Birding trips in Semuliki National Park – Sempaya hot springs
Birding trips in Semuliki National Park – Tourists who visit Semuliki National Park are rewarded with some of the most fascinating forest bird species and other swamp bird species.
Birdlife in semuliki is spectacular with 441 bird species recorded representing 40% of Uganda’s total bird species and 66% of the country’s forest bird species. The list is expanded by the riverine habitat and the grassland east of the park. There are numerous rear birds in the park, 46 Guinea-Congo biome species that are found nowhere in East Africa while another. 35 can be seen in 3 birding areas in Uganda. 5 species are endemic to Albertine rift endemic these include Nkulengu Rail, Yellow –Throated cuckoo, piping Hornbill, Red billed Dwarf Hornbill, Black Dwarf Hornbill, White-crested Hornbill, Black-casqued wattled Hornbill, Red rumped Tinkerbird, African piculet, White Throated Blue swallow, Yellow –Throated Nictor, Leaf-love, swamp palm bulbul, Lemon-bellied Crombec, Maxwell’s black weaver, Crested Malimbe, Red-bellied Malimbe, Blue- bellied Malimbe, Chestnut-breasted Negrofinch, Orange checked Waxbill.
How to get to semuliki national park
Semuliki National Park found in the south western corner of Uganda in Budibugyo district can be accessed by road on two routes especially when you are coming from Kampala Uganda’s capital, for these two routes it is advisable to use 4WD vehicles;
- Route 1:Kampala-Fort portal via Masaka, Mbarara and Kasese. This is approximately 465 km and it takes between 7 and 8 hours to reach, which makes it a longer route but it’s on this same route where you can visit some other places along the way such as Queen Elizabeth National park, Lake Mburo National park and other places.
- Route 2:Kampala-Fort portal via Mubende, this route is approximately a 4-5hour drive about 180km; this makes it a shorter route.
The park is situated in Bundibugyo about 59 km from Fortportal which takes between 2 and 3 hours on the bumpy road to reach the Sempaya Gate. Along the way there is a lot to see like the different Rwenzori ranges, the beautiful view of the floor of the Albertine Rift valley, Some times in the rainy season the road especially in the mountainous region are bad hence would need more time to access the park. But currently the road is being widened to quicken transport.
Where to stay on your birding trips in semuliki national park
Seuliki Forest National park lies in the extreme side of Western Uganda in the remote district of Bundibugyo. There are not many accommodation options within the national park except Uganda wildlife authority basic Bandas at Bumaga.
UWA Bandas and campsites
The UWA Bandas and Campsites are situated at Bumaga, around 3 kilometers from Sempaya-the trail head of various explorations in Semliki National park such as birding, nature walks and hikes to the popular Sempaya male and female hot springs. The Bandas offer comfortable accommodation without meals, which can be arranged on order. Alternatively, you can hire some of the catering equipments if you are interested in self catering while on your Safari in this National park.
Other alternative accommodation facilities
Luxury Semliki Safari Lodge-in Toro-semuliki wildlife reserve 65kms to the park.
This wonderful luxury Lodge is found in Toro-Semliki Wildlife Reserve, near Semliki National park. It was constructed out of locally sourced materials offering tourists with an authentic African rustic feeling while at the same time offering the most comfortable stay to more than 18 guests on a Safari in the Park. The accommodation in Semliki Safari lodge is inform of Canvas Tents (golden hued tents with shiny wooden floors with adjoining bathrooms with hot and cold showers, morning tea or coffee is served for you in bed (brought to your room) and flush toilets among others. Some of the facilities to enjoy include a well-stocked bar, and a restaurant that serves the most delicious meals, swimming pool for relaxation, a main Lodge with grass-thatched roof and a lounge among others. Most importantly, the Lodge rewards tourists with the astonishing views of the Blue Mountains of the Democratic Republic of Congo and other riveting activities to partake while at the Lodge.
Ntoroko Game Lodge-at the shores of Lake Albert 85 kms to the park.
Ntoroko Game Lodge is a luxury Tented Camp situated on the unspoiled shores of Lake Albert and provides tourists with the breathtaking scenery of the wildlife species in the Park. This facility offers tourists with Double rooms, standard double rooms and single rooms. This Lodge is perfect for honeymooners or tourists looking to enjoy a safari in seclusion. Some of the facilities found in their rooms include Fans, comfortable en-suite bedrooms, private balconies overlooking the gardens and Lake Albert, Toiletries, Safes, heaters and hairdryers.
Best time to do birding trips in semuliki national park
The Dry season is the best time to make a trip to Semuliki National Park. The two Dry seasons are from December to February and from June to August. During the Wet season months (March to May and September to November) the trails are flooded making it difficult to walk through the forest trail. You must note that semuliki forest is swampy.
What to pack for the walk.
Semuliki national park is a tropical rain forest in the semuliki valley in the Congo basin bordering Ituri forest and the Semuliki River making an international boundary between Uganda and Democratic republic of Congo. A traveler planning a trip to the national park needs to ensure you have the following equipments with you as the place is remote and access to services is scarce -Gumboots, rain jacket, camera, binoculars, drinking water, spear battery, insect repellant, long trousers, long sleeved shirts, hut or cap. Great Adventure Safaris organizes birding trips in Semuliki National park in Uganda.