Semliki National Park Uganda

Semliki National Park is situated in Western Uganda about 50 km from Fort Portal in Bundibudyo District.It lies on Uganda-Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) border within the western arm of the East African Rift Valley. The park is blessed with breath taking scenery like the rift valley and the landscape.

 

It is characterized by semi-deciduous forest, mostly ironwood- dominant with patches of swamp forest, and aquatic habitat represented by forest streams and oxbow lakes with adjacent swamps. The Park houses a variety of birds as well as elephants, leopards, tatungas, leopards, pigmy hippopotamus, crocodile primates and much more.

Activities: The most dominant activity in the Park is Bird watching as there exists a large variety of bird species like Red-thighed Sparrowhawk, Long-tailed Hawk, Forest Francolin, Nkulengu Rail, Western Bronze-napped Pigeon, Crested and Red-bellied Malimbes, Pale-fronted and Chestnut-breasted Negro finches, Grant's Bluebill plus many others. Secondly to bird watching, the scenery makes camping a more interesting activity. The hot springs and Forest Jungle walks ae some of the major attractions. Escarpments, mountains and the river Semuliki meanders contribute to the superb scenery. Sport fishing is also practiced along the rivers.

 

How to get there: Semliki National Park lies along the main fort Portal to Bundibugyo road, 52 km from Fort Portal.


Where to stay: There are three new but abandoned and unfurnished shelters at Sempaya ranger post that could accommodate a few uncomplicated travellers.