Semuliki National Park – The True Birders’ Haven

Semuliki National Park, occupying an isolated slice of Ugandan territory beyond the Rwenzori, the forested Semuliki National Park represents the easternmost track of the Congo’s great Ituri Forest. It is an exceptionally exciting destination for bird and primate watchers.

The 441 recorded bird species include 216 forest birds and 80 Central African species found in few, if any, other forests in East Africa. Black Dwarf, hornbill, Shining blue kingfisher, Nkulengu rail and yellow-throated Nicator are just a few random highlights sighted by the Park’s experienced guides.

Furthermore, an astonishing number of primate species live within 6 km of the primaeval hot springs at Sempaya. This impressive list includes 12 diurnal primates, such as the blue, De Brazza’s, and Dent’s Mona monkeys, as well as the red colobus. While birdwatchers often overnight in basic UWA bandas, most travellers visit Semliki as a day trip from Fort Portal.

Activities to do in Semuliki National Park

Sempaya – Ntandi road

The 5km section of public road between Sempaya and Ntandi village runs through one of the loveliest stretches of forest in Uganda and offers a clear view into the forest canopy to spot birds and monkeys. The pretty Mungaru Falls lie in the North Rwenzori forest Reserve, just off the Bundibugyo road, 500m beyond the Park office.

Sempaya Hot Spring

The Sempaya Hot Springs stand as the most famous attraction in Semuliki National Park. You can find the two main springs nestled in a lush, swampy clearing near the forest’s southeastern corner. Furthermore, you can reach the outer spring in just a few minutes’ walk from the Sempaya Park office.

A boiling geyser dominates this area, spurting water up to two meters high from a white, mineral-rich base. Nearby, water bubbles in small pools where visitors can actually cook eggs. To reach the more distant inner spring, you follow a 30-minute trail through a beautiful palm forest and across a swamp boardwalk. Finally, the path opens up to a broad, steaming pool that stretches about 10 meters across

Long-distance walks

For those who cherish an invigorating walk, Semuliki famously offers trails that take you through the forest where you will be able to enjoy its richness as you see several animals, including the duiker, majestic elephants, De Brazza’s Monkey, buffalo, hippos and crocodiles lazily whiling away their time near the Semliki River.

The forest is also remarkably rich in primates such as Chimpanzee, Black-and-White Colobus, Central African Red Colobus, Blue Monkey, Red-tailed Monkey, Vervet Monkey, Grey-cheeked Mangabey, Baboon, and Dent’s Mona Monkey. Nocturnal primates include the potto and the bush baby. Other game, though rarely seen because of their shyness, includes the forest Elephants and buffalo.