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Tucked away in the remote western corner of Uganda, Semuliki National Park is one of the country’s most mysterious and biologically rich natural wonders. Located within the Albertine Rift Valley, at the base of the Rwenzori Mountains, this captivating park is a true haven for explorers, bird lovers, and anyone yearning to discover one of Africa’s oldest and most pristine tropical forests.
Unlike Uganda’s more famous parks, Semuliki remains blissfully untouched by mass tourism, offering a rare and intimate connection with nature. With its hot springs, lush lowland rainforest, rare primates, and over 440 species of birds, Semuliki is the perfect destination for travelers seeking something authentic, quiet, and undiscovered.
At Uganda Horizon Safaris, we take great pride in creating tailor-made journeys to Semuliki National Park—combining adventure, culture, and conservation to bring you a deeply rewarding safari experience.
Semuliki National Park covers approximately 220 square kilometers of lowland rainforest, making it one of the few such ecosystems in East Africa. The forest is an eastern extension of the Congo Basin, meaning it shares more ecological similarities with Central Africa than with the rest of Uganda. This unique setting makes Semuliki home to plant and animal species not found anywhere else in East Africa.
The park is famed for its steaming hot springs, bubbling up from deep within the earth—Sempaya Hot Springs are a natural wonder and a major highlight for any visitor. The surrounding forests are teeming with wildlife, including 13 species of primates, forest elephants, buffalo, bush babies, and even the elusive pygmy hippo.
Beyond the wildlife, Semuliki also offers a fascinating look into indigenous cultures, particularly the Batwa hunter-gatherers, who have lived in harmony with the forest for generations. Their knowledge of the land, storytelling, and traditions offer deep insight into what it means to truly live off the land.
Sempaya Hot Springs
The park’s most famous feature, these geothermal springs are a must-see. The female spring—locally called Nyansimbi—shoots hot water up to 2 meters in the air at temperatures above 100°C. You can even boil eggs in the bubbling water!
Birdwatching Paradise
With over 440 recorded bird species, including 216 forest birds, Semuliki is a birder’s dream. Look out for rarities like the hornbills, Nkulengu rail, Lyre-tailed honeyguide, and Shoebill in the swampy areas.
Primates & Forest Walks
Semuliki is home to chimpanzees, De Brazza’s monkeys, red-tailed monkeys, black-and-white colobus, and baboons, among others. Guided forest walks offer the chance to spot these elusive creatures in their natural habitat.
Batwa Cultural Encounters
Meet the Batwa pygmies, traditional forest dwellers who share their deep knowledge of medicinal plants, hunting techniques, and forest spirituality through immersive cultural experiences.
Scenic Trails & River Semuliki
The park is laced with well-maintained walking trails that wind through its dense forest, offering photo opportunities and encounters with butterflies, birds, and small mammals. The River Semuliki, which flows from the Rwenzori mountains to Lake Albert, is a rich wildlife corridor and great for scenic views.
At Uganda Horizon Safaris, our tours to Semuliki National Park are flexible and can be personalized based on your interests, energy level, and time available. Here are some optional activities we offer:
Embark on a 2–3 hour guided hike through the forest to reach the famous male and female hot springs. Along the way, you’ll enjoy birding, primate sightings, and informative commentary from our expert guide.
Just outside the park, this reserve offers a chance to track wild chimpanzees, as well as see savannah elephants, antelopes, and more open plains wildlife.
Enjoy a peaceful dugout canoe ride on the River Semuliki or Lake Albert shoreline, ideal for birders and nature photographers.
Spend time with the Batwa community, learning about their ancestral ways of life, forest traditions, and spiritual beliefs. This is a respectful, immersive experience guided by members of the community.
Whether you’re a beginner or professional photographer, Semuliki’s rare species, misty forests, and exotic birds offer a perfect canvas. We provide custom birding tours with specialist guides.
Semuliki can be visited year-round, but the best months are during the dry seasons: December to February and June to August. During these periods, trails are more accessible and wildlife viewing is more predictable. However, due to the rainforest ecosystem, rain is possible any time, so always come prepared.
Uganda Horizon Safaris partners with comfortable lodges and eco-friendly camps near Semuliki National Park, including Semuliki Safari Lodge, Ntoroko Game Lodge, and budget-friendly community campsites that support local conservation efforts.
Semuliki National Park is one of Uganda’s most magical and least explored destinations. At Uganda Horizon Safaris, we believe that travel should be meaningful, personal, and unforgettable. That’s why we go beyond the ordinary to offer tailor-made safaris, expert guiding, and authentic experiences in Semuliki and beyond.
Let us guide you through Uganda’s secret rainforest, where nature still whispers ancient stories, and every trail reveals something extraordinary.
Semuliki is calling—answer it with Uganda Horizon Safaris.
