Semuliki National Park is a unique tropical rainforest park located in western Uganda, covering approximately 220 km² along the floor of the Albertine Rift Valley. Bordering the Democratic Republic of the Congo, it is the easternmost extension of the vast Congo Basin rainforest and is celebrated for its rich biodiversity, birdlife, and the famous Sempaya Hot Springs.

Highlights

• Sempaya Hot Springs: The park's most iconic attraction, featuring two hot springs:

  • The Female Hot Spring (Nyasimbi): Surrounded by lush vegetation and local legends.
  • The Male Hot Spring (Bintente): Shoots boiling water several meters into the air, with temperatures reaching nearly 100°C, hot enough to boil eggs.
• Nature Walks: Guided forest walks introduce visitors to towering trees, medicinal plants, butterflies, and diverse wildlife.
• Birdwatching: One of Uganda's top birding destinations, with many Central African forest species found nowhere else in East Africa.
• Cultural Experiences: Visit the indigenous Batwa communities and learn about their traditions, forest knowledge, and way of life.

Wildlife

Semuliki National Park is home to: Forest elephants, Buffaloes, Leopards (rarely seen), Bush babies, Flying squirrels, Chimpanzees, Mona monkeys, De Brazza's monkeys, Red-tailed monkeys, Black-and-white colobus monkeys, More than 440 bird species, including many species typical of the Congo Basin.

Best Time to Visit

The park can be visited throughout the year, but the best conditions are during the dry seasons: December to February, June to August. Birdwatching is rewarding year-round due to the park's exceptional avian diversity.

Getting There

Semuliki National Park is located about 360 km (6–7 hours by road) from Kampala, near Fort Portal. It is often combined with visits to: Kibale National Park, Queen Elizabeth National Park, Rwenzori Mountains National Park

Why Visit?

Semuliki National Park offers a rainforest experience unlike any other in Uganda, featuring: The spectacular Sempaya Hot Springs, One of Africa's oldest tropical rainforests, Exceptional birdwatching with numerous Central African species, Rich primate diversity, Unique Batwa cultural experiences, A tranquil, off-the-beaten-path safari destination for nature lovers and bird enthusiasts.

Its combination of geothermal wonders, ancient rainforest, and remarkable biodiversity makes Semuliki National Park one of Uganda's most distinctive protected areas.

Below are some of the accommodation options while at Semuliki National Park