Semiliki Valley National Park

SEMLIKI VALLEY NATIONAL PARK- A true birders haven

On the hot floor of the Semliki Valley near the Congolese border is a 220sqkm forest that merges the extensive Congo forests of the East African Savanna in the western side of the Rwenzori Mountains. The winding road on the steep slopes of the region down the valley makes the trip to the park a breathtaking one.

Species in the park have been growing for years in this low land tropical forest across the valley floor giving the park a unique diversity. The diversity includes species that crossover from the Ituri Forest of Congo which gives a reason for many dedicated wildlife lovers who opt for this park in search of these rarities. Semliki hosts 441 bird species and 35 of these are from the Guinea-Congo biome giving ornithologists a chance to swim in a variety of avi life. Also, the park is home to 53 mammals of which 11 of these occur nowhere else in Uganda.

The Sempaya male and female hot springs boiling at 1030C are the iconic features that make the park famous. The hot springs are made of a geyser that spouts up to 2m just about 500m from the Sempaya Visitors Centre and a boardwalk through the swamp leads to a teaming pool (Male hot spring) at the far side after a walk through the old forest. 

What to do at the park

Visit Sempaya hot springs

Engage in an hour-long trail to the “male” hot spring that meets the boiling geyser also commonly referred to as the “female” hot spring. The trail goes through a patch of forest meeting a build tree viewpoint that offers a bird’s eye view of the park. A boardwalk in the swamp and through the palm trees leads you to the male hot spring. 

Experience boiling plantain and eggs in the 103^o C boiling springs.  

Birding

It is called “the birder’s haven” because it is one of the wealthiest when it comes to forest bird species and fine Forest birding. Sempaya and Ntandi areas offer excellent views of the 441 bird species of Uganda that mix with 35 Guinea-Congo biome birds. Some of the birds hosted can’t be seen anywhere else in East Africa. Grow your checklist with species like the Congo serpent eagle, Long-tailed Hawk, Black-wattled hornbill, Red-eyed Puffback, Red-throated bee-eater among others.  

Guided nature walks

The 13km, 8km, and 11km Kirumia, Sempaya, and Red monkey trails offer a fine and detailed encounter with nature away from the drives in the open roof vehicles. Watch birds, butterflies, primates like the deBrazza’s monkey, Red-tailed monkey as they hop from tree to tree on the trails, cross rivers, and ask every detail from the site guides that lead you on these trails.

Batwa Cultural experience

Encounter the Batwa who were formerly hunter-gatherers and used to depend on the forest for survival. Conservation need and tourism reduced their dependence on the forest and this made the group opt for other options to survive. These include presenting their culture, history through performances, music, and dance at Ntandi and the sale of handicrafts as souvenirs.   

How to access the park

Two major routes from Kampala get to the park. A drive from Kampala via Mubende to Fort portal which is about 180km (4-5hours) and 465km from Kampala via Masaka, Mbarara, and Kasese to Fort portal. From Fort portal, it is a 59km drive to Semliki National park. Though the second is long (7-8hrs drive) it offers an adventure worth the drive, crossing the equator, stop at Lake Mburo National park, and drive through Queen Elizabeth National park.