Semuliki National Park is a unique, lowland tropical rainforest located on the remote western border of Uganda, adjacent to the Democratic Republic of Congo. As an extension of the vast Ituri Forest of the Congo Basin, it offers a distinct Central African landscape characterized by lush vegetation, oil palms, and the meandering Semuliki River.
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Geothermal Wonders: The park’s most iconic attraction is Sempaya female hotsprings the and its male counterpart, where boiling water (reaching over 100°C) bubbles up from the ground.
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Central African Biodiversity: Visitors can spot wildlife rarely seen elsewhere in East Africa, including forest elephants, pygmy hippos, and primates like the Central African red colobus and De Brazza’s monkey.
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Birdwatcher’s Paradise: With over 440 bird species recorded, including the rare Shoebill Stork and various hornbills, it is considered one of Africa’s premier forest birding destinations.
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Cultural Heritage: The area is home to indigenous communities like the Batwa (pygmies), who offer insights into their ancient hunter-gatherer lifestyle and folklore surrounding the springs.
The park features several established trails for exploration, such as the 13km Kirumia Hiking Trail and the shorter Sempaya Nature Trail, which leads directly to the steaming geysers.
Would you like to know more about the hiking trails available in the park, or are you interested in the best time of year to visit for bird watching?
