Semuliki national park is a remote part of the Bundibugyo District in the Western Region of Uganda that was established in October 1993 in Bwamba County however Semuliki Forest Reserve was created in 1932. Historically it is recorded that four distinct ethnic groups live near the park – Bwamba farmers live along the base of the Rwenzori while the Bakonjo cultivate the mountain slopes. Batuku cattle keepers inhabit the open plains and Batwa, pygmies, traditionally hunter gathers, live on the edge of the forest.It is the only tract of true lowland tropical forest in East Africa, hosting 441 recorded bird species and 53 mammals.
Things to do in semuliki national park
Birding watching.
Despite the fact that semuliki forest is one of the oldest in Uganda, tropical forest makes it the best destination for bird watching which takes a full day searching for bird species. Some birds to the park are endemic and others migrate, these include Spot-breasted Ibis, Long-tailed Hawk, Nkulengu Rail, Western Bronze-naped Pigeon, Yellow-throated Cuckoo, Black-throated Coucal, White-bellied Kingfisher, Piping Hornbill and many more.
Game drive
The park is the best destination for 60 species of mammals among which include the bay duiker, Beecroft’s Anomalure, flying squirrels, bush babies, bush pigs, civets, Dwarf Antelope, elephants, fruit bats, Fire-footed Rope squirrel, forest buffalos, pygmy hippos, leopards, Little collard fruit Bat, mona monkeys, pygmy flying squirrel, Red-legged Sun Squirrel, Sitatunga, target rats, water chevrotains, water bucks, warthogs, Uganda Kob, White-bellied Duiker and the Zenker’s Flying Mouse. Some of these mammals are spotted during game drive and nature walk through the park.
Nature walks.
Nature walk is an amazing activity that involves visitors to foot with the help of a guide taking them to the park or visiting local communities around the park. Nature walks usually takes about 2-3 hours and visitors are enjoyed to pack their comfortable boots, rain coat, water &snacks, cameras, binoculars and many more. The visitors will visit male and hot female hot spring where the guide will share the history behind it however visitors are warned to be aware of hot water and keeping together with the guide.
Cultural encounters.
It is recorded that the park is surrounded by four indigenous tribes and these are Bakonjo, Bamba, Batuku and Batwa pygmies. Visitors can choose to visit any of the four tribes living in the edges of the park. The Batwa pygmies are hunters and forest gatherers while the Bakonjo and Bamba grow crops (rice, matooke/bananas, potatoes and cocoa) on the slopes of the mount Rwenzori. The Batuku live in the northern section of the park as pastoralists. Tourism and modernization is changing the lives of these tribes and particularly the Batwa. The Batwa used to live freely in the forests of Rwanda, Uganda and DR Congo but have been relocated to areas outside the national parks.
Chimpanzees tracking
Despite the fact that semuliki forest is the oldest in Uganda, it is a home for chimpanzees although they are not yet confirmed by Uganda Wildlife Authority to be tracked. Chimpanzees are recorded by researchers that they are 98% humans due to its characters. Chimpanzees families live in big numbers over 60 individuals however visitors should also expect to spot smaller primates like the Black and white Colobus monkeys, Central African red colobus, Dent’s Mona monkeys, grey-cheeked mangabey, Olive baboons and Red-tailed monkeys among many others.
What to pack?
- Cameras
- Binoculars
- Water &snacks
- Insect repellent
- Comfortable hiking boots
- Long trousers & long t-shirts
How to access the park?
The park can be accessed by either road or air transport. By road transport, visitors may use tourist vehicles which some may be public or private vehicles or buses. There are two roads from Kampala to the park. One can use the shorter Kampala to Fort Portal road via Mubende which takes between four to five hours or use the longer route from Kampala through the towns of Kasese, Mbarara and Masaka. This longer journey (7 to 8 hours of driving) offers opportunities to see some of Uganda’s great national parks like Queen Elizabeth, Rwenzori Mountains and Lake Mburo. Once one reaches Fort Portal town it takes about 52 kilometers to reach the junction leading to the park from the main highway. One needs a good 4 Wheel drive to pass through the park roads especially during the wet season. whereas some visitors may use air transport which is quicker than the road transport.
What is the best time to visit the park?
Although the park is visited annually without the year, there is always the best time to visit the park. Dry season is always the best time to visit however some visitors do visit in wet season. During dry season, various mammals and birds are spotted unlike in wet season when many are hidden and besides in wet season, nature walks becomes difficult due to slippery trails. But visitors I wet season always say that it’s a memorable experience because they enjoy the green vegetation, some animals, primates and birds.
Where to stay while in the park?
UWA Bandas and Cottages.
Under the management of Uganda Wildlife Authority, Bandas and cottages are located within the park and visitors may sleep in dormitories, or visitors may do camping. While at the bandas and cottages, some visitors may enjoy the rooms which some have public bathrooms, public toilets, whereas cottages are self -contained with private flashing toilets, private bathrooms, beds and tables, and many more. However, the bandas and cottages some provide restaurants, bars, free wi-fi. Free parking, laundry and many more.
Nyati Game Lodge.
Nyati game lodge has 5 luxurious tents and cottages which are grass thatched and designed in African architecture with an impressive stone canvas exteriors and attractive wooden floors. the rooms are self-contained rooms with flashing toilets, showers, tables, chairs, and many more. The Nyati game lodge facilitates well stocked bar, swimming pool, restaurant where delicious meals are served and prepared by professional chefs, free wifi, free parking and laundry.
Semuliki Safari Lodge
Semuliki safari lodge is located in a virgin land, constructed with African design of thatched cottages. Cottages are self-contained with private bathrooms, bath taps, showers, mirrors, tables, chairs and many more. Semuliki safari lodge accommodates about 18 guests who are facilitated with swimming pool for relaxation, restaurant where international meals are prepared by professional chefs, well stocked bar with soft and had drinks.
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