Semuliki national park is located in western region of Uganda on the border with Democratic Republic of Congo and covers an area of approximately 220km sq. It’s also called birders heaven due to the fact that it is home to 441bird species that have been recorded, these make up 40% of Uganda’s total species and 66% of the forest birds found in Uganda there are also many birds in this area that are normally found in the Congo region of Africa since the park is an extension of the great Ituri Forest. The Park is also bordered by Lake Albert to the north and Rwenzori Mountains to the southeast. There are two rivers in the park, namely River Lamia and River Semuliki. River Semuliki is a 160 kilometers long muddy forest river and is one of the many water bodies that supply water to the Nile River. The Park was initially gazzeted as a forest reserve in in 1932 and all tree species found in Central Africa can be found within this park.
DAY 1
Early Morning
TRANSFER FROM KAMPALA TO SEMULIKI NATIONAL PARK
Our driver guide will pick you from Entebbe airport or any other collection point agreed upon by the guest and our tour manager, he will brief you about the trip details and expectations and also help you to make sure you have all the necessary documentation such as I.D card or passport, after the briefing and
packing all the necessary gear you will be driven through Kampala city towards our main destination that is Semuliki National Park. Kampala city is the Capital city of Uganda and is home to a population of more than a million people from different ethnic backgrounds although the dominant ethnic group is the Baganda people of central Uganda, Luganda is the most widely spoken language alongside other languages like Kiswahili and English which are spoken to a certain extent. The city is made up of seven hills with the most prominent being Mengo hill which used to be administrative capital of the Baganda people and the seat of power for the Buganda king known as the Kabaka. Although the monarchy is well
established and the subjects of the king are loyal, the Kabaka doesn’t partake in partisan politics but remains a source of inspiration and great cultural importance to his subjects. The people of Buganda are known for their hospitality and warm reception towards all visitors.
We say goodbye to Kampala as we hit the up-country roads that are filled with beautiful features and villages, so be sure to see vast banana plantations, roadside markets, Fish vendors, Roadside food sellers, African Fruit markets, herds of indigenous cattle being led by nomadic pastoralists and many others. Be
steady with your camera in hand ready to snap away at these wonderful sights of the Ugandan Countryside as you are being driven to Semuliki National Park.
We shall pass through a town called Mubende and then to Fort Portal town where we shall stopover for lunch and refreshments. Fort Portal is found in western Uganda and is home to the Toro people of Uganda. The Toro people are friendly and welcoming and mainly speak the Rutooro language and are subjects of the Toro King who is referred to as Omukama, He is the monarchial head of the Toro kingdom which is one of the oldest monarchies in Uganda. The town was named after Sir Gerald Portal who was the British Consul General of Zanzibar in the 1800’s and is home to the Rwenzori Mountains. After we have had our lunch we hop back into our tour 4×4 and head to our target destination.
Arrival and Check-in at Semuliki Safari Lodge.
When you see the Rwenzori Mountain ranges on the horizon, know that we are almost reaching the Birder’s heaven that is Semuliki National Park, after a short drive you will arrive at the Sempaya gate which is a Park Entry point where you will be welcomed by the park staff as you are led to your accommodation lodge.
Day 2
Early Morning to Mid-Morning
Spotting Forest Birds and Jungle trek to the Sempaya Hot springs
Wake up to the beautiful bird chirps and the brilliant African sunrise and have an early morning breakfast as we start our birding adventure, be ready with open cameras and binoculars as you set off for birding in the park. A ranger will brief you on what to expect as well as tips on how to spot rare birds before we start our walk through the forest. We embark on the Forest Walk along the Sempaya Nature Trail which is filled with forest birds and wild butterflies.
You will notice that the ranger(s) accompanying are equipped with tools to cut down overgrown vegetation as you walk through the forest.
Below is a list of Forest birds that can be seen during this Forest walk.
Blue Headed Crested Fly Catcher Sassi’s Olive Green bill
Capuchin Babbler White Tailed Hornbill
Dwarf Honey Guide Black Wattled Hornbill
Forest Ground thrush Long tailed Hawk
Orange weaver Lyre tailed Honey Guide
Purple Breasted Sunbird Nkulengu Rail
We walk through the forest and continue our trek to the Sempaya Hot Springs, you are expected to see birds like yellow breasted Apalis, brown backed scrub-Robin, African grey hornbill among others. Upon reaching the Hot springs a group of local tribesmen will perform a cultural dance ceremony for your viewing pleasure.
The Hot springs are made up of the male spring named Bitende measuring 12 meters in diameter, set in a lush swampy clearing and the female spring named Nyasimbi which is a geyser that spurts out hot water at 103 degrees Celsius. You will be fascinated by the locals’ stories about the formation of the Hot springs
which are more interesting than the actual scientific explanations of the Hot spring formation. We shall conduct an experiment to estimate the temperature of the water in which we shall immerse a couple of raw chicken eggs into the hot spring water and find out how long it shall take for them to boil.
After the wonderful experience at the Sempaya Hot springs you will return to the Lodge to a Camp fire setting as you enjoy the African sunset. You will also be entertained by cultural dancers from the Batwa pigmy tribe whose people have lived in these jungles for thousands of years.
DAY 3
Transfer Back to Kampala.
After you have your breakfast, you will check out of the lodge, say your goodbyes to the friendly park staff and hop into our tour 4×4 for transfer back to Kampala or Entebbe International Airport or any other location within Kampala or Entebbe that you may want to be transferred to. We wish you a safe journey and an exciting safari.