SEMULIKI NATIONAL PARK
Semliki National Park is another of the newly created Parks ( 1993) having been a Forest Reserve gazetted in 1932 when forest human residents were evacuated as a measure to control yellow fever and sleeping sickness. Located in the western part of Uganda in Bundibugyo district along the Eastern side of the River Semliki that forms part of the international boundary between Uganda and Democratic Republic of Congo, this park covers 220 square kilometers. Semliki Valley houses one of Africa's ancient forests that survived the last ice age creating thick dense forests with temperatures rising to a humid 30C and doused by an annual 1240mm of rain. . It is true lowland tropical forest. This is the only place in Uganda where the Ituri Rainforest encroaches from Congo, and a visit here provides an insight of Central Africa wildlife, birds and culture.
As it lies on the floor of the great Albertine/ Western rift valley part of the, the park covers part of one of Uganda’s most bio-diverse forests and jungle life is thrilling for its varied forest animal and bird population species that includes many overspills from the Congo. Semliki's flora and fauna includes 336 tree species, 442 recorded bird species, 53 mammals and unspecified butterfly species. 27 large mammals reside in the thick forests but are difficult to see, however the river banks are lined with hippos and crocodiles. Some of the wildlife only found in Semliki include forest buffalo (smaller than the savannah one), Pygmy Hippos, okapi the forest zebra, the water chevrotain, a small duiker like animal that runs on the floor of the semliki river to avoid danger, Dent’s Mona monkey, shinning blue Kingfisher, Grey throated Roller, Dwarf hornbill, white thighed-hornbill, yellow throated Nicator and Crested Malimbe. The birdlife is especially spectacular and represents 40% of Uganda's total bird species with 66% in the forest and the rest by the riverine habitat. Some unique insects found here include the massive but harmless Goliath Beetles and Rhinoceros Beetles, reaching up to 4 inches in length.
The Sempaya Hot Springs in the Park are among Uganda’s first tourist attractions. The Hot springs bubble up beneath, demonstrating the powerful subterranean forces that have shaped the Rift Valley during the last 14 million years.
Two main springs are in a swampy clearing on the south-eastern corner of the forest. The outer spring is dominated by a boiling geyser (103C) that rises up to 2m from a white cake-like base. This spring is commonly referred to as the Female Spring. The inner spring is a broad steaming pool about 10m long and is reached by a 30 minute trail. This inner spring is commonly referred to as the Male Spring. Bring along an egg, a carrot or two that you can boil in the many outlets of the spring.
When you are in Semliki National Park, you are closer to more species of primates than anywhere else in the world. Numerous primate species include the chimpanzee, black and white colobus, red colobus, red-tailed, de Brazza, and vervet monkeys, grey-cheeked mangebey, Olive baboon and Dent's Mona monkey. After dark, look out for the nocturnal primates the bush-babies and pottos. At night, the bush babies make noises similar to a baby crying.
Two main trails Sempaya Hot Springs and Sempaya-Ntandi road are the best routes to use to see this spectacular park.
Game is best seen in the nearby Toro-Semliki Wildlife Reserve. You can see various large mammals including several species of antelope, carnivores like lions and hyenas, and primates including chimpanzees on game drives and game walks.
Bird life can also be viewed along the shores of Lake Albert, accessible by boat from the shore about 10 kms from the only reliable accommodation in the area, the Semliki Safari Lodge.
If you are interested in expanding your knowledge of local Ugandan culture, visits can be arranged to the local communities. Locally produced art and crafts can be bought from the park tourist office or the gift shop at the Semliki Lodge.
Getting there: There are two major roads from Kampala to Fort Portal: Kampala-Fort Portal via Mubende is about 312 Km. (4-5 hrs drive) while Kampala -Fort Portal via Masaka, Mbarara, Kasese is about 500 Km (7-8 hrs). In both routes 2-wheel drive vehicles can be useful. While the Kampala-Fort Portal via Mubende is much shorter, the Kampala-Fort Portal via Masaka, Mbarara and Kasese is much longer but gives you the opportunity to Visit Lake Mburo National Park, Kyambura Wildlife Reserve, Rwenzori Mountains National Park and Queen Elizabeth National Park.
From Fort Portal, A two to three hours drive on the rough steeply road towards Bundibugyo town will bring you to Sempaya Gate (52 Km). Experience the most thrilling meandering road through the Rwenzori Mountains. At 'Mungu Ni Mukubwa' while in the mountains, the road offers scenic views of the Semuliki River, fuming Hotsprings and the tropical rain forest extending into the Congo. The Park headquarters at Ntandi is 5 Km further from the gate along the same route. A vehicle with four wheel drive is recommended.
Places to stay: Semliki Safari Lodge- luxury