Semuliki National Park

Semuliki National Park in western Uganda is one of Africa’s most diverse and least-explored safari destinations. Nestled along the Albertine Rift Valley and stretching into the Congo Basin, the park offers visitors a rare blend of Central African rainforest, hot springs, and cultural heritage. Covering almost 240 km², Semuliki is famous for its Sempaya Hot Springs, over 440 bird species, and the chance to experience Uganda’s only lowland tropical forest safari.

Highlights of Semuliki National Park

• Sempaya Hot Springs, dramatic “male and female” boiling geysers, perfect for a unique cultural experience.
• Birdwatching Paradise, more than 440 species including Congo serpent eagle, Nkulengu rail, and many West-African Forest specials.
• Wildlife Encounters, forest elephants, buffalo, leopards, hippos, and crocodiles along the Semuliki River.
• Nature Walks, guided trails through rainforest, grassland, and swamp fringes.
• Cultural Encounters – visit the Batwa pygmies, Bakonjo, and Bamba communities.
• Lake Albert Excursions – boat rides to spot the rare shoebill stork.

Things to Do in Semuliki National Park

• Explore the Sempaya Hot Springs and learn their cultural legends.
• Take guided nature walks for primates, forest elephants, and butterflies.
• Join birdwatching tours, Semuliki is ranked among the best birding spots in Uganda.
• Visit local communities for authentic cultural immersion.
• Extend your safari with boat trips on Lake Albert.

Best Time to Visit Semuliki National Park

• Dry Seasons (Dec–Feb & Jun–Sep): Best for hiking, birdwatching, and game drives.
• Wet Seasons (Mar–May & Oct–Nov): Fewer tourists, lush scenery, and rewarding photography, but trails can be muddy.

Accommodation Options

Whether you’re looking for a luxury safari lodge in Uganda or budget safari camps, Semuliki has it all:

• Luxury: Semuliki Safari Lodge (exclusive wilderness lodge).
• Midrange: Ntoroko Safari Lodge.
• Budget: UWA Bandas & Campsites at Sempaya; guesthouses in Fort Portal.

How to Get There

• By Road: 6–8 hours from Kampala via Fort Portal (scenic drive through tea plantations and crater lakes).
• By Air: Domestic flights available to Semuliki Airstrip or to Kasese, then drive to the park.

Travel Tips for Visitors

• Pack both light clothes and rain gear weather changes quickly.
• Carry binoculars and cameras for birding and hot springs.
• No special permits required, but guided walks are best booked at the park gate.
• Combine your trip with Kibale National Park (chimp trekking), Queen Elizabeth NP (game drives & boat cruises), or the Rwenzori Mountains (hiking & scenery).

Why Visit Semuliki National Park?

For travelers seeking an off-the-beaten-path Uganda safari, Semuliki offers unique attractions not found elsewhere in East Africa, from bubbling hot springs and rare Central African birds to cultural encounters and rainforest hikes.