Semuliki National Park : Uganda is amazing when it comes to wildlife safaris due to its richness in wild animals, primates, birds, reptiles and insects. This wonderful nation boasts ten national parks, with each park offering incomparable experience to tourists. Most visitors coming to Uganda leave with no regrets but with an unending thirst of knowing much about this fabulous country.
Semuliki National Park is among the bucket list of many travelers as it offers mixed experiences to its esteemed visitors. This park is situated in western Uganda within the Bundibugyo District on the border between Uganda and the Democratic Republic of Congo. It was founded in 1993 with a total area of 219 square kilometers. It is neighbored by other stunning destinations such as Rwenzori Mountains to the southeast and Lake Albert to the north.
It is among the six national parks of three countries which lie within the Albertine Rift Valley. Other parks include Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Rwenzori Mountains National Park, Kibale National Park and Queen Elizabeth National Park, all of which are found in Uganda, and Virunga National Park and Volcanoes National Park which are in the Democratic Republic of Congo and Rwanda respectively.
Semuliki National Park is dominated by tropical rainforest which consist of moist evergreen and deciduous forest mainly made of Uganda ironwood.
Things to see in Semuliki National Park
Birds: Semuliki National Park is a perfect spot for bird watching. It is a famous Uganda birding destination with guaranteed encounters of normal birds, migratory and forest birds. About 66 percent of about 440 bird species residing this mysterious park are true forest birds including dwarf honey guide, blue-crested flycatcher, Sassi’s olive greenbul, white-tailed hornbill, forest ground thrush, and purple-breasted sunbird.
Wondrously Semuliki’s forest extends from DR Congo. Therefore, some unique bird species from DR Congo are also found in Semuliki National Park. Some of such iconic birds include lyre-tailed honey guide, Congo serpent eagle, long-tailed hawk, and black wattled hornbill.
Other birds that birders encounter the most in Semuliki National Park include thrushes, francolins, swallows, honey guides, kingfishers, ibises, hawks, helmet shrikes, robins, finches, weavers, malimbes and many other bird species.
Wild animals: The splendid vegetation cover of Semuliki National Park are inhabited by about 63 species of mammals, 8 primate species and over 370 butterfly species. Some wild animals that are frequently encountered in Semuliki National Park include warthogs, elephants, bush pigs, waterbucks, leopards, hippos, civets, duikers, bush babies, water chevrotains, as well as small animals like squirrels, bats, mice, and rats. Several species of primates are also found in Semuliki National Park including Mona monkeys, chimps, vervet monkeys, colobus monkeys, blue monkeys and olive baboons.
Hot springs: Semuliki National Park hosts two splendid hot springs, the Sempaya Hot Springs which are the known icons of this park. The springs has a diameter of 12 meters, and release hot water and steam (geysers) which can be seen from at least one kilometers away. The views of this stunning feature can be enjoyed on tower built special for viewers of Sempaya Hot Springs. The springs attract several wildlife such as birds and primates, which offer an interesting view.
Semuliki River: Semuliki River and Lamia River are amazing features found which crosses through this splendid park. They boast a stunning riverine forest, which hosts various animals such as crocodiles and hippos as well as birds.
What to do in Semuliki National Park
Guided nature walks: Walking through the trails is lifetime opportunity. Walks can be organized from Sempaya gate through the hot springs. Semuliki National Park also has some fantastic walking trails which are, the Sempaya Nature Trail which is 8 kilometers long, the Rod-monkey track that is 11 kilometers long and the Kirumia hiking trail which is 13 kilometers long. Guided nature walks are more rewarding as they give sensational views of vegetation, wildlife, birds and natural beauties such as hot springs.
Bird-watching: Semuliki National Park is well known as an iconic site for birdwatchers. Birders leave from this park with no regrets, but with undiminishing thirst of coming back. For better experiences, a pair of binoculars and a camera are the must-go-with items. The best time for birders is during the wet seasons (December to March and from October to November) when most of birds including migratory species are in their breeding time. They settle and make nests for breeding purposes.
Game rides: if you are interested at unveiling the scenic views of this breathtaking destination, a game ride is a must-do thing. Game rides offer the astonishing views of wild animals. They also give the magical views of the landscape .
Cultural visits: You have to have the Ugandan taste of cultural beliefs and traditional life from the Batwa, Batuku, Bakonjo and Bamba tribes who live around. The Batwa are exceptional as their life mainly depends on hunting and gathering unlike the Bakonjo and Bamba who cultivate rice, potatoes and bananas on the slopes of Mount Rwenzori. Contrarily, the Batuku practice animal husbandry. All these communities are charming and welcoming to visitors.
All in all, the magic of Semuliki National Park can be explored well by planning a trip with Explore Africa Safaris. Trips can be easily organized online before you even step your foot into Uganda.
