Safari game drives in Semuliki National Park
Safari game drives in Semuliki National Park, Semuliki typically occur in the Tooro Semuliki Game Reserve, characterized by a blend of savanna grassland, acacia-combretum woodland interspersed with borassus palm forest, extensive swamps adjacent to Lake Albert, and substantial riparian woodland along the primary watercourses. The Tooro Semuliki Game Reserve is among the earliest sites to be designated as a protected zone, having been established in 1926. Semuliki National Park is home to around 441 bird species, including 66% of Uganda’s forest birds and 40% of the country’s total bird species, along with approximately 53 animal species.
The Tooro Semuliki Game Reserve is located in the western region of Uganda, adjacent to the Kabarole and Ntoroko districts, encompassing an area of 542 km². This reserve is home to several bird species, primarily those native to the Congo Region of Africa, as well as those species exclusive to the Albertine Western Rift, such as the distinctive shoebill stork. The park is home to several antelopes, primarily Uganda kobs.
Tooro Semuliki National Park features three trails that traverse the savannah grassland. The larger savannah elephants and lesser forest elephants are frequently observed, together with Uganda kobs, buffaloes, warthogs, and waterbucks. During the day, one may be fortunate enough to observe bush cubs and leopards, as these creatures are often nocturnal and inhabit the forest trees. Wildlife reserve game drives occur in the morning, afternoon, and evening. A nocturnal game drive enables observation of animals such as leopards, bush infants, target rats, white-tailed mongooses, and slender mongooses.
Game drives in Semuliki offer an opportunity to discover this pristine region, which remains mostly unvisited by tourists who overlook its potential. It boasts a rich array of wildlife and a multitude of bird species, providing an exceptional experience.
Following your safari game drives in Semuliki National Park, you may also partake in additional tourist attractions within the park as outlined below;
Visit the hot springs
The Sempaya hot springs are a popular tourist destination in the Semuliki Forest, drawing numerous tourists to see the pristine area. The park features two hot springs, designated for females and males, each offering a distinctive ambiance that delights guests and provides a wonderful experience, enriched by a significant cultural heritage.
Nature excursions
Nature walks provide opportunities to observe many primate species, wildlife, butterflies, flora, and several avian species. Nature treks commence at Sempaya gate and typically last 2-3 hours, concluding at the Sempaya hot springs within the jungle. Primates such as blue monkeys and mangabeys, along with many mammal species including leopards, forest buffaloes, pygmy hippos, and elephants, can be observed. kinds of birds such as palm nut vultures and honeyguides, together with over 305 kinds of trees.
Sport fishing
Sportfishing in the Semiliki Wildlife Reserve provides an exceptional experience, albeit one must transport their fishing equipment. You will encounter the exhilaration of the serpentine Bundibugyo road amidst the Rwenzori escarpments.
Community walks
The Batwa people inhabit this region and rely on hunting and foraging for fruit. Currently, various ethnic cultural groups have settled in the area, resulting in intermarriages that have facilitated cultural interchange. During your excursions in the Semuliki Wildlife Reserve, allocate time to see the Batwa people, engage with them, and gain insights into their lifestyle and traditions.
Directions to Semuliki Wildlife Reserve.
Route 1: The Kampala-Fort Portal route via Mubende is shorter than Route 2, covering around 180 kilometers and requiring a driving time of roughly 4 to 5 hours.
Route 2: Alternatively, utilize the Kampala-Masaka route through Mbarara and Kasese. Covers more than 465 kilometers and requires 7 to 8 hours. Although it is lengthier, it enables you to observe other locations en route, such as Lake Mburo National Park and Queen Elizabeth National Park, among others.
Uganda boasts numerous tourism spots, particularly in the western region, including Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park, where visitors can engage in activities ranging from gorilla trekking to bird watching, following a visit to Semuliki National Park. Visit Kibale Forest National Park for chimpanzee tracking, explore the Rwenzori Mountains for a premier trekking experience in Africa, and enjoy animal viewing at Queen Elizabeth National Park, among other attractions.