Semuliki National Park

Semuliki National Park is located in a remote part of Western Uganda. It is one of Uganda’s newest National Parks, designated in 1993. It is 194 km2 and contains East Africa’s only lowland tropical rainforest. It is one of the richest areas of biodiversity in Africa. Semuliki National Park lies on Uganda’s border with the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). The Rwenzori Mountains are to the south-east of the park, while Lake Albert is to the north. The park lies within the Albertine Rift, the western arm of the East African Rift.

The park borders the Semuliki and Lamia Rivers, which are watering places for many animals. The park has two hot springs in a hot mineral encrusted swamp. One of the springs – Mumbuga spring – resembles a geyser by forming a 50cm high fountain. These hot springs attract a large number of shorebirds and they are a source of salt for many animals.

Game Drives:
One of the most attractive features of the game reserve is its cross-section of geographical landscapes. In Semuliki, the tropical rainforest meets grassy savannah, wetlands give over to the majestic Lake Albert, and flat plains are punctuated by deep river valleys. This unique geography is reflected in the diversity of wildlife. Here you can find Central Africa forest species, such as forest elephant, and the savannah species of East Africa, such as lion, leopard, antelope. There are 11 recorded species found in Semuliki that are not found anywhere else in Uganda, including the pygmy antelope, two types of flying squirrel, and six types of bat.

Birding:
The bird wildlife is amazing with both endemics and migrants seen in the park, even the rare shoebill lives within the wetlands of Semliki National Park. Within the lush forest canopies chimps and other primate species can be also be found.

Nature walks:
The most popular attraction to Semuliki National Park is the collection of hot springs at Sempaya, which can be reached from a short walking trail. The hot springs are situated in the midst of rainforest and palm trees. The largest spring is a geyser shooting up from an 8m-wide opening in a low salt sculpture. The emerging water has a temperature of above 100°C. Visit to the pygmy village at Ntandi or a boat ride on Lake Albert are also popular with travelers

Accommodations in Semuliki National Park

Semuliki Safari Lodge.