Semuliki National Park, Uganda

Semuliki National Park is located in western Uganda near the border with the

Democratic Republic of Congo. The  park is a hidden gem known for its unique lowland rainforest ecosystem and diverse wildlife. Covering an area of approximately 220 square kilometers, Semuliki National park is part of the vast Ituri Forest and Semuliki Valley ecosystem, which is one of Africa’s oldest and most biodiverse regions.

Location: Located in western Uganda, near the border with the Democratic Republic of Congo.

Highlights: Known for its unique lowland rainforest ecosystem, hot springs, and diverse birdlife.

Getting There by Driving: From Kampala, take the Kampala-Fort Portal route. The journey takes about 4-5 hours.

Getting There by Flight: Domestic flights to Semliki Airstrip are available from Entebbe International Airport.

Attractions In Semuliki National Park

Semuliki is characterized by its lush vegetation, hot springs, and rich birdlife, making it a haven for nature enthusiasts and birdwatchers. The park’s primary attraction is its pristine lowland rainforest, which is home to a wealth of flora and fauna adapted to the humid, tropical climate. Towering trees, dense undergrowth, and meandering streams create a verdant oasis teeming with life, including various monkey species such as chimpanzees, red-tailed monkeys, and black-and-white colobus monkeys.

Semuliki is also renowned for its bird diversity, with over 440 species recorded within its boundaries, including the elusive African grey parrot and the captivating lyre-tailed honeyguide.

A Visit To The Famous Female Sempaya Hotspring In Semuliki National Park

Activities in the Semuliki National Park

Visitors to Semuliki National Park can explore its diverse habitats and wildlife through a variety of activities, including guided nature walks, birdwatching excursions, and chimpanzee tracking expeditions.

Guided walks offer opportunities to observe the park’s rich flora and fauna up close, with the chance to encounter primates, butterflies, and colorful bird species amidst the forest canopy. Chimpanzee tracking is a popular activity, allowing visitors to trek through the forest in search of habituated chimpanzee groups and observe their behavior in their natural habitat.

Getting To Semuliki National Park

Accessing Semuliki National Park is typically done by road from Uganda’s capital, Kampala, to the town of Fort Portal, which serves as the gateway to the park. From Fort Portal, visitors can arrange transportation to Semuliki’s main entrance at Sempaya Gate, which is approximately 59 kilometers away and accessible via a scenic drive through rural countryside. The journey from Kampala to Fort Portal takes approximately 4-5 hours by road, passing through lush tea plantations and rolling hills along the way. Once within the park, visitors can stay at the park’s basic campsites or nearby lodges, providing a comfortable and immersive experience amidst the natural beauty of Semuliki National Park.