Semliki National Park
Semliki National Park is located in Bwamba County west of Uganda in Bundibugyo District with varying bio diversity i.e Flora and Fauna as well as birds. The Park spans the borders of Uganda with the Democratic Republic of Congo and the Rwenzori Mountains in the South East and Lake Albert in the North.
Climate and Weather in the Park
Semliki National Park receives moderate rainfall amounts of 1,250 mm (49 in) with high volumes from the months of March to May then September to December. During these periods, flooding of some areas in the park occurs.
The temperature varies due to the strategic location of the park from 18 to 30 °C (64 to 86 °F) daily.
There are two watering places around the park where numerous wildlife animals transfer to to drink water and these include; the Semuliki and Lamia Rivers. There are two hot springs as well i.e the male and female hot srings also referred to as Sempaya Hot springs in a hot mineral coated swamp.
Activities to Do in the Park
Game Drives
Game Drives in Semliki National Park are the most prominent safari activity carried out as it involves you transferring along various tracks in a 4×4 wheel drive with a park ranger guide watching wildlife wander around their natural vegetation habitat. The wildlife animals you watch here include; Savannah elephants, buffalo, waterbuck, crocodile, warthog, Uganda Kob, pygmy hippopotami, bush babies and leopards etc. These are scheduled thrice i.e Morning, Afternoon and Night which offers you an opportunity to watch nocturnal wildlife animals like the white-tailed mongoose.
Bird Watching
Bird watching in Semliki National Park is very ideal as the Park inhabits various species of birds like the White-crested Hornbill, Red-billed Dwarf Hornbill, Piping Hornbill, Yellow-throated Nicator, Great blue and Ross’s Turacos as well as the Shoebill Stork which is seen along the shores of Lake Albert by avid birders from all over the world.
Hot Springs Encounter
Semliki National Park is known prominently for its Sempaya Hot springs i.e the Female and Male Hotsprings that can be viewed and encountered as you get plantain and eggs to dip then in the hot springs. These get ready to eat an experience so exceptional and remarkable for all. En-route the trail to the hotsprings you watch the black and white Colobus monkeys, red tailed monkeys, grey cheeked Mangabeys as well as birds.
Hiking and Nature Walks
Semliki National Park offers remarkable Hiking and nature walk adventure as this enable to enjoy watching wildlife, birds and monkeys. The Trails we have in the park include;
- The 13 km Kirumia Trail which proceeds through the middle of the forest towards the Semliki River and takes a period of 8 hours to finish. It starts at 8:00 am and perfect for birders.
- The 11km Red Monkey Track which proceeds along the Eastern boundary of the park offering remarkable views of the rare deBrazza’s monkey and ends at the Semliki River.
- The 8km Sempaya Nature Trail which offers you amazing views of the Sempaya Hot Springs. It takes a period of 2-4 hours to finish and can occur both in the Mornings and Afternoons.
Cultural Encounters
Cultural Encounters are very exciting in the Park as these offer you an insight into the lives of the local people/ communities around the Park (Batwa People). While here, learn about their lifestyle as they demonstrate to you their cultural traditions through Music, Dance and Drama. They also perform for you at Ntandi where you buy handmade crafts to take with you back home.
You transfer to the boma/cultural village has been constructed so that the Batwa to demonstrate the way they used to survive in the forest before civilization.