Semuliki National Park is one of Uganda’s most unique protected areas, renowned for its tropical lowland rainforest, hot springs, and rare species of flora and fauna. Nestled in the Albertine Rift Valley, near the border with the Democratic Republic of the Congo, the park is an extension of the vast Ituri Forest, making it biologically distinct from other Ugandan parks.

Brief History of Semuliki National Park

Semuliki was initially gazetted as a forest reserve in 1932 due to its ecological importance. In 1993, it was upgraded to national park status, becoming Uganda’s first and only lowland tropical rainforest national park. It was created to conserve the forest’s incredible biodiversity, much of which is more closely related to Central African species than East African ones.

Semuliki is also culturally significant, home to the Batwa (pygmy) people, one of Africa’s oldest indigenous communities.

What to Do at Semuliki National Park

1. Visit the Sempaya Hot Springs
Semuliki’s most famous attraction is its Sempaya Hot Springs:

Female (Nyasimbi): A boiling geyser that reaches up to 100°C – hot enough to boil eggs in minutes!

Male (Bintente): A larger but less violent pool, surrounded by lush vegetation.

A guided walk to the springs reveals beautiful scenery, monkeys, birds, and traditional stories tied to the springs.

2. Guided Forest Walks
Nature walks in Semuliki traverse dense rainforest, swampy valleys, and riverine habitats. These walks often reveal primates like:

Grey-cheeked mangabey

Black-and-white colobus

Red-tailed monkeys

Olive baboons

The forest trails are also ideal for seeing butterflies, forest birds, and unique plant life.

3. Bird Watching
With over 440 bird species, Semuliki is one of the top birding destinations in Uganda, especially for Congo-forest species not found elsewhere in East Africa. Notable species include:

Nkulengu rail

White-crested hornbill

Yellow-throated cuckoo

Red-billed dwarf hornbill

Lyre-tailed honeyguide

Many of these are Albertine Rift endemics or Central African specialties.

4. Cultural Encounters
Engage with the Batwa community, traditional hunter-gatherers who lived in the forest for generations. Visitors can learn about:

Traditional medicine

Fire-making techniques

Music and dance

Forest survival skills

This offers valuable insights into a vanishing culture and their close bond with the forest.

5. Game Viewing in the Semuliki Wildlife Reserve
Adjacent to the national park lies Semuliki Wildlife Reserve, where visitors can see savannah species such as:

Ugandan kob

Buffaloes

Warthogs

Occasionally, elephants and leopards

Boat rides on Lake Albert in the reserve offer chances to spot shoebill storks and enjoy stunning lake views.

How to Get to Semuliki National Park

By Road:
Semuliki lies in western Uganda, approximately:

6–7 hours (about 300 km) from Kampala via Fort Portal

The park is 60 km from Fort Portal, with good access by 4×4 vehicles.

By Air:
Chartered flights are available to Semuliki airstrip or Kasese, followed by a road transfer to the park.

Accommodations at Semuliki National Park

While accommodation options within the park are limited, nearby Fort Portal offers a range of choices. Options include:

Inside or near the park:
Semuliki Safari Lodge – A luxury eco-lodge within the Semuliki Wildlife Reserve with spacious tents, a swimming pool, and guided activities.

Ntoroko Game Lodge – On the shores of Lake Albert, offering scenic lake views and wildlife encounters.

UWA Bandas at Bumaga – Basic but affordable, ideal for budget travelers and researchers.

In Fort Portal:
Mountains of the Moon Hotel

Kibale Forest Camp (also great for chimp tracking)

Rwenzori View Guesthouse

Best Time to Visit

Semuliki can be visited year-round, but the drier seasons are most suitable for walking and birding:

June to August

December to February

The forest is humid and can be muddy during the rainy months (March–May and September–November), so good footwear is recommended.

Why Visit Semuliki National Park?

To see Uganda’s only true lowland tropical rainforest

To experience the unique Sempaya Hot Springs

To enjoy Central African bird species not found elsewhere in East Africa

To engage with the Batwa people and learn about forest cultures

To experience a quieter, less crowded park off the typical safari circuit

Semuliki National Park is a rare and rewarding destination for nature lovers, birders, and cultural travelers seeking a rich biodiversity experience. Its lush forests, unique geothermal features, and diverse wildlife make it one of Uganda’s most underrated and magical national parks.