Semuliki National Park

Semliki National Park has a rich bio diversity tied to its establishment and conservation efforts in the region. The park was designated in the year 1932 as a forest reserve and later upgraded to national park status in 1993, since then it has been recognized for its importance in preserving the unique eco systems of the Albertine rift valley.

Semuliki national park is found in western Uganda near the border with Democratic Republic of Congo and is part of the albertine rift area known for high bio diversity and unique landscapes. The park is known and famous for tropical rain forests, unique wildlife species such as Semuliki forest chimpanzees, hot springs and various bird species. Semliki offers a rich bio diversity and is a haven for nature enthusiast and those seeking an authentic African safari adventure experience.

Attractions in Semliki National Park.

Semliki national park boasts a variety of attractions that make it a captivating destination especially for nature lovers and wildlife enthusiast. Some of these attractions include,

• Semliki hot springs.

Semliki national park is home to these amazing hot springs where visitors are given chance to witness bubbling geysers and experience the therapeutic effects of the warm mineral waters. There is a male and female hot spring, and it is believed that the female hot spring waters are a blessing especially to the expectant mothers. You can as well boil food stuffs like bananas, Irish, eggs and potatoes from the female hot springs.

• Wildlife species.

Semliki national park is own for its diverse range of wildlife including chimpanzees, monkeys, elephants, waterbucks, hippos, crocodiles and buffaloes. Various bird species like shoebill stork, hornbills, turacos, and birds of prey are also found within the park. The park is home to habituated chimps where you are given chance to trek and observe these primates in their natural habitat.

• Batwa cultural people.

The Batwa people are also known as pygmies, the indigenous who traditionally lived in the forests of Semliki region. While their presence in the park has diminished due to conservation efforts and resettlements program, the Batwa remain an important aspect of the area’s history.

When you visit these people, you are able to learn about their rich cultural heritage that incudes unique music, dance and traditional practices that are closely related to the forest and their survival skills.

• Scenic Landscapes.

The varied landscapes within the park from tropical rainforests to grasslands, offer a picturesque view and a unique setting for exploration. Some of these include Semliki River, hot springs, tropical rain forests, viewpoints and grasslands.

What to do in Semliki national park.

There are various activities for visitors to enjoy, creating a well-rounded experience, these include,

• Chimpanzee trekking.

Semliki national park offers you a chance to embark on a guided trek to encounter and observe habituated chimpanzees within their natural habitat. This is a unique and rare opportunity to witness these fascinating primates up close.

• Bird watching

The park is home to over 400 bird species which makes it a significant destination for bird watchers. Bird enthusiast have the opportunity to spot a wide variety of species like the iconic shoebill stork, African grey parrots, turacos, hornbills, yellow throated cuckoo. Black dwarf hornbill, white crested hornbill and black casqued wattled hornbill.

• Game drives. 

Explore the park on a safari game drive to spot large mammals such as elephants, antelopes, buffaloes, hippos, Mona monkeys, bush babies, African civets, African elephants and pygmy scaly tailed flying squirrel.

• Boat safaris.

A boat safari on Semliki river offers a unique prospective that allows visitors to observe wildlife along the riverbanks and enjoy the scenic beauty of the surrounding areas.

• Cultural encounters

During the cultural encounters, you are able to learn about indigenous Batwa culture through cultural experiences that offer insights into their traditional music, dance and daily lie.

Best Time to Visit Semliki National Park.

Best time to visit Semliki national park is during the dry seasons, which typically occur from months of June, September and December to February. During this period, weather is more predictable and the drier conditions make wildlife viewing and tracking chimpanzees more comfortable and less challenging.

Dry seasons are characterized with lower rainfall, and clear skies reducing the risk of muddy and slippery trails making it easy to explore the park. Additionally, wildlife tends to concentrate around water sources during this period, enhancing the chances of spotting your favorite spices.

Location and Getting To Semliki National Park.

Semliki national park is located in the western part of Uganda, within the albertine rift valley, east of Mountain Rwenzori and North West of Lake Albert and the nearest town is Fort portal.

The park can be accessed by air using a domestic flight from kajjansi or Entebbe to Semliki airstrip. It can also be accessed by road which is about 4 to 5 hours of drive from Fort portal.