Across the flow of Semuliki valley in Western Uganda is Semuliki National Park lying with the Western arm of the Albertine Rift Valley, one of the richest areas of flora and fauna in Africa located in Bundibugyo district. it has more than 430 bird species for example the Lyre-tailed honey guide, over 60 mammals some of which are pygmy flying squirrels, forest buffalos, leopards, hippos, water chevrotains, bushbabies, civets, elephants and many others, 9 primate species like chimpanzees, vervet monkeys and the Ejacis Guinness and around 374 butterfly species. It borders the Semuliki and Lamia rivers which provide water for the wildlife within the park and has hot springs for example the Mumbuga springs which attract a number of shorebirds and are also sources of salt for various animals.
Activities In Semuliki national park
Bird watching.
Birding in Semuliki National Park is very spectacular as the park is rich with over 435 bird species which is around 40% of Uganda’s total bird species with around 46 Guinea-Congo Biome species and some species endemic to the Albertine Rift ecosystem. Some of the birds to look out for include the Nkulengu Rail, Yellow-throated Cuckoo, Piping Hornhill, Black Dwarf Hornbill, White-crested Hornbill, Leaf-Love, Maxwell’s Black weaver, Red-billied Malimbe, orange-cheeked waxbill and many others.
Nature walks & hiking.
A walk along the banks of river Semuliki that which from the headquarters at Sempaya gate will make the tourists enjoy bird and butterfly watching and see beautiful flowers and trees during the walk. There are also good hiking trails that that offer access to forest, savanna and water habitats and the 2-3 hour treks are led by a game ranger who helps the tourists observe wonderful views across Semuliki and learn more about plenty of the wildlife views across Semuliki. Guided by an armed ranger, the tourists will also walk in the Toro-Semuliki wildlife reserve where they will have close views of animals, birds, plants and the beautiful rift valley escarpments.
Game drives
The park is home of around 53 mammal species, 27 of which are large and around 11 endemic and these include the pygmy antelopes and two flying squirrel species. It also has the water chevrotain also known as “fanged deer,” forest elephants and buffalos which are smaller versions of the ones dwelling in the savanna. The park is also remarkably rich in primates which include chimpanzees, baboons, grey-cheeked Mangabey, central African red-tailed monkeys, de Brazza’s monkeys vervet and Dent’s Mona monkeys. Nocturnal primates include the Potto, Bushbaby and river Semuliki, hippos and crocodiles are common. Wildlife habitats range from grasslands, lowland tropical forests and wetlands.
Visit to the hot springs.
The Sempaya hot springs are the major icon of the Semuliki National Park as they boil at very high temperatures that is to say in less than ten minutes, green plantain and eggs can be cooked and this experiment will be carried out. During this trek, the tourists will also go through the forest which harbors many species of birds and monkeys whose sight they will enjoy. There are also the Mumbuga hot springs with a number of shore birds which are beautiful and very interesting to watch.
Cultural encounters.
Here, the tourists will meet the traditional inhabitants of the park, the Batwa people, who are hunter-gatherers depending on Semuliki forest for food, timber to build their shelter, medicine, tools and many others. they will also witness how the Batwa cook green plants as their food, watch organized music and dance performances done to entertain and excite tourists at a performing place called Ntandi and also see their locally weaved handcrafts such as mats, baskets, local tools, clay pots and many others.
To book or inquire about a safari to Semuliki national park , simply send us an email to info@ugandasafaribookings.com or call us now on +256-700135510 to speak with the reservations team.
