

Destinations

Experiences

Activities

Follow Us

© Copyright 2024 Travitude Safari Tours - All Rights Reserved