Semuliki National park is located in the extreme corner of western Uganda with in the district of Bundibugyo. The park lies on the border of Democratic Republic of Congo on the western arm of the eastern African rift valley. The park is one the newest national parks and it was gazeted in October 1993. The park has both jungle and lowland tropical rain forest. The park has the richest area of fauna and flora diversity in Africa. Semuliki national park is managed by Uganda Wildlife Authority. The park is located at the junction of several climatic and ecological zones, and as a result has a high diversity of plant and animal species and many microhabitats. Most of the plant and animal species in the park are also found in the Congo Basin forests, with many of these species reaching the eastern limit of their range in Semuliki National Park.

The park has about 400 bird species which include the lyre-tailed honey guide. About 216 are true forest birds, like Sassi’s Olive Greenbul and Forest Ground Thrush. About Nine species of hornbills have been sighted in the park. Thepark has over 60 mammal species which include forest buffalos, leopards, hippos, Mona Monkeys, water chevrotains, bush babies, civets, elephants and the Pygmy Flying Squirrel. Nine species of Duikers are found in the park, including the Bay Duiker. The park has eight primate species which include chimpanzees, vervet monkeys, Mona monkey, olive baboonsand blue monkey and almost 300 butterfly species.

Forest jungle walk takes you up to river semuliki meanders, buffaloes and elephants, statungas, leopards, pigmy hippos, and a wide range of forest and water birds, Fantastic scenery and hot springs viewing is yet another activity with in the park .Fishing also can be done with in the park provide d you come with fishing facilities.

Accommodation at Semlik National Park is limited, however there are luxurious facilities of accommodation in Fortportal bundibugyo. There is shelters for cooking and eating. The canteen at the park is fully stocked with both European and African food and beverages but preparation of meals is done on order.

One can travel to semlik National park by road. There are two major roads from Kampala the capital of Uganda, Kampala via fort portal via Masaka, Mbarara, and Kasese is about 465km which is 7-8 hour drive. Kampala – fort portal via Mubende is about 180km which takes 4-5 hour drive but the Kampala – fort portal via Mubende is much shorter, the Kampala – fort portal via Masaka, Mbarara and Kasese gives the opportunity to visit lake Mburo national park, Kyambura wildlife reserve, Rwenzori mountain national park and Queen Elizabeth national park.

ACTIVITIES IN SEMULIKI NATIONAL PARK

Hot Springs in Semuliki

Here one can hike through monkey filled forest to these boiling springs and your eggs.A 30-minute hike through palm forest from the main road leads you to the inner, “female” spring, dominated by a boiling geyser. Eggs and green plantain can be cooked in these boiling waters.

Birding in Semuliki

The park has about 400 bird species which include the lyre-tailed honey guide. About 216 are true forest birds, like Sassi’s Olive Greenbul and Forest Ground Thrush. About Nine species of hornbills have been sighted in the park.

Jungle forest walks.

Forest jungle walk takes you up to river semuliki meanders, buffaloes and elephants, statungas, leopards, pigmy hippos, and a wide range of forest and water birds, Fantastic scenery and hot springs viewing is yet another activity with in the park.

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