Semuliki National Park. Top Birding Paradise Uganda Safaris

Attractions and things to do in Semliki National Park

Sempaya Hotsprings

A must see attraction in the park are fascinating Sempaya Hotsprings. The hike to the male and female hotsprings is one of the most popular activities on most visitors bucket list. Particularly, the strategic location of the hotsprings near the gate at Sempaya Head Offices of Semuliki Park makes the hike less tiresome and a likeable adventure for visitors in the park. In addition, there are breathing taking views on the 15 minute hike to the boiling “Nyansimbi” which is the female Hot spring of the Sempaya sector of Semliki.  Furthermore, the name “Nyansimbi” was of the woman who died at the hot spring according to the locals.

In other words these female hotsprings of Semliki boil at high temperatures and visitors see water bubbles and misty steam which rises to a height of 2 meters. As if this is not enough, the next stoppage is the male hotsprings which is locally called “Bintente” nestling along the forest trails of Semliki park. The trails to the male hotsprings entail a mixture of rainforest, swampy walks are in form of boardwalks over the evergreen and papyrus swamps in Semliki National Park. The hike to Bintente male hotsprings is unforgettable experience offering animal and bird encounters. Getting to the male hotsprings takes about an hour from the main office at Sempaya.

Toro-Semliki Wildlife Reserve

Semliki National Park is home to the oldest wildlife reserve in Uganda. Meanwhile, the vast conservation area of Toro-Semliki Wildlife Reserve rests on 545 square kilometers covering the lowlands in the Albertine Rift.

In addition it has the endless scenic views of riverine gorges and the rift valley escarpments, the eminent “Kijura Escarpment” is an ideal spot for viewing the rift valley and the distant Lake Albert.   However, besides the stunning landscapes, the Toro-Semliki Wildlife Reserve offers one of the best wildlife and bird viewing adventures in Uganda registering more than 400 species of birds including Uganda’s most sought-for bird, the shoebills that dwells in the Swamps surrounding Lake Albert.

Birds in Semliki National Park

Accordingly, the rainforests, swamps and plains of Semliki National Park are flooded with many species making it a haven for bird watchers. But also the area is famous for offering unique birding experiences not only because of the diversity of birds but the bird sanctuary of Semliki National Park houses about 66 percent of Uganda’s birds. In general, the birds in Semliki are further classified into Albertine rift species, true forest birds among others and some of the birds of Semliki Valley park are; Oberlsander’s ground thrust, Sassi’s olive greenbul, hornbills and lyre-tailed honey guide among others.

Wildlife in Semliki National Park

For instance,  the Semliki ecosystem is endowed with a diverse range of wildlife including; reptiles, mammals among others. Many tourists are marveled at the abundant wildlife in the park  especially when they visit the wildlife hotspots in the park like the heart of Semliki National Park.

While having your Uganda  safari at this park, expect to encounter Buffalos, hippopotamuses, monkeys. African civet, elephants and leopards on your safari to Semuliki National Park.  For primate lovers, Semliki National Park is the place to visit as it hosts about 8 primate species including the elusive chimpanzees

Other things to do in Semliki National Park

Boat Cruise

In other words, Lake Albert offers the best spot for boat rides around Semliki National Park. In Ntoroko district, tourists get onto boats to see shoebills and hippos.  The boat cruise along Lake Albert exposes tourists to natural wonders like the Nkusi Falls which are on the cliffs near the lake.

Game Drives in Semliki National Park

Also landscapes and vegetation around Semliki National Park make it favorable for game driving to see wild animals.  On the game drive you can see Buffalos, elephants, Uganda kobs, waterbucks, warthogs among others in the Toro-Semliki Reserve of the park.

Primate trekking

Beyond game driving, the forests of Semliki National Park are blessed with over 8 primate species.  Mugiri River Forest offers one of the best chimpanzee trekking experiences in Uganda.  As a result, the chimpanzee tracking experience is fun-filled giving tourists a 4 to 6 hour trekking experience in the wild jungles of Uganda. Plan with your expert guide.

The Best Time to Visit Semliki National Park

Particularly Semliki National  Park can be visited all year round due to the fairly cool and moderate conditions through out the year. However, some months like December-February and June-September are dry making it easy for cars to drive through Semliki Park and also you can easily spot distant animals in the short grass.

Why you should organize a trip to Semliki National Park

Semliki National Park is a great destination for bird watchers as the park has 66 percent of the birds which can be seen in Uganda and also it is easy to spot the shoebills in the swamps along Lake Albert.

Above all the adventures to the park of Semliki are cheap and affordable and fun-filled with many activities which include hiking too Sempaya hotsprings, bird watching, wildlife viewing and chimp trekking.

• Amazing Game Viewing: View the Big 5 (lion, leopard, elephant, rhinoceros, and buffalo) and additional wildlife found only in Africa.
• Walking safaris, hot-air balloon safaris, and cultural exchanges with the locals all qualify as rewarding experiences.
  The Luxury of Time: Take advantage of being disconnected from the outside world in some of Africa’s most remote regions.
• Enjoy Your Senses; sip sunset drinks while giraffes amble over the rosy horizon and indulge in fine African cuisine.
• The finest itineraries incorporate Africa’s major destinations, according to Beyond the Wild.
• Traveling with a Purpose: Every African safari contributes to deserving conservation and community development projects.

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