SIZE:
220 sq km
LOCATION:
In the west, about 50km from Fort Portal.
Semuliki National Park is an eastern extension
of the vast Ituri Forest and forms part of the
forest continuum during the climatic upheavals
of the Pleistocene, this is one of the richest
areas for both flora and fauna in Africa.
(Especially for birds)
Semuliki National Park is situated in the remote
corner of extreme west of Uganda, in bundibugyo
District. It lies on Uganda-Democratic Republic
of Congo (DRC) border within the western arm of
the East African Rift Valley. The geographical
coordinates are 0o 44'- 00 53' N - 290 57-30o
11'E. To the southeast are the Rwenzori
Mountains, to the west is DRC and to the north
Lake Albert.
Semuliki National Park (220 km2) gazetted in
October 1993, is one of Uganda's newest National
Parks. The Park occupies a flat to gently
undulating landform ranging from 670 -760 metres
above level. As all streams and rivers from the
surrounding areas are flooded drain into the
Park plus the poor drainage and topography, many
areas are flooded during the rainy season. The
average annual rainfall is 1250 mm with peaks
from March to May and September and December.
The temperature varies from 18o C - 30o C with
relatively small daily variations.
Getting there
There are two major roads from Kampala to Fort
Portal: Kampala-Fort Portal via Mubende is about
180 Km. (about 4-5 hrs drive) while Kampala
-Fort Portal via Masaka, Mbarara, Kasese is
about465 Km (7-8 hrs). In both routes 2-wheel
drive vehicles can be useful. While the
Kampala-Fort Portal via Mubende is much shorter,
the Kampala-Fort Portal via Masaka, Mbarara and
Kasese gives you opportunity to Visit Lake Mburo
National Park, Kyambura Wildlife Reserve,
Rwenzori Mountains National Park and Queen
Elizabeth National Park.
From Fort Portal, A two to three hours drive on
the rough road towards Bundibugyo will bring you
to Sempaya Gate (52 Km). The Park headquarters
at Ntandi is 5 Km further from the gate along
the same route. A vehicle with high clearance is
recommended.
Using public means you can take a taxi (mini
bus) or a bus to Fort Portal. From the Taxi
Park, board one of the pick-up trucks for
Bundibugyo and stop at Sempaya Gate, which is
well sign posted. Return trip will be by the
same means but a void being too late (not later
than 4.00 p.m.).
Alternatively while in Fort Portal contact
Kabarole Tours on Plot 1 Molidina Street to
organize for you an excursion to Semuliki
Valley.
Fantastic scenery, Hotsprings, forest jungle
walk, birding, primate viewing and river
Semuliki meanders are some of the ideal
attractions. Surely, you don't have to miss but
get off the regular tourists' circuit and spend
three to five days camping and hiking in the
only real jungle in East Africa.
Did you know that a trip to Semuliki has the
most marvel and breathtaking views? Come and
experience the most thrilling meandering
Bundibugyo road through the Rwenzori
escarpments. At 'Mungu Ni Mukubwa' while in the
mountains, the road offers scenic views of the
meandering Semuliki River, fuming Hotsprings and
the tropical rain forest extending up to Ituri
forest in DRC. A stepping stone to Central
Africa, unforgettable views.
Two Hotsprings situated in a tract of hot
mineral encrusted swampland, rich in visible
bird, insect and mammal life accessed by modern
trail network. Come and see a two meters jet of
hot water (130oC) and a pool (12 m diameter) of
oozing boiling water (106oC). You can boil food
especially eggs in the natural boiler within ten
minutes and enjoy it.
Jungle life in Semuliki is breathtaking
especially for birders, primate, butterfly and
plant lovers. The jungle walk usually takes you
up to River Semuliki meanders, the only one in
East Africa with luck, you may see forest
buffaloes and elephants, statungas, leopards,
pigmy hippopotamus, crocodile primates and a
wide range of forest and water birds. You can
also come with fishing facilities for sport
fishing along the river.
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