Birding trips in Semuliki National Park – Sempaya hot springs.

Tourists that go to Semuliki National Park on birding excursions will be rewarded with a diverse array of intriguing woodland and wetland bird species.

The 441 bird species documented in semuliki make up 40% of Uganda’s total bird species and 66% of the forest bird species in the nation. The birdlife in this area is really remarkable. The grassland and riverine habitats to the east of the park add to the list. Over forty-six species of wild birds are found in the park, including forty-six that are unique to the Guinea-Congo biome and thirty-five that are only found in three birding locations in Uganda.

A total of five bird species—the Nkulengu Rail, the Yellow-Throated cuckoo, the piping hornbill, the Red-billed dwarf hornbill, the Black dwarf hornbill, the White-crested hornbill, and the Black-casqued wattled hornbill—are native to the Albertine Rift. Swamp palm bulbul, Black-rumped tinkerbird, African piculet, Yellow-throated nictor, Leaf-love, and White-Throated Blue swallow The following species are found in this area: orange-checked waxbill, chestnut-breasted negrofinch, red-bellied waxbill, crested waxbill, and maxwell’s black weaver.

Methods for reaching Seliki National Park

Two roads go to Semuliki National Park in the Budibugyo region in the southwestern corner of Uganda; both routes are best taken in a four-wheel-drive vehicle, particularly if you’re traveling from Kampala, the city of Uganda;

One route goes from Kampala to the fort portal via Masaka, Mbarara, and Kasese. The lengthier route, spanning around 465 km and taking 7 or 8 hours to arrive, offers the opportunity to stop at many locations along the way, including Queen Elizabeth National Park and Lake Mburo National Park, among others.
The second, shorter route goes from Kampala to the Fort Portal via Mubende and takes about four to five hours to travel the 180 kilometers.

Located in Bundibugyo, the park is about 59 kilometers from Fortportal. The journey to the Sempaya Gate, along the rather uneven route, may take anywhere from two to three hours. Although there is plenty to see along the journey, such as the many Rwenzori mountains and the picturesque Albertine Rift valley bottom, getting to the park during the wet season may be challenging due to poor roads, particularly in the hilly regions. However, work is underway to enlarge the route in order to speed up transportation.

Accommodations in Semuliki National Park for Bird Watching Vacations

Located in the isolated Bundibugyo area, Semuliki Forest National Park is on the far western edge of Uganda. Outside of the rudimentary Bandas at Bumaga run by the Uganda Wildlife Authority, there aren’t many places to stay within the national park.

Areas of camping and UWA Bandas

Situated near Bumaga, the UWA Bandas and Campsites are around 3 kilometers away from Sempaya. Sempaya is the starting point for many adventures in Semuliki National Park, including birding, nature walks, and treks to the famous Sempaya hot springs, both male and female. If you’d want to stay at the Bandas without meals, that’s possible with request. If you want to bring your own food on your safari in this national park, you may rent some of the necessary cooking gear.

Other possible lodging options

The park is 65 kilometers away from the luxurious Semuliki Safari Lodge in the Toro-Semuliki game reserve.

Located in the Toro-Semuliki Wildlife Reserve, next to Semuliki National Park, is this magnificent luxury lodge. Built from locally obtained materials, it provides 18 guests on a safari in the park with the most comfortable accommodation while also giving them a real African rustic experience.

Guests of the Semuliki Safari Lodge stay in canvas tents, which are characterized by their golden hues, shining hardwood flooring, and attached bathrooms with hot and cold showers, as well as additional amenities like as flush toilets, morning tea or coffee provided in bed, and more.

A swimming pool, a main Lodge with a grass-thatched roof, a lounge, a restaurant serving the most delectable dishes, and a well-stocked bar are just a few of the amenities to enjoy. Among the most alluring aspects of a stay at the Lodge is the opportunity to take in breathtaking views of the Democratic Republic of the Congo’s Blue Mountains.

The Ntoroko Game Lodge is located 85 kilometers from the park, on the edge of Lake Albert.

Guests of the five-star Ntoroko Game Lodge may enjoy the park’s spectacular wildlife while lounging on the pristine beaches of Lake Albert. Guests may choose from a variety of accommodation types, including conventional doubles, singles, and doubles with extra amenities.

If you are seeking a romantic getaway or a safari in complete privacy, this lodge is for you. Each room is equipped with a fan, a private bathroom, a balcony to enjoy the view of the gardens and Lake Albert, complimentary toiletries, a safe, a heater, and a hairdryer.

When to visit Seluiki National Park for the best chance of seeing birds

Semuliki National Park is at its most beautiful during the dry season. December–February and June–August are the two dry seasons. The woodland routes become impassable due to flooding during the wet season (March–May and September–November). The semuliki woodland is, as you would expect, marshy.

Walking essentials.

Located in the Semuliki Valley in the Congo Basin, Semuliki National Park is a tropical rain forest that straddles the international boundary between the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Uganda. The park borders the Ituri Forest and the Semuliki River.

Because the park is in a remote area with limited services, visitors should pack the following items for their trip: gumboots, a rain jacket, a camera, binoculars, water, a spear battery, insect repellent, long pants, long sleeves, a hat, or a hut. Birdwatching excursions to Uganda’s Semuliki National Park are arranged by Monumental Expeditions and Safaris.