Semuliki National Park

Semuliki National Park is a unique destination with many geographical findings. The hot springs are more than evident that the protected area has lasted a long time to have these earth features happen, the hot springs are both female and male called sempaya. The locals attach traditional stories to the area like the female spring has blessings for fertility in women and are used for medicinal purposes.

Our friends ran the lodge in Tooro-Semliki Wildlife Reserve, on the way to Semuliki National Park, for several years, so their home became our respite from the forest on many occasions. Both the reserve and the park are quite low-key - don't go expecting to see the big 5 (though lion, leopard, elephant and buffalo do still remain in the reserve). Go for the quiet, for the chance to relax in wilderness without always bouncing around on a game drive, for the open expanses and privacy that few national parks anywhere in the world can offer. Probably not a stop for your first safari if it only lasts 2 weeks. Definitely to be included on your second or third, which should last at least a month. There's also chimps here, living in a ribbon of riverine forest. Not 100% that you'll see them, which makes it more of an adventure, more wild. And, the best place in the world to see the elusive Shoe-billed stork. After a few days at the reserve, before heading back to the main circuit, spend a day in the national park to see the hot springs and waterfalls and a great drive through the Rwenzoris.

The Semliki valley is a small corner of the DRC poking into Uganda. This outstanding valley lies at the foot of the Albertine Rift to the west of Fort portal, and it is the only lowland rainforest making a continuation to the huge Ituri forest in the DRC. The valley is magnificently divided into two by the Rwenzori foothills hence offering the best view of Mt. Rwenzori slopes, Lake Albert and the Semliki River making its way to DRC. Bird- watchers come from all regions of the world to view the central African bird species residing in the forest such as the Congo serpent eagle found nowhere else in East Africa. Meet the elusive mammals of Semliki like Zenker’s flying mice, dwarf antelopes alongside the forest variety elephants and buffalo, but they are quite smaller in size compared to their brethren in other open savannah areas. Most visitors come here to see the hot springs. Although the hot springs are worlds away from the geysers of Rotorua (New Zealand) and Iceland. Notice that there are female and male hot springs of the Semliki, the female just behind the Sempaya entrance, features a little of the geyser while the male spring which is roughly 30 minutes walk from the female can fill a 12m pool. To enjoy your trip to the hot springs, carry some eggs and enjoy preparing your meal in the boiling water. There are two other hiking options in Semliki, Kirimia trail which is a full day trail through the thick forest and a favorable destination for the bird-watchers and the shorter trail though very hilly, the red monkey trail. Both trails end at Semliki River which majestically forms a border between Uganda and DRC. Outside the Semliki Park is the Batwa pygmy village which was relocated here after the park was established.

Located in Bundibugyo District, lying beyond Mountain Rwenzori on the floor of Semuliki section of the Albertine Rift Valley, Semuliki National Park is the extension of Ituri Forest. it is the only lowland tropical rain forest and one of the richest flora and fauna biodiversity in East Africa. It is famous due to its varied bird population totalling to 435 bird species which is 34% of Uganda's total, mammal species like Chmpanzee, Leopards, Crocodiles, olive baboon, forest buffaloes, flying squirrels and blue duiker, and 336 tree species plus almost 300 butterfly species.wow Around the park is amazing Sempaya Hot springs which attracts wetland birds and supplies salt for other animals. Accomodation in and around the park is available and the finest alternative is Ntoroko Game Lodge which has great, well trained, social and welcoming staff as well as great services at the.