Uganda wildlife safari in Semliki National Park : Semliki National Park is one of the less known national parks in Uganda. It is situated in Bwamba County, a remote part of the Bundibugyo District, in western Uganda. The park covers 220 square kilometres and lies at an altitude of 670-760m above sea level. According to Uganda Parks, the park was first gazetted as a Forest Reserve in 1932 and was upgraded to status of a national park in 1993 making it among the newest parks in Uganda. The park’s forest is part of the vast Ituri Forest of the Democratic Republic of Congo and its the reason why the park hosts a good number of forest animals including chimpanzees, forest elephants

Semliki national park is only tract of true lowland tropical forest in East Africa, Semliki is one of Africa’s most biodiverse forests and is particularly noted for its varied bird population with over 440 bird’s species. It is one of the best paradises of birds and the common birds found include; Congo Serpent Eagle, Long-tailed Hawk, Nkulengu Rail, Black-wattled Hornbill and Lyre-tailed Honey guide. The Park houses the most stunning geothermal hot springs at Sempaya is not very scenic, making it the most popular attraction of the park. Hot springs bubble up from the depths beneath Sempaya to demonstrate the powerful subterranean forces that have been shaping the rift valley many years ago.
The park is also known as sanctuary for night moving animals like Buff-spotted Flufftail and African Wood Owl. Visitors who are interested in nocturnal watch, Semliki National Park is a must visit. The park is surrounded by the stunning cultural community who have lived in the forest and near for many ages such as the Bwamba farmers live along the base of the Rwenzori while the Bakonjo cultivate the mountain slopes. Batuku cattle keepers inhabit on the open plains and Batwa pygmies, traditionally hunter gathers, live on the edge of the forest. The Batwa (Pygmy) community that lives on the edge of the park originated from the Ituri. pygmies, traditionally hunter gathers, live on the edge of the forest. The Batwa (Pygmy) community that lives on the edge of the park originated from the Ituri.
Safari experiences in Semliki national park
Birding
Birders who make it to Semliki national park will be rewarded with some of the best African forest birds, Birding in Semliki National Park, is one of the most popular tourist activities in this park. The park is one of the countries top birding destinations in Uganda boosting over 441 bird species amazingly 5 are endemic to Albertine’s rift. Sempaya and Ntandi are excellent birding spots containing a variety of birds such as the Nkulengu Rail, Yellow-throated Cuckoo,Piping Hornbill, Red-billed Dwarf Hornbill, Black Dwarf Hornbill, White-crested Hornbill and Black-casqued Wattled Hornbill, Red-rumped Tinkerbird, African Piculet, White-throated Blue Swallow, Yellow-throated Nicator, Leaf-love, Swamp Palm Bulbul and Lemon-bellied Crombec among others.
Games viewing
Games viewing in the park is one way you immerse yourself in to the park’s rich biodiversity, the park has got three tracks across the savannah grasslands of Toro Semliki wildlife reserve. While on a Uganda wildlife safari in the national park, you will get a chance of spot a variety of wildlife species such as chimpanzees, larger savannah elephants, buffalos, waterbucks, warthogs, Uganda Kobs, and on your lucky days you may also encounter with the Batwa known as the pygmies, hippos, leopards as well as the elusive bushbabies.
Visiting the Hot springs.
Visiting the Sempaya Hot Springs in Semliki National Park is an exciting and memorable experience. Semliki national park is home to Uganda’s most stunning hot springs known as Sempaya hot springs a natural phenomenon where hot water erupts from the earth’s crust, which as acted as the top tourists’ attractions and boosted a variety of people worldwide. The Uganda’s stunning hot springs that can be visited by a number of tourists while they visit Uganda. Visitors while on a Uganda wildlife safari in the park gets n opportunity to explore the parks attractive hot springs and also gaining information about the history of the hot springs and sights the stunning attractions on the way.

Hiking and nature walks.
Hiking and nature walks safaris in the park are one way you can explore the hidden gems of the forest. Semliki national park has well established hiking trails where tourists can track to discover the unexplored parks feature. The most common trails used for tourist covers a length of 13 km long stretching from Kirumia trail which runs through the heart of the forest to Semliki River. Guided nature walks and hiking trails allow visitors to explore the park’s lush forests, scenic landscapes, and unique ecosystems. Hiking and nature walks safari in the offer opportunities to learn about the park’s flora, fauna, and cultural heritage.
Cultural encounters
Semliki national park inhabited by indigenous communities such as the Batwa pygmies. Cultural encounters and village visits provide insights into the traditional lifestyles, customs, and beliefs of these local communities. Cultural tours offer the opportunity to visit Pygmy villages, participate in traditional activities, and gain insights into the indigenous knowledge of the forest and its resources
Best time to go for a Uganda safari in Semliki national park
Semliki national park can be visited year-round on a Uganda wildlife safari but the best exciting time is drying the dry seasons that runs from June to September and them from December to February. During this season the weather conditions are generally dry which offers pleasant weather with lower humidity and minimal rainfall, making it ideal for outdoor activities vegetation being less dense during the dry season, wildlife sightings are often easier as animals gather around water sources, making them more accessible for viewing. Chimpanzee tracking is usually more successful during the dry season as the trails are less muddy and slippery, facilitating easier movement through the forest.
Accommodation safaris in Semliki national park
Visitors planning to go a Uganda safari in Semliki national park shouldn’t worry about where to stay, the park has a number of safari accommodation facilities catering to all classes of visitors with well established furniture’s and comfortable environment such as Semliki safari lodge, Ntoroko game lodge, Kirimia Guesthouse, Hotel Vanilla, UWA Bandas and Camps, Nyati Game lodge among others
