Semliki National Park | Hot springs | Lodges | Safari | Fees

Semuliki National Park is one of the oldest Uganda safari parks – it was first gazetted as a reserve in 1926. In 1993, it was upgraded as a National Park in Uganda and its borders stretch to occupy an area of 220sq. km.

Location

Located in Bwamba County, the Western part of Uganda, Semuliki National Park boasts of its natural splendor. The park lies on the remotest side of Bundibugyo district, 52kms off from Fort Portal city. Semuliki is suitably located, protecting the dense tropical lowland forest with some patches of bamboo forest, grassland, and wetlands. The Congo border and the park are marked by the Semuliki River. Several tributaries also flow through the park making them a source of water also ideal sites for watching lots of the park’s wildlife.

Attractions in Semuliki

 

Sempaya Hot Springs

The Sempaya Hot Springs are key highlights of Semuliki safaris. They consist of female and male hot springs. They are healing sites and powerful with a boiling rate of up to 100%.

Wildlife

Semuliki National Park Forest and other habitats support up to 53 species of mammals including buffaloes, scaly-tailed flying squirrels, leopards, elephants, leopards, civets, bush-babies, pygmy antelopes, fanged deer, and kobs. 8 (eight) primates are also believed to reside within the park including chimpanzees, blue monkeys, Central African red colobus monkeys, baboons, vervet, DeBrazza’s monkeys, Dent’s Mona monkeys, and red-tailed monkeys.

Birds

Semuliki is a top birding destination with nearly all Uganda bird species. A total of 441 species of birds range in the varied habitats of Semuliki National Park and the bird check-list here includes shoebill storks, yellow-throated cuckoo, blue-billed malimbe, red-rumped tinkerbird, Nkulengu rail, leaf love. Other birds include Africa piculet, piping hornbill, orange cheeked waxbill, white-crested hornbill, swamp palm bulbul, and more.

 

Safari activities to do while in Semuliki

 

Chimpanzee tracking

Chimpanzee tracking is a remarkable opportunity to immerse yourself into the jungles of Semuliki to see chimpanzees in the wild. Before you settle for a face-to-face encounter with chimpanzees, you will spend about 2-4 hours walking through the forest. All Semuliki chimpanzee treks are carried out with the lead of an experienced park guide.

Game drives

Semuliki is compact and the game driving experience here is a little distinct. You have high chances to see lions, elephants, and buffaloes while on a day game drive. Night game drives are however the best done in Semuliki National Park and you will be sighting species such as pottos, bush babies, leopards plus other nightjar birds.

Birding

Birding safaris in Semuliki allow avifaunal enthusiasts to look out for a huge bird population. Birds to come at your exposure on the birding tour here include lemon billed crombec, crested malimbe, yellow-throated nicator, red-rumped tinker bird, Nkulengu rail, maxwell’s black weaver, cuckoos, Ituri batis, red-billed dwarf hornbill, lyre-tailed honeyguide, Congo serpent eagle, ross’s turacos, great blue turacos, swamp palm bulbul, red-billed helmet shrike, etc. The ideal birding sites in Semuliki include Lake Albert and Kirumia River where shoebill storks plus other aquatic birdlife can be spotted.  

Hot springs safaris

A hot spring visit is a must-do while on Uganda safaris in Semuliki National Park. There are female and male hot springs – the world’s most powerful hot springs with a high boiling rate of 100 degrees Celsius. Bitende is the male sempaya hot spring and Nyasimbi is female.

Cultural visits

Semuliki is lying in the far western side of Uganda, an area inhabited by the Bambuti pygmies and these of Congo origin. Cultural interaction with Bambuti allows you to explore more about their cultures, traditions, history, and a lot more.

Guided nature walks

3 amazing trails exist in Semuliki offering remarkable nature walking/hiking experiences -they include Kirumia River which is 8 hours walk. This is 13 km long and runs from the middle of the park’s forest to the Semuliki River. It is an ideal spot to enjoy the sight of primates, birds such as black-faced rufous warblers, African piculet, lemon-bellied crombec, red-sided broadbill, and long-tailed hawk.

Sempaya trail- 2 to 4 hours walking trail. This leads visitors to the sempaya hot springs -exploring these 8kms is possible in the morning or afternoon.

Best time to visit

Visiting Semuliki National Park on Uganda safari is possible at any time of the year. It enjoys favorable conditions though the dry season is often the best -this is from June to September, December to February. The dry season or months come with low/no rains with clear skies.

Where to stay

Luxury places/accommodation to stay include Nyati Game Lodge, Semuliki Safari Lodge. Midrange options include Ntoroko Game Lodge and budget choices include UWA Bandas, Campsite & Cottages; Kirimia Guesthouse.

Getting to Semuliki NP – Uganda

Getting to Semuliki National Park to enjoy your Uganda safari is possible by road or air. By road starting from Fort Portal, it takes you about 2 hours to drive via Bundibugyo and from Kampala through the Mityana-Mubende route, about 6 hours’ drive.

By air: Flights to Semuliki are also available from Entebbe Airport and you land at Semuliki airstrip. From Semuliki airstrip, you can transfer in a 4x4 safari vehicle.

 

Wildlife at Semliki National Park

Semliki National Park: A Wildlife Biodiverse Oasis

Semliki National Park in Uganda is a hidden jewel of biodiversity and natural delights, nestled beneath the Albertine Rift. This park, also known as "Primate Paradise," is home to a diverse range of species, both large and little, set against a backdrop of lush woods and beautiful scenery. Explore the diverse fauna that flourishes inside the boundaries of Semliki National Park.

Primates Galore

Semliki is renowned for its impressive primate diversity. From the acrobatic black-and-white colobus monkeys to the rare and elusive De Brazza's monkeys, the park is a haven for primate enthusiasts.

Chimpanzee Haven

Semliki is home to one of the highest densities of chimpanzees in East Africa. Embark on a chimpanzee trekking adventure to witness these intelligent creatures in their natural habitat.

Pygmy Hippos

One of the park's unique inhabitants is the pygmy hippopotamus. These small, elusive hippos inhabit the park's rivers and are a rare and special sighting for lucky visitors.

Forest Elephants

The park's forested landscapes are inhabited by a population of forest elephants, a distinct subspecies known for their smaller size and unique adaptations.

Birdwatcher's Paradise

With over 400 bird species, Semliki National Park is a haven for birdwatchers. Keep an eye out for the rare and striking shoe-billed stork and other captivating avian residents.

Large Mammals

Beyond primates, the park is home to a variety of other large mammals, including buffalos, leopards, forest duikers, and more.

Sulphur Springs and Hot Springs

The park's unique geological features include the Sempaya Hot Springs and the stunning Bintumani Twa waterfalls, adding an extra layer of intrigue to your wildlife exploration.

Boat Safaris on Lake Albert

For a different perspective, embark on a boat safari on Lake Albert. This offers opportunities to spot aquatic wildlife, including hippos, crocodiles, and a variety of bird species.

Cultural Encounters

The local Batwa pygmy communities offer cultural experiences that shed light on their traditional way of life and their intricate relationship with the park's wildlife.

Safari Activities Wildlife at Semliki National Park

Semliki National Park Safari Adventures: Discovering a Biodiverse Wonderland

Semliki National Park in Uganda is more than simply a wildlife refuge; it's a playground of one-of-a-kind safari adventures that take you deep into the heart of a biodiverse wonderland. The park provides a variety of engaging safari activities that suit to a wide range of interests, from exploring lush woods to immersing oneself in hot springs. Let's get started on the wonderful safari activities that Semliki National Park has in store for you.

Chimpanzee Tracking

Embark on a thrilling chimpanzee tracking adventure through the park's dense forests. Guided by experienced rangers, you'll have the chance to observe these intelligent primates as they swing through the trees, play, and interact with one another.

Birdwatching Extravaganza

For avid birdwatchers, Semliki National Park is a paradise. With its diverse habitats, the park is home to a remarkable variety of bird species, including the rare and elusive shoebill stork. Explore the trails with a knowledgeable birding guide and discover an avian wonderland.

Game Drives and Wildlife Viewing

While Semliki is known for its primates and birdlife, the park also hosts a range of other wildlife, including forest elephants, buffalos, leopards, and more. Guided game drives offer opportunities to spot these creatures in their natural habitats.

Hot Springs Experience

Immerse yourself in the unique geological features of the park by visiting the Sempaya Hot Springs. Witness the bubbling pools of boiling water and steam vents, and even take a therapeutic dip in the natural hot springs.

Nature Walks and Hikes

Guided nature walks and hikes allow you to explore the park's diverse ecosystems up close. Wander through lush forests, encounter various plant and animal species, and gain insights into the delicate balance of this unique environment.

Cultural Encounters with Batwa Pygmies

Engage with the local Batwa pygmy communities and learn about their traditional way of life and their deep connection with the forest. Participate in cultural activities, dances, and storytelling sessions to gain a deeper understanding of their history and relationship with the park.

Boat Safaris on Lake Albert

Experience the park from a different perspective by embarking on a boat safari on Lake Albert. As you cruise along the water, you'll have the chance to spot hippos, crocodiles, and various bird species.

Photography Expeditions

Capture the beauty of Semliki's landscapes and wildlife through your camera lens. The park's unique features and diverse inhabitants provide ample opportunities for stunning wildlife and nature photography.

Best time to Visit Semliki National Park

Choosing the Best Time to Visit Semliki National Park

Timing is critical while visiting Semliki National Park in Uganda to ensure an amazing safari experience. The shifting seasons have an impact on the park's distinctive ecosystems and fauna, and various periods of the year offer varied benefits for visitors. Let's look at the ideal periods to visit Semliki National Park, each with their own set of attractions and chances.

Dry Season

(June to August and December to February): The dry seasons, from June to August and December to February, are widely regarded as the best times to visit Semliki National Park. During these months, the weather is relatively dry and stable, offering ideal conditions for exploration and wildlife viewing.

Optimal Wildlife Viewing

The dry seasons are when wildlife activity is at its peak. Animals gather around remaining water sources, making them more visible and increasing your chances of spotting various species, including primates and larger mammals.

Comfortable Safari Activities

With drier weather, activities such as chimpanzee tracking, game drives, and boat safaris become even more enjoyable. Clear skies and manageable temperatures enhance the overall safari experience.

Birdwatching Extravaganza

Semliki National Park is renowned for its exceptional birdwatching opportunities. During the dry seasons, resident bird species are joined by migratory birds, making it a paradise for bird enthusiasts.

Shoulder Seasons

(March to May and September to November): The shoulder seasons bring occasional rain showers and lush vegetation to Semliki National Park. While they are considered the "off-peak" periods, they offer their own unique allure.

Fewer Crowds

Visiting during the shoulder seasons means encountering fewer tourists, providing a more intimate and tranquil safari experience.

Lush Landscapes

The wetter periods transform the park's landscapes into lush, vibrant greenery. This can create stunning backdrops for photography and a unique perspective on the park's beauty.

Wildlife Births

The shoulder seasons often coincide with wildlife births, offering the chance to witness adorable newborn animals.

Semliki Safari Lodge 

Ntoroko Game Lodge