Semuliki National Park
Semuliki National Park sits on Uganda’s western border with the Democratic Republic of Congo. This dense, lowland rainforest is the only one of its kind in East Africa, stretching from the vast Ituri Forest of Central Africa.
It is home to over 400 bird species, 60 mammals, and rare primates, making it a paradise for nature lovers. The Sempaya Hot Springs bubble with boiling water, surrounded by ancient stories.
The Semuliki River, winding through the forest, attracts hippos, crocodiles, and countless birds. Visitors can explore deep jungle trails, spot rare wildlife, and meet the Batwa people, one of Africa’s last hunter-gatherer tribes.
Best Time to Visit
The best months to explore Semuliki are December to February and June to August. These months bring drier weather, making trails easier to walk and roads easier to drive.
The rainy months (March to May and September to November) turn the park into a lush green paradise, but heavy rains can flood certain areas. Birdwatchers may enjoy visiting in the wet season, as many rare species become more active.
Things to Do in Semuliki National Park
This park is a wild, hidden world where hot springs bubble, forests whisper, and animals roam free. Every step takes you deeper into nature’s secrets.
Visit the Sempaya Hot Springs
Watch boiling water shoot into the air, reaching temperatures hot enough to cook eggs. These mystical springs hold deep cultural and spiritual meaning for local tribes.
Birdwatching in the Jungle
Spot over 400 bird species, including the Congo serpent eagle, blue-headed crested flycatcher, and white-tailed hornbill. Walk along hidden trails and listen to the jungle’s melodies.
Take a Forest Walk
Follow winding paths through tall trees, tangled vines, and colorful butterflies. Look out for colobus monkeys swinging in the branches above.
Explore the Semuliki River
Walk along the muddy riverbanks, where hippos, crocodiles, and birds gather. This 160-kilometer river flows into the Nile, carrying life through the forest.
Go on a Game Drive
Drive through the park’s savannah grasslands, where elephants, buffaloes, and rare antelopes roam. Night drives reveal leopards, bush babies, and glowing eyes in the dark.
Track Wild Chimpanzees
Join a guide to track chimpanzees through the jungle. Along the way, spot red-tailed monkeys, baboons, and playful vervet monkeys.
Meet the Batwa People
The Batwa pygmies once lived as hunters in this rainforest. Visit their community, listen to songs, stories, and see how they keep their ancient traditions alive.
Discover Mungiro Falls
Hidden deep in the trees, these small waterfalls create a peaceful escape. Sit by the water, listen to the birds, and feel the cool mist in the air.
Feel the Steam & Hear the Wild!
Jungle trails, boiling waters, and rivers filled with life—Semuliki is nature’s hidden masterpiece! Walk where the ancient trees whisper, and the earth speaks through bubbling springs.
Semuliki National Park FAQs
Where is Semuliki National Park located?
Semuliki National Park is in western Uganda, near the border with the Democratic Republic of Congo. It is about 59 km from Fort Portal and approximately 180 km from Kampala via Mubende. Visitors can drive or fly to the park, with flights from Entebbe or Kajjansi Airfield taking around 1-2 hours.
What makes Semuliki National Park unique?
Semuliki is Uganda’s only lowland tropical rainforest, extending from the Ituri Forest of Central Africa. It is home to over 400 bird species, rare wildlife, and the famous Sempaya Hot Springs, where boiling water shoots high into the air. The park is also rich in cultural history, with Batwa pygmies and other indigenous communities living nearby.
What animals can be seen in Semuliki?
Semuliki has 53 mammal species, including forest elephants, buffaloes, hippos, leopards, and sitatungas. The park is also home to chimpanzees, red-tailed monkeys, De Brazza’s monkeys, and baboons. Crocodiles and hippos can be seen in the Semuliki River, while game drives offer chances to spot antelopes, bush babies, and civets.
What activities can I do in Semuliki National Park?
Visitors can explore the Sempaya Hot Springs, take forest walks, go on game drives, and track chimpanzees in the nearby Toro-Semliki Wildlife Reserve. Birdwatching, boat rides on the Semuliki River, and cultural visits to the Batwa community are also popular. The park has three main hiking trails, each leading through different parts of the rainforest.
When is the best time to visit Semuliki National Park?
The best time to visit is December to February and June to August, when roads and trails are drier and easier to explore. The rainy seasons (March to May and September to November) bring lush greenery and active birdlife, but some areas may flood, making travel harder.
What is special about the Sempaya Hot Springs?
The Sempaya Hot Springs are geothermal wonders with boiling water that reaches 103°C. There are two springs—the “male” (Bintente) and the “female” (Nyasimbi). Local communities believe these springs have spiritual significance and use them for rituals and offerings. Visitors can watch steam rise high into the air and even boil eggs in the bubbling water.
Related
uganda
Suggested Packages
Embark on an unforgettable journey with our handpicked Uganda safari packages, designed to bring your African adventure to life. Whether you’re trekking to see the majestic mountain gorillas, cruising along the Nile in Murchison Falls, or exploring the rich culture and diverse wildlife of Queen Elizabeth National Park, we’ll create the perfect safari experience just for you.
Reviews
From lion chases to lazy sunsets, our travelers spill stories that prove East Africa is wilder and warmer than imagined.
4.8
Based on 10+ reviews
