Semuliki National Park – The True African Jungle Experience

Semuliki National Park is one of Uganda’s most unique and biodiverse destinations, often referred to as “The True African Jungle.” Located in western Uganda, near the border with the Democratic Republic of Congo, the park covers 220 square kilometers of lowland tropical forest, making it one of the most ancient forests in Africa. It is part of the Albertine Rift Valley and offers a blend of Central African and East African biodiversity, making it a paradise for wildlife lovers, birdwatchers, and adventure seekers.

Wildlife and Birdlife

Semuliki is home to over 53 mammal species, including forest elephants, buffaloes, leopards, pygmy antelopes, hippos, and chimpanzees. The park also has 8 species of primates, including red-tailed monkeys, black-and-white colobus monkeys, baboons, and vervet monkeys.

Birdwatchers will be thrilled by Semuliki’s over 440 bird species, including rare and exotic birds such as:

• The Shoebill Stork – One of the most sought-after birds in Africa.
• The Nkulengu Rail and Congo Serpent Eagle – Found in very few places outside Central Africa.
• The Long-tailed Hawk and Yellow-throated Cuckoo – Rare forest species.

The Famous Sempaya Hot Springs

One of the park’s biggest attractions is the Sempaya Hot Springs, a must-visit for any traveler. These hot springs include:

• The Male Hot Spring (Bintente) – A large pool of boiling water.
• The Female Hot Spring (Nyasimbi) – A steaming geyser that shoots up to 2 meters high.

Visitors often cook eggs and bananas in the hot water, a fun and unique experience!

Activities in Semuliki National Park

• Game Drives – Explore the savannah sections of the park, home to buffaloes and antelopes.
• Birdwatching – A must-do activity, with rare bird species found nowhere else in East Africa.
• Nature Walks & Hiking – Discover the dense tropical rainforest and its hidden wonders.
• Visiting the Sempaya Hot Springs – Witness the boiling geysers and experience their cultural significance.
• Cultural Encounters – Meet the Batwa people, one of Uganda’s indigenous hunter-gatherer tribes, and learn about their way of life.