SEMLIKI WILDLIFE NATIONAL PARK

Semuliki National Park is situated in the extreme western Uganda in Bundibugyo District along the Uganda Democratic Republic of Congo border within the Western arm of the Eastern Rift Valley. The park is 220 square km and occupies a flat area with gently undulation landform ranging from 670 to 760 meters above sea level. Average annual rainfall is 1250mm. Rainfall is heaviest in March to May, and September to December. Temperatures vary from 18˚C to 30˚C with relatively small daily variations.  8 species of primate, roughly 400 species of bird, and almost 300 species of butterflies.

 It contains a secluded forest area at the base of Mount Rwenzori on the border of Congo. The out of the way location makes it an ideal place to spend a weekend get away or a few days relaxation away from the noise and congestion of towns and cities.

The Semuliki River is a watering point for many animals thus facilitates game viewing and the river is also popular for sport fishing. Game drives are ideal for mornings and evenings, scenic viewing, jungle walks, butterfly and botany watch, birding, a visit to the hot springs in the area that boil up to 130˚C; for instance the Sempaya Hot springs which contains a mosaic of different micro habitats, providing for a diversity of wildlife and attract large numbers of shorebirds, and supply salt for other animals. One may also encounter the Pigmy people who live in the area.

Accommodation facilities within the park are limited; there is the Semuliki Safari Lodge, a camp site at Bugama about 3 km from Sempaya gate and another simple camp site inside the park at Ntandi for these you must bring camping equipment and food, occasionally meals are prepared on order. There are a number of well-established hotels and Lodges and Camps in Fort Portal. Many people spend the night there before coming out to the park. There is also accommodation at Bundibugyo at the Union Guest House. It is advisable to carry bug repellent, warm clothes and rain gear.