Semuliki national park is located in Bundibugyo district in southwest Uganda and is known for its diverse ecosystems, including tropical rainforests, savannah, and wetlands.

Park entrance fees for Semuliki national park

Foreign nonresidents visiting Semuliki national park are charged entrance fee of 35 USD for adults and 5 USD for children.

Foreign residents on safari around Semuliki national park pay park entrance fee of 25 USD for adults and children are charged a fee of 5 USD.

East Africans visiting Semuliki national park are charged park entrance fee of 15,000 UGX for adults and children are charged a fee of 2500 UGX.

During Semuliki national park tours, children below the age of 5 years are not charged park entrance fees.  

Attractions found in Semuliki national park

Sempaya hot springs 

One of the unique features of Semuliki National Park is its hot springs. The Sempaya Hot Springs are a popular attraction within the park and are divided into two main springs: the male spring (Bintente) and the female spring (Nyasimbi). 

These hot springs are believed to have healing properties and are visited by both locals and tourists who believe that Sempaya hot springs have spiritual and healing powers. They are also considered a sacred site by the locals who expect visitors to respect the Hot springs and their beliefs.

Birdlife

Semuliki national park is particularly known for its birdlife, with over 440 species recorded. Some of the bird species found in the Semuliki park include the African grey parrot, Piping Hornbill, White-Bellied Kingfisher, Crested flycatcher, Rwenzori sunbird, Rwenzori nightjar, Rwenzori Turaco, Yellow-throated cuckoo, White Crested Hornbill, Black Dwarf Hornbill, Gabon woodpeckers, Red Billed Dwarf Hornbill, Black throated coucal, Black billed barbet, Swamp Nightjar among others.

Wildlife 

Semuliki National Park is also home to a variety of other wildlife species such as forest elephants, chimpanzees, red-tailed monkeys, black and white colobus monkeys among others.

Another attraction in Semuliki national park is the Semuliki river.

 Activities to do in Semuliki national park

There are different things to do during safaris in Semuliki national park and the activities include the following;

Bird watching

Semuliki National Park is a paradise for birdwatchers, boasting over 440 bird species. The park’s diverse habitats, including savannah, forest, and wetlands, attract a wide range of avian species including Albertine endemics. 

Birdwatchers can spot rare and endemic birds such as the African grey parrot, and Yellow-throated cuckoo. 

The birding excursions take place around the national park to help birders identify and learn about the different bird species found in the park.

Guided nature Walks

Exploring Semuliki National Park on foot is a fantastic way to immerse in its natural beauty. Guided nature walks allow visitors to discover the park’s unique flora and fauna while learning about its history and attractions. 

Different trails are followed during these nature walks such as the Sempaya Nature Trail which leads visitors to the park’s hot springs and offers breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape.

Other trails used during nature walks around Semuliki national park include the red monkey trail and also the Kirumia trail.  

Visiting the Sempaya hot springs

During a tour to Semuliki national park, individuals can also visit the Sempaya hot springs which are a key attraction at the destination.

The female hot springs in Semuliki national park are located not far from the park headquarters and can be visited with ranger guides during safaris at the destination.

Before seeing the Sempaya hot springs and learning about their background and myths, there is a briefing at the park headquarters to begin this excursion.

In addition to enjoying a stroll through a forest, a visit to the hot springs includes a boardwalk that takes you there and allows you to enjoy boiling eggs with your guide.

Cultural tours

Engaging with the locals in nearby areas of Semuliki National Park is an additional exciting activity. Visitors may stop by the homesteads of the locals, experience their way of life, see traditional dance performances, and much more during these cultural excursions.

When visiting Semuliki National Park, you can interact with some of the residents there, such as the Bakonjo and Bwamba, the Batuku, and also the Batwa people known for being hunters and gatherers.

These inhabitants have unique traditions and live on the edge of the Semuliki forest and in its surrounding areas such as the Kabarole and Ntoroko.

Primate viewing

Semuliki national park is also home to a number of primates including vervet monkeys, blue monkeys, red tailed monkeys and also olive baboons. 

Many other wildlife species can also be spotted while exploring the forest and other habitats in the national park.

Best time to visit Semuliki national park

Semuliki national park can be visited anytime of the year for safaris including the dry season and the wet or rainy season.

The best time to visit Semuliki National Park is during the dry season from June, July, August and September and also runs in the months of December to February. During these months, the weather is generally drier, making it easier to explore the park and enjoy various activities. The dry season is also considered a high season characterized by high numbers of tourists in Uganda.

Tours can also be done in Semuliki National Park which occurs from March, April and May and also around October to November. During the wet season, rainfall is more frequent, and the park becomes lush and green.

 The wet season is also considered a good time to see the birds of Semuliki especially the migratory bird species and it is also a time of the year which is in the low season when fewer tourists go to the destination on safari.

How to get to Semuliki national park

Driving to Semuliki national park in western Uganda can be done via the Kampala-Mubende-Fort Portal route which takes about 6 hours. And another route used to get to Semuliki national park is the Kampala-Masaka-Mbarara-Kasese route which is longer and takes about 7 to 8 hours.