An Adventorous Safari In Semuliki National Park In Uganda : Semuliki National park is located in the western region of Uganda in Bwama County in Bundibugyo district and shares borders with other countries like the Democratic republic of Congo. More so, this national park is neighbored by Rwenzori Mountains, which situated in the Southeast and Lake Albert, which is in the North. Semuliki national park is considered to be among the best destination to travel to while on your adventurous Uganda safari in the country and Uganda Wildlife Authority is managing it, which is a government programme that has a responsibility of protecting and conserving all the national parks in the country.

An Adventorous Safari In Semuliki National Park In Uganda

Semuliki national park was established as a national park in 1993 and it is ranked among the newest and smallest national parks in Uganda because it covers a total surface area of about 220 square kilometers and it stands at an elevated area at an altitude between 670-760 meters above the sea level.  This national park is best destination to visit because it is a home to about 441 recorded bird species, as well as 53 mammal species. There are four different ethnic groups that live near the national park, and these include; Bwamba farmers who live along the foothills of mount Rwenzori, the Bakonjo who reside on the slopes of the mountain, the Batuku cattle keepers who stay in the open savannah plains and lastly, the Batwa pygmies who live on the edge of the forest.

Tourist Attractions in Semuliki National Park.

There are three major attractions in this national park, and these include;

Sempaya Hot Springs:

The most famous tourist attractions in Semuliki national park are the Sempaya hot springs. The hot springs have both a “male” and “female” spring. The male hot spring is known as ‘Bintente and measures 12 meters in width, located in a lush and swampy area. The female hot spring is called ‘Nyasimbi,’ which means ‘the female ancestors’ in the local language. The water in the female hot spring boils at a temperature of 103°C; spurting bubbling water and steam two meters high. Visitors can see the steam cloud from as far as 2 kilometers away. The Sempaya hot springs hold a cultural significance to the native people living near the national park.

Wildlife:

The national park has quite number wildlife animals that tourists can spot as they while they move through different areas of the park. There is a 6km stretch of public road which runs through a forest and rewards travelers with lovely sights of many wild animals such as; monkeys, forest elephants, hippos, potto, bush babies and crocodiles among others. More so, tourists will also get chances to sight see chimpanzees in the forest reserve areas of the national park.

Semliki River:

The Semliki River in Semuliki national park is another unique tourist attraction in the national park. This river is 160km long and runs from the Rwenzori Mountains to Lake Albert and finally the Nile River. The river is home to a large number of hippopotamus and crocodiles, which visitors can sight during a visit to the national park.

There are also other areas of interest outside the national park such as the Toro-Semliki Wildlife Reserve, which is the oldest reserve in Uganda. Visitors are able to do chimpanzee tracking from here.

Tourist Activities to do in Semuliki National park.

Hiking to Sempaya Hot Springs:

Tourists exploring withinSemuliki national park can embark on hiking expeditions to Sempaya hot springs. In addition, there are two trails that individuals can go through such as; the trail leading to the ‘male’ hot spring takes visitors through a relatively large forest where you will be able to see primates like; the red-tailed monkey, grey-cheeked mangabey, and the black & white colobus monkeys. Hikes to the male hot spring last only an hour.

In addition, the trail leading to the female hot spring takes about 30 minutes, and takes tourists through a palm forest. Visitors can pack a few raw eggs and plantain, which you can cook on arrival at this hot spring.

Nature Walks:

The national park offers visitors guided nature walks where tourists are always accompanied with park guides who lead them through different trails where they get to capture classic views of scenic attractions and get more close with nature. For example, The Kirumia trail is a 13km long trail, which takes visitors through the heart of the forest and climaxes at Semliki River. Hiking activities on this trail start at 8am and take 8 hours to and from. It is ideal for birders.

 More so, another trail that visitors can use is the Red monkey track, which is 11km long and takes visitors through the park’s eastern border to the Semliki River. Visitors hiking this trail are rewarded with sights of primates such as; the red-tailed monkeys, and the rare DeBrazza’s monkeys.

There is also the Sempaya Nature Trail, which is about, is 8km long and takes visitors to the hot springs at Sempaya. Hiking expeditions on this trail take place in the morning and afternoon, taking between 2-4 hours.

Birding:

Semuliki national park is also seen as a birders paradise due to the fact that it is a home to a variety of bird species and Birding activities within this park best take place in Sempaya and Ntandi where tourists capture splendid views of forest birds such as; the White-crested Hornbill, Red-billed Dwarf Hornbill, Piping Hornbill, the Great blue and Ross’s Turacos, and the Yellow-throated Nicator among others. Visitors can also do birding in Kirumia River, and birders can spot the rare Shoebill stork on the shores of Lake Albert.

An Adventorous Safari In Semuliki National Park In Uganda
Yellow-throated Nicator

Game Drives:

Game drives in the national park are conducted within Toro Semliki Wildlife Reserve. During game drives, visitors are can sight wildlife animals like; forest elephants, buffaloes, waterbucks, crocodiles, warthogs, and the Uganda Kob among others. On a lucky day, visitors can sight unique wildlife like the pygmy hippopotami, leopards and bush babies during a day game drive.

Cultural Encounters:

Tourists can also opt to visit within the neighbouring communities where get opportunities to interact with the local people “Batwa people”. In addition, interacting with these local people in these communities gives you chances to learn more about their cultural history, and watch dance performances from the locals, learn about their traditions, basics of their local languages and many others.

Accommodation in Semuliki National Park.

Visitors looking for accommodation in Semuliki National Park can do so in the following lodging facilities; Kirimia Guesthouse, UWA Bandas and Campsite in Sempaya, and Semliki Safari Lodge. There are other accommodation facilities outside the national park like Hotel Vanilla, Picfare Guesthouse, and Semliki Guest House in Bundibugyo.

How to get to Semuliki National Park.

Semuliki National Park is located about 180km from Kampala via Mubende and 465km via Masaka, Mbarara and Kasese. The national park is located 59km from Fort Portal and the park’s headquarters at Ntandi is situated 6km further along the road.

Contact our trusted tour operators for more information about Semuliki National park and then book with our tours and travel companies such as; Achieve Global safaris who offer the best tour packages while on your safari in Uganda.

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