Semuliki National Park is a great Uganda safari spot located in Bundibugyo district, western Uganda. It is an eastern extension of the vast Ituri forest, and forms part of the forest continuum during the climatic upheavals of the Pleistocene period. It forms one of the richest areas for both wildlife and game safari in Africa particularly birds.
Semuliki Reserve
Semuliki Wildlife Reserve is Uganda’s oldest wild life reserve formerly known as the Toro Game reserve which was gazetted in 1932.This large reserve abutting Lake Albert and the northern base of the Rwenzori is a rich mosaic of grassland, savannah, forest and wetland habitats. Semuliki is a 545km sq sanctuary lying in western Ugandan, to the northeast of the Bundibugyo road extending to Ntoroko on the southern shores of Lake Albert.
Things to do in Semliki National park
Game Drives
Game drives in the Uganda wildlife reserve can be very interesting. You will be able to appreciate the vast fauna in Semliki during your game drive. Here you will also be able to see the Mugiri River Forest, the best tourism destination in Uganda for viewing different tree species, including the elusive leaf–love and many other local species. When you drive through the open plains you will see a fascinating variety of raptors and the Abyssinian hornbill.
Guided Walks
Guided forest walks will offer you the chance to see more than 40 chimps that are residents of the Mugiri forest, these chimps are being habituated. You also stand a chance of encountering the localized forest race of elephant.
Boat Trips
You can organize a Boat trip on Lake Albert through the Semuliki Safari Lodge or with the local fishermen around, this is a worthwhile activity.
How to get to Semuliki National Park
Following the road Fort Portal, there is a turn-off to the Semuliki Valley and it is two (2) hours drive on a murram road to Sempaya gate (52kms) and a 4WD vehicle is recommended. The drive to Sempaya takes one through a winding road through the lower ranges of Rwenzori Mountains where at several places one can view the rift valley floor where the Semuliki flats and Toro-Semuliki Wildlife Reserve are located. There is a 40 km long road that connects Karugutu to Ntoroko on Lake Albert, this runs right to the heart of the game reserve.
Where to stay
Semuliki Safari Lodge is one of the most luxurious bush retreats in Uganda built on the site of an older hunting lodge. Ntoroko Safari Lodge of recent has been opened up in Semuliki for premium services especially to middle class visitors. Uganda Wildlife Authority also runs and operates a campsite located about 500m from the village on a sandbank overlooking Lake Albert.