SIZE: 220 sq km
LOCATION: In the west, about 50km from Fort Portal
Semuliki National Park is an eastern extension of the vast Ituri Forest and forms part of the forest continuum during the climatic upheavals of the Pleistocene, this is one of the richest areas for both flora and fauna in Africa. (Especially for birds). It is one of the best destinations for primate watching safaris in Uganda, the Pearl of Africa.
Semuliki National Park is situated in the remote corner of extreme west of Uganda, in Bundibugyo District. It lies on Uganda-Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) border within the western arm of the East African Rift Valley. The geographical coordinates are 0o 44′- 00 53′ N – 290 57-30o 11′E. To the southeast are the Rwenzori Mountains, to the west is DRC and to the north Lake Albert.
Semuliki National Park (220 km2) gazetted in October 1993, is one of Uganda’s newest National Parks. The Park occupies a flat to gently undulating landform ranging from 670 -760 metres above level. As all streams and rivers from the surrounding areas are flooded drain into the Park plus the poor drainage and topography, many areas are flooded during the rainy season. The average annual rainfall is 1250 mm with peaks from March to May and September and December. The temperature varies from 18o C – 30o C with relatively small daily variations.
The park covers an area of about 220 square kilometers making it one of the smallest most stunning conservation areas in the pearl of African. It was gazetted in October 1993. It features gentle slopes with altitudinal range of 670 to 760 meters above sea level. The largest portion of conservation area floods especially during the rainy wet season as it features streams and Rivers that drains through the national park and it is characterized by poor topography and drainage. The Semuliki National Park experiences an annual rainfall amount of about 1250 mm from March to May and September to December. The temperatures range from 18 to 30 degrees Celsius.
Semuliki National Park features mainly lowland tropical rain forest with largely moist and semi deciduous. It consists about of 336 rare trees species, 24 of which are limited only to Semuliki or to the eastern side, only shared by one or two surrounding forests. Among many tree species include the isolana Congolana, ejacis guineesis and nesogordonia kabingaenisis. The notable species of trees include the Lovoa surymertonii and cordial millenii. These are endangered tree species that you can find in the Semuliki National Park. This incredible conservation area is also blessed with wildlife species and refuges the rarest mammal species, birds and butterflies and many more. Nearly 435 species of birds this park their home taking about 34% of Uganda’s total bird population, most of which may not be easily spotted in any part in East Africa and they are Africa’s most incredible and looked for species. If you are a bird enthusiast, you will have a chance to keenly spot horn bills and Iyre tailed honey guide.
The key mammal species include 63 species, 9 of them are diurnal forest apes like chimpanzees, blue monkeys, vervet monkeys, olive baboon and not to forget nocturnal primates like the galagoes and pottos. You will also find buffaloes, little collared fruit bat, blue duiker, bee croft’s flying squirrel, pigmy squirrel and water chevrotain. There are nearly 374 butterflies and moths in Semuliki National Park, 46 of these are forest swallowtails and Charaxes and about 81 species of large moth, 12 of them are classified are restricted. Semuliki national park has many habitats, forest swamp, grassland and hot springs, warm swamp and savanna woodland and each of them features unique species.
About 4 ethnic groups live in and around Semuliki National Park. The bamba and Bakonjo live in the valley and mountain slopes of the park respectively while the majority of them depend on agriculture. The batuku people are found around the rift valley floor, north of the park and they are pastoralists who rely on cattle products that they trade with their neighbors, both Ugandans and the natives of the DRC. You will also find the Batwa.
Top tourist activities in Semuliki National Park
Semuliki National Park is one of the most excellent destinations that you can pay a visit for birding safaris and you will be rewarded with water and savanna bird species. Other activities include primate-chimpanzee trekking, nature walks and game drives where you will have a chance to spot leopards, buffaloes, elephants and sitatunga.
There is also sport fishing that is conducted in River Semuliki or you can also visit the two most powerful hot springs that feature the highest boiling rate and visitors can come along with eggs and perform some experiment.
How to get to Semuliki National Park
Semuliki National Park can be reached by road especially from Kampala-Fort Portal and this takes around 300 kilometers while driving. Or Kampala-Fort Portal through Masaka, Mbarara and Kasese and this takes about 7 to 8 hours. At Fort Portal, the Sempaya gate is 52 kilometers drive.
Semuliki National Park has few lodging facilities but many of them are found in Fort Portal and Bundibugyo. There is campsite at Bumuga 3 kilometers drive from Sempaya gate and visitors are free to make their own food.
In conclusion, Semuliki National Park is one of the rarely visited national parks in Uganda and yet features rare tourist attractions that are worth exploring while on safari in Africa.