Semuliki National Park, a 220km2 gem in the Albertine Rift Valley, boasts unique lowland tropical forest, 441 bird species, 15 primates, and 300 butterflies, a haven for naturalists.
Semuliki National Park, a pristine 220km2 expanse, lies cradled in the heart of the Albertine Rift Valley, perched at elevations between 670-760 meters above sea level. Journeying from Fort Portal town to Semuliki offers one of Uganda’s most breathtaking drives, descending a remarkable 700 meters.
This national park boasts a unique distinction as the only lowland tropical forest in East Africa. Its incredible attributes, such as 441 recorded bird species (including 35 exclusive to East Africa), 15 primate species, 300 butterfly species, and 235 moth species, make Semuliki a haven for devoted naturalists.
The Enchanting Semliki Valley
The Semliki Valley stretches for an impressive 160 kilometers within the Albertine Rift Valley, nestling between lakes Edward and Albert. This remote western side of the Rwenzori Mountains houses an exquisite tapestry of wildlife, harmoniously blending Central and East African species. In Uganda’s share of the valley, two vital wildlife sanctuaries coexist: the lush Semuliki National Park, echoing the jungles of the Congo basin, and the Toro Semuliki Wildlife Reserve, showcasing classic East African savanna.
Semuliki National Park: A Natural Wonder
Semuliki National Park stretches across the floor of the Semliki Valley, forming part of the Guinea-Congo biome. It holds the distinction of being Uganda’s sole lowland semi-deciduous forest, characterized by its remarkable scenic beauty, accentuated by the presence of hot springs at Sempaya. The park’s rich biodiversity is dominated by species unique to the easternmost extension of the ancient and diverse Ituri Forest of the Congo Basin.
Although Semuliki’s rich tapestry of species has been evolving for over 25,000 years, the park offers evidence of even older geological processes. The bubbling hot springs emanate from the depths, offering a glimpse into the powerful subterranean forces shaping the rift valley for the past 14 million years.
Semuliki Forest Reserve was initially established in 1932 and later upgraded to national park status in 1993.
Meet the Local Inhabitants of Semuliki
Surrounding Semuliki National Park are four distinct ethnic groups. The Bamba farmers occupy the base of the Rwenzori Mountains, while the Bakonjo cultivate the mountain slopes. Batuku cattle keepers thrive on the open plains to the north of the park, and the Batwa, traditionally hunter-gatherers, reside on the forest’s edge.
How to Reach Semuliki National Park
You can access Semuliki National Park via two primary routes from Kampala to Fort Portal:
Climate and Ideal Visiting Times
Semuliki National Park experiences two peak rainfall seasons: from March to May and from September to December, with an average annual rainfall of 1,250mm. The annual mean temperatures range from a minimum of 18°C to a maximum of 30°C, featuring relatively minor daily variations.
For drier weather, plan your visit during the months of June to September when temperatures average 25°C. However, be prepared for occasional afternoon thunderstorms. The hottest and driest period falls between January and February, offering another excellent window for exploration.
Where to Stay in Semuliki National Park
Semuliki National Park offers various accommodation facilities catering to both mid-range and budget travelers. Two recommended lodges are:
Kirimia Guest House provides another option for visitors seeking budget-friendly accommodations.
Attractions in Semuliki National Park
Flora and Fauna: Semuliki National Park is a distinct ecosystem within the broader Albertine Rift Ecosystem. The park’s strategic location at the convergence of various climatic and ecological zones results in high plant and animal diversity, including many species found in the Congo Basin Forests.
Of Uganda’s 1,075 bird species, 441 (43%) call Semuliki National Park home. Keep an eye out for Albertine rift endemics like the Dwarf Honey guide and Purple-breasted Sunbird. Other species with limited ranges, such as the White-tailed Hornbill, Capuchin Babbler, Blue-headed Crested Flycatcher, and the Orange Weaver, can also be spotted here. The park is a treasure trove for butterfly enthusiasts, with nearly 300 species.
Mammals:
Semuliki National Park boasts 53 recorded mammal species, including five large mammals and seven small mammals not found in other parks. Eight species are exclusive to Eastern Africa, and ten others have limited distribution across East Africa. The park is also home to a variety of reptiles and amphibians.
Sempaya Hot Springs:
The park’s most renowned attraction, the Sempaya Hot Springs, comprises two main springs. The “male” spring, known as Bintente, spans 12 meters in diameter and resides in a lush swampy clearing. The “female” spring, Nyasimbi, meaning ‘the female ancestors,’ is a boiling geyser reaching temperatures of 103°C, emitting bubbling water and steam up to two meters high. The steam cloud is visible from up to 2km away. Local residents have traditionally used these boiling pools to cook food.
Sempaya-Ntandi Road:
This 6km section of public road weaves through one of Uganda’s most captivating stretches of forest, providing excellent bird and monkey sightings high in the forest canopy. Birding walks and night hikes into the forest are also available. In Ntandi, local Batwa dancers offer traditional performances for visitors. The nearby Mungiro Falls, near the Hot Springs, are another local attraction.
Semuliki River:
Stretching for 160km, the Semuliki River collects runoff from the Rwenzori Mountains, ultimately flowing into Lake Albert and the Nile. This river, with its broad, muddy, forest-fringed banks, is home to hippos and crocodiles, mirroring a miniature version of the Congo River. Visitors can observe the river’s meandering journey across the rift valley floor from roadside viewpoints and explore its lush banks through forest hikes.
Park Activities
Birding in Semuliki National Park:
Bird enthusiasts will delight in Semuliki’s exceptional forest birding. Sempaya and Ntandi are ideal spots for observing birds like the White-Crested Hornbill, Red-billed Dwarf Hornbill, Piping Hornbill, Yellow-throated Nicator, and Great Blue and Ross’s Turacos. Lake Albert offers close encounters with the majestic shoebill stork, and forest walks provide opportunities to spot water birds.
Hiking and Nature Walks:
The 13km Kirumia Trail traverses the heart of the forest to the Semuliki River, making it perfect for birders. Numerous short trails cater to nature walk enthusiasts and birders looking for shorter excursions.
Sempaya Hot Springs:
The one-hour trail leading to the outer “male” spring winds through a forest where red-tailed monkeys, grey-cheeked mangabeys, and black-and-white colobus monkeys frequently make appearances. An aerial view is available from a treehouse en route. A 30-minute hike through the palm forest from the main road leads to the inner “female” spring, dominated by a boiling geyser. Here, hikers can cook eggs and Matooke (green plantain) in the steaming waters, creating a unique culinary experience.
Cultural Encounters and Trails:
The Batwa people have traditionally depended on Semuliki forest for food, shelter, medicine, and tools. Visitors can engage in cultural encounters, gaining insight into the Batwa’s unique way of life, though this is evolving through interaction with other local communities.
Toro-Semuliki Wildlife Reserve
Uganda’s oldest game reserve, the 545km2 Toro-Semuliki National Park, is located on an extensive plain within the rift valley floor. This region, characterized by steep riverine gorges, supports diverse wildlife, including Central African forest mammals, key East African species, and numerous bird species. Around 400 bird species inhabit the reserve, with adjacent wetlands along Lake Albert’s shores providing a habitat for the endangered shoebill.
Access to Toro-Semuliki:
Follow the surfaced Bundibugyo Road toward Semliki National Park for 27km, then turn right at Karugutu trading center. This dirt road, spanning 40 kilometers to Ntoroko, passes the reserve headquarters after 1.5km and Semuliki Safari Lodge after 25km.
Accommodations:
For luxury accommodations, consider Semuliki Safari Lodge, while Ntoroko Game Lodge offers mid-range options near Lake Albert. Budget facilities are available at the UWA bandas and campsite in Ntoroko.
Attractions and Activities in Toro-Semuliki Wildlife Reserve
Activities are coordinated from Semuliki Safari Lodge, situated in the heart of the reserve, between Karugutu and Ntoroko.
Boat trips on Lake Albert can be arranged through the UWA office in Ntoroko.
Game Drives:
Explore the grasslands of Toro-Semuliki Safari Lodge on three game tracks. Spot smaller forest and larger savannah elephants, buffalo, waterbuck, crocodile, warthog, and Uganda Kob. With some luck, you may even encounter lion, leopard, pygmy hippopotami, and bush babies.
Primate and Forest Walks:
Embark on 4-6 hour guided nature walks through the Mugiri River Forest, offering the opportunity to encounter habituated chimpanzees, other primates, and a wealth of birdlife. The rainy season is the best time to spot chimps when fruiting fig trees are abundant.
Boat Trips:
Launch boat trips from Ntoroko onto Lake Albert, providing excellent opportunities to observe rare shoebills, hippos, and the dramatic Nkusi Falls, plunging over the steep rift valley escarpment into the lake.
