Semiliki National Park
The 220km2 Semiliki Forest Reserve was crated in 1932 and upgraded into a national park in 1993. Semiliki Park is dominated by forest rather than grassland. It is classified as moist, semi-Deciduous forest and is the only tract of true lowland tropical forest in Uganda.
The forest hosts rare Central African Species and is home to 53 mammals of which 27 are large mammals. Several are central Africa species found nowhere else in East Africa such as the forest buffalo which are smaller than their savannah relatives and the water chevrotain.
Semiliki is also the only place where the Okapi– the giraffe’s strange looking forest relative has been recorded outside its Ituri homeland.
Forest elephant is found in Semiliki as well as Hippos and crocodiles which are found in Semiliki River which is also home to rare and extraordinary animal; the water Chevrotain a small duiker- like animal that runs underwater along riverbeds to avoid danger.
Semiliki is remarkably rich in primates and 15 species live within 6 km of the hotsprings. Diurnal (daytime) species are chimpanzees, Black and White Colobus, Central African.
What Makes Semuliki National Park a Unique Destination?
No matter how many places of natural scenery you visit, none of them can compare to the outstanding beauty of Semuliki National Park that sprawls across the floor of the Semliki Valley in the remote western side of the Rwenzori National Park. The park is dominated by various features including birds, primates, wildlife,hotspring and eye catching views that make you ocupied all through.Exploring one of Africa’s most renowned ancient forest in Africa and the only symbol for night game drives in uganda is one of the great safari experiences you can ever have on a Uganda safari tour.
Are you looking for anceint species for reasearch,Semuliki is a place to find multiple species for over 2500 years with even evidence of their process.The first example is the Hot spring that bubbles up from the depth to demostrate the poweful substerranean forces that have been shaping the rift valley during the last 14 million years.However,see bellow what makes Semuliki National park is unique .
Rare Natural Beauty
The eco-system of Semuliki National Park says it all despite it being one out of most uganda safari tour itineraries.Every thing in the beautiful forest is amazing and the knowlwdgeble guides make you become a fan of activities you never had interest in.During the magical nature walk, the colour ful bird species make you love the forest more and its make the walk more meaningful than expected.The walking trails are clear and the park ranger guides are very informed making your safari experience unforgetable.This wonderful park eco system has been preserved by the Uganda Wildlife Authority a government body that conserves nature and protecets all habitants in Uganda national Parks and forest reserves.The park can be easily accessed by road from the city center of Kampala or any other town depending on your start point but the Tamac road from fort-portal to Bundibugyo has made it more easy.
Birders Paradise
If you love birds and you planing to visit uganda for a bird watching safari tour, Semuliki National Park is the top birders paradise in Uganda.The congo forest that extends to Uganda offers you vareity including the Blue billed malimbes,crested malimbes, shoe bill stock that is best seen in morning hours .Truly Semuliki harbours a large number of predominantly Central African species which can not be found anywhere else in East Africa.
Night Game Drives
All game drives are great but the Night game drive in Semuliki National Park in company of an experienced driver guide is some thing you can never forget about your trip to Uganda.Several willdife can be spoted including the big cats and its done after dinner a time going to bed with great memories of attractive wildlife.If you know the animals you want to see, then semuliki is your place to be and all presented in guides is what you see.
Hotspring and Forest Walk
The beauty of Semuliki is beyond doubt and exploriing the thick forest for thirty minutes and then a visit to the attractive hostprings is awesome.Though the park entyrance is high $65 valid for 24 hours but the tour activities are fantastic.The forest path are clear than what you can imagine. Take your time and go deep in the forest to the boarder of Democratic Reoublic of Congo at river semuliki and catch up with more incredible scenery and wildlife.
Primates
Did you know there are many primate species in Semuliki including wild chimpanzees,monkeys, mangabeys, bush babies, baboons and much more.So primate lovers make it a point to explore the forest in morning hours best time to spot wild chimps and other primates before they start moving around the forest in search for food. It’s a great experience if given a priority.
