(The True Birder’s Haven)
Spanning 220km2, Semuliki National Park is a prime destination for bird enthusiasts. Located beyond Rwenzori Mountains in the Albertine rift valley, it safeguards one of the few ecosystems that survived the ice age. Semuliki connects with the Congo Guinea biome, showcasing the easternmost reaches of Congo’s ancient Ituri forest. The park boasts an impressive list of 441 bird species including 216 forest birds and 80 Central African species rarely seen elsewhere in East Africa. Notable birds include the black dwarf hornbill, shinning blue kingfisher, nkulengu rail and yellow-throated nicator. Primatologists will also be thrilled as 15 primate species can be found within a 6km walk from the park’s primeval hot springs near Sempaya.
Semuliki National Park is one of Uganda’s most unique and biologically diverse national parks located in the Bundibugyo District in the western part of Uganda. It borders the Democratic Republic of Congo and lies within the Albertine Rift Valley. It was declared as a national park in 1993, primarily to protect its exceptional biodiversity which includes many species found nowhere else in East Africa. Semuliki National Park covers about 220km2 and is largely composed of lowland tropical rainforest making it distinct from Uganda’s other national parks which are typically savanna-based. It is known for its extraordinary biodiversity that includes 1,000 plant species many of which are endemic to the region, mammals over 60 species, including forest elephants, buffaloes, leopards, chimpanzees, and various species of monkeys, birds more than 440 species including rare and Congo Basin natives like the Nkulengu rail, lyre-tailed honey guide, and African piculet, butterflies and Insects extremely diverse with many unrecorded or rare species. Sempaya Hot Springs also found in the park, is the most famous attraction in the park consisting of the male and female hot springs locally known as Bintente and Nyasimbi. These natural geothermal springs are culturally significant and offer a fascinating natural spectacle.
