Semuliki National Park, Bird Watching Tour in Uganda

Semuliki National Park lies in the far west, along the border of Uganda and the Democratic Republic of Congo. This safari Park is one of the less popular in Uganda. The National Park was first established as Semuliki Forest Reserve in 1932 and upgraded to national park status in 1993. This Safari Park is one of the few true lowland tropical forests in East Africa, with diverse tourist attractions. Semuliki National Park hosts 441 recorded bird species and 53 mammals that you can see during your Uganda Safari Tour. This safari park is popular for its unique Vegetation and wildlife that can be seen during Uganda Safaris or Uganda Wildlife Safaris.

This safari park sprawls across the floor of the Semuliki Valley on the remote, western side of the Rwenzori, teeming with unique and abundant beauty to witness during Uganda Safari Tours. The Easternmost extension of the great Ituri Forest of the Congo Basin cover part of this Park, creating a unique ecosystem and also supporting various unique tree species in the region. The Ituri Forest is one of the Oldest in Africa –  said to have survived the last ice age, 12-18,000 years ago. Exploring this region will give you a glimpse into one of the most biodiverse and oldest forests in Africa.

The fact that Semuliki National Park lies within the Semuliki Valley there are various unique features that you will witness here especially those associated with central Africa. The most popular are the hot springs and the escarpments that provide scenic views.

Semuliki National Park is a popular Uganda Bird Watching Tour  Destination although the park also has abundant wildlife.  Semuliki National Park covers a total land ares of about 220 sq. km, and lies along the Congolese border following the Semliki River, within the Western arm of the Albertine Rift Valley, in the North of Rwenzori mountains. The altitude is on average of 700 m above sea level.

Attractions & Activities in Semuliki National Park

Birdlife & Birding in Semuliki National Park 

One of the most popular safari activities done by travelers to Semuliki National Park is Bird Watching(Birdwatching in Semuliki). This Safari Park is home to a resounding 435 different bird species that you can spot during a birdwatching tour in Semuliki. Some of the bird speciese in the park include; Spot-breasted Ibis, Hartlaub’s Duck, Chestnut-flanked Goshawk, Red-thighed Sparrowhawk, Long-tailed Hawk, Forest Francolin, Nkulengu Rail, Western Bronze-napped Pigeon, Black-collared Lovebird, Yellow-throated Cuckoo, Red-chested Owlet, Bates’ Nightjar, Chocolate-backed, White-bellied and African Dwarf Kingfishers, White-crested, Black Dwarf, Red-billed Dwarf, Piping and Black-wattled Hornbills, Red-rumped Tinkerbird, Spotted, Lyre-tailed and Zenker’s Honeyguides, African Piculet, Gabon Woodpecker, Red-sided Broadbill, White-throated Blue Swallow, Green-tailed Bristlebill, Sassi’s Olive, Xavier’s, Swamp, Simple and Eastern Bearded Greenbuls, Yellow-throated Nicator, Capuchin Babbler, Northern Bearded Scrub-Robin, Forest and Grey Ground Thrushes, Lemon-bellied Crombec, Brown-crowned Eremomela, Blue-headed Crested Flycatcher, Ituri Batis, Red-billed Helmet -Shrike, Red-eyed Puff-back, Black-winged Starling, Maxwell’s Black Weaver, Blue-billed, Crested and Red-bellied Malimbes, Pale-fronted and Chestnut-breasted Negro finches, Grant’s Bluebill.

During your Birding safari in Uganda/ Birding in Semuliki, you will spot all these different birdlife, while also enjoying the beautiful sceneries of various swamp mashes, trees, and landforms. This Safri Park was dubbed the birding haven for its abundant birdlife that you can see during Uganda birding safari tours.

Wildlife & Wildlife Viewing in Semuliki National Park 

Besides the abundant Birdlife, Semuliki National Park is home to over 60 mammals, including several primate species such as baboons and chimpanzees, as well as elephants, hippos, leopards, buffalos, bush babies, African civet, baby duiker, water chevrotain, Pygmy scaly-tailed flying squirrel, and antelopes. Along the River Areas, you can also see crocodiles.

There are also 336 tree species recorded, of which 24 are restricted to the Park (like Isolana Congolana and Ejacis Guineesis), and at least 374 species of butterflies in Semuliki National Park. To better experience the Parks, abundant biodiversity, embark on guided nature walks through various section of the Park.

Top Things to do in Semuliki National Park 

Exploring the Sempaya Hot Springs

The Sempaya Hot Springs are two hot springs that have made the park a very popular destination for both local and international visits. These Hot springs have some attached local stories that fascinate tourists during your safari here. There is a female and male hot spring located apart about 12 meters. The Male hot spring is located 12 meters away from the female hot spring known as the Nyasimbi. These hot springs produce a boiling geyser that gushes out steam and bubbles water several meters high and can be seen more than 1 kilometer away. Visiting the Sempaya Hot Spring is one of the Highlights of Safaris to  Semuliki National Park.

Experience the Semuliki River

The Semuliki River which cuts across the Park is a popular safari attraction to visit While here. This River is about 160 kilometers long, it also acts as one of the major water source for wildlife in the park. The Semuliki River is believed to be one of the rivers that supply water to the River Nile, the longest River in Africa. While exploring the Semuliki River, you will also grab the opportunity to spot various aquatic wildlife species such as crocodiles, hippos and hundreds of water birds.

Forest and Nature Walks

Semuliki National Park is renowned for its guided nature walks that bring tourists up close to wildlife and nature – so up close and personal. While in Semuliki National Park take a walk in the forest jungles to spot the vegetation, birds, butterflies, and various primates. These nature-guided walks usually begin from the Sempaya park gate ending at the hot springs. You will enjoy nature up close while following the well-established walking trails in the park. There are three renowned trails for Nature walks in the park and these include the the Sempaya Nature Trail, Red Monkey track and the Kirumia Hiking Trail. The longest of all is the Kirumia Hiking trail which is about 13 kilometers long. Experience this unique and amazing safari park on nature walks, book your safari with us.

Game drive Safaris

Although this safari park is less popular for wildlife-viewing safari drives, you can embark on a game drive safari in Semuliki National Park to explore its wildlife and Birdlife. There are about 60 different mammal species in the park and you can spot them during safari Game drives in Semuliki National Park. There are three major tracks in the park that you can follow during your Safari Game drive in Semuliki National Park, for better wildlife viewing opportunities. Game drives are conducted on 4*4 safari vehicles that allow you to have a clear view of the park and its wildlife. The Best time to embark on a game drive safari is during the early morning or late evening hours when the wildlife is more active. Since the National Park is located within the rift valley area, it is important to note that it may flood during the wet seasons making it difficult to conduct game drive in these periods.

Chimpanzee tracking

If you are a primate lover, then book a chimpanzee permit and go for a chimpanzee trekking safari during your visit in Semuliki National Park. There is a habituated clan of Chimpanzees that is now open for trekkers in the Park. This Chimpanzee troop was habituated by the Indiana University. Chimpanzee trekking permits in Semuliki National Park are more affordable and cheap compared to other popular chimpanzee trekking Destinations in Uganda. Chimpanzee tracking permits cost $30 for international visitors in Semuliki National Park.

During your tracking experience, you will also encounter several other primate species like the Black and white Colobus monkeys, Central African red colobus, Dent’s Mona monkeys,  grey-cheeked mangabey, Olive baboons and Red-tailed monkeys among many others. Explore Semuliki National Park on your Uganda Safaris/ Uganda Holiday Tour/ Uganda Wildlife safaris/ Uganda Birding safari.