Semuliki National Park is located in western Uganda along the rift valley floor. It was established as a forest reserve in 1932 and then later was upgraded to a national park in 1993. The park covers an area of 220 square kilometers and is home to a range of unique flora and fauna.
Semuliki National Park is one of Uganda's hidden gems that boasts a variety of landscapes, including lush rainforests, hot springs, and savannah grasslands. The park is also home to a rich cultural heritage, with the Batwa people living in the area for generations.
The two hot springs in Semuliki attract many people, especially the locals for traditional medicine purposes.
History And Geography
Semuliki National Park was first established in 1993 and has since become a vital conservation area for the local flora and fauna. The park is located in the Albertine Rift Valley, which is home to one of the highest concentrations of primates in the world.
The park's ecosystem is part of the eastern extension of the Ituri forest of DR. Congo - Africa's most biodiverse forest. The Semuliki's ecosystem is a blend of both Eastern and Central African wildernesses.
Things To Do There
Visitors to Semuliki National Park can enjoy a variety of activities, including guided walks through the park's hot springs, game drives to spot elephants and buffaloes, and bird-watching tours to see the over 400 bird species that call the park home. There are also opportunities to explore the cultural heritage of the area, with visits to local Batwa communities.
Getting There
Semuliki National Park is located approximately 360 kilometers west of Kampala, Uganda's capital city. The most common way to reach the park is by car or organized tour, which takes around 7 hours from Kampala.
Best Time To Visit
The best time to visit Semuliki National Park is during the dry season, which occurs from June to August and December to February.
However, visitors should be aware that the park is open year-round, and each season offers its own unique experiences and challenges.
Here is a climate table that shows the average monthly rainfall and temperature data for the Semuliki National Park:
| MONTH | RAINFALL (MM) | TEMP (°C / °F ) | SEASON |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 28 | 25 / 77 | Dry |
| February | 30 | 25 / 77 | Dry |
| March | 91 | 24 / 75 | Wet |
| April | 135 | 23 / 73 | Wet |
| May | 110 | 23 / 73 | Wet |
| June | 58 | 22 / 72 | Dry |
| July | 42 | 22 / 72 | Dry |
| August | 61 | 22 / 72 | Dry |
| September | 124 | 23 / 73 | Wet |
| October | 122 | 24 / 75 | Wet |
| November | 134 | 24 / 75 | Wet |
| December | 34 | 25 / 77 | Dry |
Where To Stay
Semuliki's prime location near Fort Portal - Uganda's Tourism city means that you have very many accommodation options. In Fort Portal, you can easily find accommodation for any budget and preference.
The added advantage to staying in Fort Portal is easily connecting to the other parks (Queen Elizabeth National Park and Kibale National Park) in the vicinity.
Conclusion
Semuliki National Park is a must-visit destination for those seeking a unique and authentic African wildlife experience. With its diverse landscapes, rich cultural heritage, and abundant wildlife, the park offers something for every traveller.
Whether you're interested in guided nature walks, game drives, or cultural experiences, Semuliki National Park is sure to impress.
