About Semuliki National Park

Semuliki National Park is a national park in Bwamba county, a remote part of Bundibugyo District in Western region of Uganda and it was

Semuliki National Park is the only tract of true lowland tropical forest in East Africa hosting more than 440 bird species, a primate of 336 plants species, 374 species of butterflies and 63 mammals. It’s known as one of the best birding destinations, mostly visited for birding as a major activity bringing visitors to the park.

The area that Semuliki National Park covers a distinct ecosystem within the larger Albertine Rift valley, The park is located at the junction of several climate and ecological zones, as a result, it has a high diversity of plants and animal species and many micro habitats. Most of plants and animal species in the park are found in Congo Basin forests, with many of these species reaching the eastern limit of their range in Semuliki National Park.

Location

Semuliki National Park lies in the border of Uganda and Democratic republic of Congo. Mountain Rwenzori is the south east of the park, while Lake Albert is found in the North. The park seats on a flat gently undulating landform that ranges from 670 to 760 meters.

Semuliki National Park borders the Semuliki and Lamia rivers which are water places for many animals. The park has two hot springs in a hot mineral encrusted swamp. One of the springs, Mumbai spring resembles a geyser by forming a 0.5-meter-high fountain. These hot springs attracts a large number of shores birds and provides salt licks for many animals.

Attractions

Bird watching and nature walk:

If you are searching for what to see in Semuliki national park, little known to many, there are quite a number of attractions to see in the park ranging from bird species, the famous Sempaya hot spring, a variety of flora and fauna, wildlife and the Batwa community.

Birding during the boat trip on Lake Albert, Visitors to Semuliki National Park can engage in bird watching, game drive across the Savannah grassland and hiking through the 13 kilometers Kirumia Trail. You can also visit the famous hot spring where the water is hot enough to cook eggs and plantain.

As of 2016, Semuliki National Park is ranked 68th of 120 things to do in Uganda. This puts it among a must-see top Safari destination in Uganda.

More than 30 species of butterflies have been identified in Semuliki National Park. These include 46 species of forest swallow tales and Cha taxes and at least 235 species of moths have been classified as restricted. There are also 305 species of trees recorded, of which 125 species are restricted within Semuliki National Park alone. Over 441 species of birds have been recorded.

Three different trails including the 13km kirumia Trails, 11km red monkey track and 8km Sempaya nature walk exist with the park. These provides the most amazing nature walk in the park.

The 13km Kirumia Trail passes through the middle of the birders follow this trail. Because a variety of bird species can be spotted on this trail, that’s why it’s most recommended for bird watching and butterfly watching. A variety of butterflies breed on this trail because it has a good forest canopy. There are also a number of woodland birds such as the black and white casqued hornbill, which be spotted on the trees alongside the rails.

Accomodation

Are you wondering where to stay in Semuliki National Park, the park has a center that brings you a wide choice of Semuliki safari lodge offering the most ideal accommodation facilities in and out of the park. Semuliki safari lodge is one of the most luxurious accommodation facilities and the oldest Safari lodge in the park. However, there are many more to choose from when you visit the park and the list is just endless. A good number of Safari Lodges have now come up in and out around Semuliki National Park including Nyati game lodge and many more for visitors that would wish to spend less.

Communities around semuliki national park

Four distinct ethnic groups live near the park. Bwamba farmer live along the base of the Rwenzori while the Bakonjo cultivate the mountain slopes. The Batuku cattle keepers inhabit the open plains while the Batwa pygmies stay at sebitoli since they were resettled out of the park forest. Even though, they still access the park resources because they are traditionally hunters and gathers, that is why they live on the edge of the forest.

The tourist enjoys a culture dance with the Batwa community of Semuliki National Park.