National Park · Western Uganda (Albertine Rift)
Semuliki National Park
Uganda's most lowland-tropical park, an extension of the Congo Basin rainforest with a distinctly Central African character.
How to get there
By road from Fort Portal via Bundibugyo, on the floor of the Rift Valley near the DR Congo border.
What to find
The Sempaya hot springs, forest birding, and primate and butterfly diversity more typical of Central than East Africa.
Overview
Semuliki National Park protects about 220 km² of lowland tropical forest on the floor of the Albertine Rift. It's the easternmost extension of the great Ituri Forest of the Congo Basin, so it feels more like Central Africa than East Africa.
The park is famous among birders, with over 440 species recorded, including many Central African specials found nowhere else in Uganda. It's also known for the Sempaya hot springs and for the Batwa communities living on its edge.
Highlights
- The Sempaya hot springs: the 'male' Bitente and the 'female' Nyasimbi, boiling up in the forest
- Some of Uganda's best birding, including hornbills and Congo Basin specials
- Primates including de Brazza's monkey and the Central African red colobus
- Views of the Rwenzori Mountains and the Semliki River valley
Things to do
Sempaya hot springs walk
A forest trail to the steaming springs, where guides boil eggs in the water.
Birding
Forest trails for Central African species, best with an early start.
Forest hikes
The Kirumia trail follows the forest to the Semliki River.
Cultural visits
Meet Batwa communities living near the forest.
Best time to visit
Rain falls in most months. The driest periods (June to September and December to February) make the forest trails easier.
Getting there
About 1.5 to 2 hours by road from Fort Portal via Bundibugyo, on a scenic road over the Rwenzori foothills.
Where to stay
Options near the park are limited, so most visitors stay in Fort Portal or at Semliki Wildlife Reserve next door.
Toro-Semliki & Semuliki
A selection of well-known options, not a complete list. See all accommodation in Uganda →
Good to know
- Combine with Toro-Semliki Wildlife Reserve and Kibale for a western Uganda loop.
- The forest is hot and humid, so carry plenty of water.
Permit prices, park rules and access can change. We always confirm the latest details when we plan your trip.