Semliki National Park

Activities and Attractions in Semliki National Park

Birding

Semliki National Park is a paradise for birdwatchers, offering an impressive array of avian species. Key birding spots include the 6km public road between Sempaya and Ntandi, which provides clear views into the forest canopy, and the 14km Kirumia trail leading through the heart of the forest to the Semliki River. This trail, ideal for overnight camping, allows birders to spot Albertine Rift endemics such as the Dwarf Honeyguide and Purple-breasted Sunbirds. It also offers sightings of 35 Congo biome species rarely found elsewhere in East Africa, including the Black Dwarf Hornbill, Nkulengu Rail, Congo Serpent Eagle, and Gabon Woodpecker, among others.

Hot springs

One of Semliki National Park’s most famous attractions is its hot springs, notably the Nyansimbi (female) and Bintente (male) springs. Nyansimbi, located near the Sempaya park office, is a boiling geyser that spurts bubbling water and steam up to 2m high. Visitors can even purchase eggs locally to cook in the boiling pools surrounding the spring. Bintente, about an hour’s walk from Nyansimbi, is a larger spring in a swampy clearing surrounded by forest, with the Rwenzori Mountains providing a stunning backdrop.

Nature Walks

For nature walks enthusiasts and birders alike, Semliki National Park offers several short trails around Sempaya. These trails are perfect for exploring the park’s diverse flora and fauna during daylight hours. Additionally, night hikes into the forest are available for those eager to seek out nocturnal primates and other elusive creatures.

Game Drives in Toro Semliki Wildlife Reserve

Within the Toro Semliki Wildlife Reserve, a modest network of game tracks winds through its grasslands, offering visitors a chance to encounter a variety of wildlife. Regular sightings include Forest and Savanna elephants, buffalo, waterbuck, crocodiles, warthogs, and Uganda Kob. Lucky visitors may also spot lions, leopards, and bush babies during their drives through the reserve’s diverse habitats.

Primate and Forest Walks

For those seeking a closer encounter with Semliki’s rich biodiversity, guided nature walks through the Mugiri River Forest are highly recommended. These walks typically last 4-6 hours and provide an opportunity to encounter habituated chimpanzees and other primates. The forest is alive with birdlife, making it a paradise for birdwatchers as well as those interested in primates and their habitats.

Best Time of the Year to Visit Semliki National Park

The best time to visit Semliki National Park is during the dry seasons. From June to September, the park experiences the driest conditions with temperatures averaging around 80°F (25°C). During this time, wildlife tends to gather near water sources, making it ideal for game viewing. However, visitors should be prepared for afternoon thunderstorms, which can occur unpredictably. Another favorable period is from January to February, known for its hot and dry weather, which also offers excellent wildlife viewing opportunities and pleasant temperatures for exploring the park’s diverse habitats.

How to Reach Semliki National Park

By Road

Semliki National Park is accessible from Kampala via two main routes to Fort Portal town, which serves as a gateway to the park. The shorter route is 290km and passes through Mubende, taking approximately 4-5 hours. Alternatively, the longer route of 465km passes through Mbarara and Kasese, offering worthwhile detours to visit other national parks such as Lake Mburo, Queen Elizabeth, and Rwenzori Mountains along the way. From Fort Portal, the scenic Bwamba Road leads to Semliki, a journey of about one hour.

By Air

Travelers also have the option of arranging chartered flights to land at an airstrip within the Toro Semliki Wildlife Reserve, providing a convenient and quick alternative to road travel, especially for those with limited time or seeking a unique aerial perspective of the landscape.

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