Semuliki national park is located in the remote part of western Uganda in Bwamba county Bundibugyo district. Further, Semuliki is 28 years old because it was established in 1993 making among the national parks in western Uganda. In 1993 it was officially established as the national park. More so, it was gazetted 9 years ago and it covers the total land area of 220sq km. The Park Semuliki joins other national parks. For example; kibale forest national park as newest and it’s under kibale conservation area
It lies along the road from fort portal to Bundibugyo which is approximately 52km. More so, Semuliki borders with DR Congo in the east. Rwenzori Mountain in the south east while Lake Albert gathers in its north. The location clearly shows the park lies in with the Albertine rift valley in the western arm of the east African rift valley. It’s ever green vegetation approves that this park receives rain fall throughout the year. The rainiest month is March to May and September to December
Semuliki hosts 441 species of birders being named as the true birders heaven. For example, the rare shoebill stork. Again, it’s in here where you find Uganda’s hottest hot spring known as Sempaya hot springs, This is with both male and female hot springs while river Semuliki flows through the park.
Getting to Semuliki national park can take about 5– 6hours driving from Kampala to Mubende – Fort Portal. It is by road for 378kmsq with adventures views. For example; the tea plantations and primate viewing along sebitoli in kibale forest national park.
You can also fly to Semuliki national park by from flying internally from Entebbe airport or Kajjansi airfield to kasese airstrip. From their you’repicked by your safari guide and drive you to Semuliki national park. This is avoiding the long hours of drive on the road
Semuliki is mostly known for being the great birders paradise. And that’s why it was nicknamed as the “true birders heaven.” It is with over 441 species of birder. For example great blue turaco, yellow throated nicator, pied kingfisher on river Semuliki, hammer kop, and many more. Shoe bile stork is sometimes seen on river Semuliki and Lake Albert at close quarters and sometimes ion forest walk and nature walks
Nature walk is done through the Kirumia trail that runs through the heart of the forest to Semuliki River. Walking through the forest to the male hot and female hot springs gives the tourists an opportunity to spot different animals. For example Black and white colobus monkeys, Grey Cheeked Mangabeys and red tailed monkeys.
The 30 – 40 minutes’ walk takes you the female and male hot spring. It is where you have chance to learn the cultural behind the boiling water. More so, you’re also provided with chance to cook some food like boiling eggs, tea and porridge
On your trip to Semuliki, you can participate in game drive to have more of game viewing. Having a chance to spot animals for example buffaloes, warthogs, elephants, antelopes like waterbucks, bush buck And Uganda kobs. Furthermore, have chance to spot more birds that you have missed on nature walks and boat crudes
Originally the first settlers of this park were the Batwa pygmies. Further, survived on the forest through hunting and food gathering like fruits and leaves and also used local herbs to treat themselves
In addition, Tourist in Semuliki park willing to interact with the community you’re taken to Batwa trail and be demonstrated on how they survived in the forest through hunting before they were relocated outside the forest
Boat cruise on river Semuliki in Semuliki park
On your visit to Semuliki park you shouldn’t miss on unforgettable boat cruise on river Semuliki. And again this provides you with more chances of spotting of wildlife. For example hippos, waterbuck, and crocodiles and also the great views of DR Congo and also community people caring out fishing
Lastly, For birders the boat cruise provides you with the great chances of viewing the beautiful shoebill stork
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