Semuliki National Park is situated in the western part of Uganda along the borders of Uganda and the Democratic Republic of Congo in the Bundibugyo district. Semuliki National Park is bordered by two rivers which are river Lamia and river Semuliki. Semuliki National Park started as a forest reserve in 1932 then was later on turned into a national park in 1993. The weather conditions in Semuliki National Park are different from the conditions in other game parks in Uganda, Kenya, Tanzania, etc. This is because Semuliki National Park happens to be the only tropical rainforest park in the whole of East Africa. Semuliki National Park is under the management of the Uganda Wildlife Authority and receives an average of approximately 1250 mm per year.

The rainy season in Semuliki National Park is during March, May, September, and December. Semuliki National Park is commonly known for having two hot springs both male and female. As you continue to read, you will get to know all about Semuliki National Park, and the questions you have been having all along will also be answered.

What is there to see in Semuliki National Park?

Sempaya Hot Springs

Just as mentioned before among the two hot springs in Semuliki National Park, the female (Sempaya hot spring acts as the main attraction in the park. The water that sprouts out of these hot springs is so hot that it can boil an egg in 10 minutes. The locals around or near Semuliki National Park used to cook their food in the hot springs but were stopped by the park authorities. This was done to enable tourists to visit the hot springs in high numbers since they will be more comfortable.  When you visit the hot springs in Semuliki National Park, you will be able to see some primates, birds, and other animals around the hot springs since it was confirmed a salt lick for many animals.

Walking trails in Semuliki National Park

Semuliki National Park has a lot of different walking trails that are favorable for nature walks. During nature walks in Semuliki National Park, you will able to spot different animals, primates like monkeys, baboons, birds, and different plant species, to mention but a few.

Birds in Semuliki National Park

Semuliki National Park is considered to be one of the best destinations in the country for birding activity. Semuliki National Park is home to approximately 410 different bird species. These birds can easily be spotted flying all over the park. Some of the birds that can be spotted in Semuliki National Park include a long-tailed hawk, a Black dwarf, Maxwell’s black weaver, a black-winged starling, and Blue blue-billed, to mention but a few. So, for bird lovers ready to tick off birds from their birding list, Semuliki National Park is your place to go.

Communities near Semuliki National Park

Talking about communities, community tours are conducted in Semuliki National Park. During these community tours, tourists are taken out to meet with new people living in the community. For example, the Batwa community, tourists visit the Batwa community to learn more about their way of life and engage with them. This is done through storytelling, cultural dances, preparing meals, and seeing or joining them to do their day-to-day activities.

Wildlife in Semuliki National Park

Semuliki National Park is also home to approximately 56 different mammal species. These mammal species include Buffaloes, Dwarf antelopes, bush pigs, elephants, sitatunga, and primates, to mention but a few. When you visit Semuliki National Park, you can be able to spot most of these animals while doing different activities in the park. These mammals can be spotted during either guided nature walks in Semuliki National Park or during game drives in Semuliki National Park. Game drives in Semuliki National Park take about 3-4 hours of driving in a 4×4 travel vehicle spotting animals. These game drives can be conducted either in the morning, afternoon, or evening time, depending on what the tourists or visitors want or need.

Primates in Semuliki national park

Still about wildlife in Semuliki National Park, primates are one of them that are found there. These primates most of them can be spotted during nature walks and trekking activities. Some of these primates include monkeys, chimpanzees, and baboons, to mention a few. They can easily be spotted around the park mostly the monkeys and baboons playing around. Chimpanzees in Semuliki National Park.

Chimpanzees are one of the primates that are found in Semuliki National Park. They are very interesting species to watch mostly in their natural habitat. Talking about chimpanzees they trekked in Semuliki National Park as an activity. Chimpanzee trekking in Semuliki National Park takes about 30 minutes- 8 hours to complete and starts with a briefing at the park headquarters in the morning. When you encounter a chimpanzee family, you are given not more than 1 hour to spend in its presence. During this one hour, you will get to learn more about the behaviors of these endangered species while in their natural habitat. Apart from chimpanzee trekking, also chimpanzee habituation is done in Semuliki National Park. This activity involves trekking or looking for chimpanzees and spending more than an hour in their presence.

Where to stay in Semuliki National Park

Semuliki National Park happens to have a lot of accommodation facilities that range from luxury to budget which makes it favorable for all types of travelers or visitors to the park. The prices of these accommodation facilities always depend on what the tourists or visitors want and the season of visit. During the low season, the prices of the accommodation facilities always tend to be on discount, and in the high season, the prices are always high. Some of the accommodation facilities include Semuliki Safari Lodge, Campsite Bandas by UWA, Ntoroko Game Lodge, Kirumia Guest House, and Hotel Vanilla, to mention but a few.

What to pack when visiting Semuliki National Park

There are certain things that you should consider packing when visiting Semuliki National Park for certain reasons or doing different activities. Some of the things or items you should consider packing when you are going to visit Semuliki National Park should include, a bag pack, long-sleeved shirts and trousers, a first aid kit, binoculars, and a water bottle, to mention but a few.

Are you ready to embark on an unforgettable adventure or Uganda safari? Semuliki National Park should not miss among the destinations you are to visit and we are here to help you enjoy it to the fullest.