Semuliki is where the forests of the Congo basin spill over into Uganda. The park covers about 220 km² of lowland forest in the Semliki valley, below the western flank of the Rwenzori, and was made a national park in 1993. It feels different from the rest of the country: hotter, flatter and more humid, with birds and plants you will not find elsewhere in East Africa.
Most visitors come for the Sempaya hot springs, a boiling pool and a steaming swamp set in the forest, and for the birding, with more than 440 species recorded. It is an easy day trip from Fort Portal and a satisfying addition for anyone with a real interest in forests or birds.
Semuliki is a birder’s park, with more than 440 species including Congo specials such as the Nkulengu rail, Sassi’s olive greenbul, the lyre-tailed honeyguide and a whole set of hornbills, among them the black-casqued wattled and white-crested hornbills. Primates include red-tailed and De Brazza’s monkeys, grey-cheeked mangabeys and black-and-white colobus, while forest elephants, forest buffalo and water chevrotain live here but are rarely seen.
Chance of seeing
Our estimate for a stay of two or three nights with a good guide. Wildlife is wild, so nothing is promised.
The park lies on the flat floor of the Semliki valley, with the Rwenzori rising steeply to the east and the Congo border along the river to the west. It is lowland forest of tall ironwood and buttressed trees, broken by swampy clearings and the steaming grounds of the hot springs.
Activities here
Being low and close to the Congo basin, Semuliki is warm and humid, with daytime temperatures often around 25 to 30°C. Rain falls through much of the year, with the heaviest showers from March to May and September to November.
| Month | Day °C | Night °C | Rain mm |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 30 | 18 | 50 |
| Feb | 31 | 19 | 70 |
| Mar | 30 | 19 | 120 |
| Apr | 29 | 19 | 150 |
| May | 29 | 19 | 140 |
| Jun | 29 | 18 | 80 |
| Jul | 29 | 18 | 70 |
| Aug | 29 | 18 | 120 |
| Sep | 29 | 18 | 150 |
| Oct | 29 | 18 | 170 |
| Nov | 29 | 18 | 140 |
| Dec | 29 | 18 | 80 |
Approximate long-term averages. Higher ground is cooler, and forests can rain in any month.
The drier months are June to August and December to February. Trails are easier underfoot, the hot springs are simpler to reach and early mornings in the forest are the best time for birds. It is still hot and humid, with the odd heavy shower.
March to May and September to November bring frequent downpours and very humid air. Forest trails, especially the long Kirumia trail, become muddy and some sections can flood, but the forest is at its greenest and bird activity is high after rain.
The drier months, June to September and December to February, give firmer trails and more comfortable walking. Birding is good all year, and many forest species are breeding and calling during the rains.
Best time to visit Jan to Feb, Jun to Sep
Semuliki is about 1 to 1.5 hours by road from Fort Portal, on the road towards Bundibugyo. From Kampala, allow about 6 to 7 hours, usually broken with a night at Fort Portal.
A visa is needed for Uganda and can be applied for online before you travel. The East Africa Tourist Visa covers Uganda, Rwanda and Kenya. Park fees are included in our safaris. Please see the Uganda page for details.
Semuliki is hot and humid. A yellow fever certificate is needed to enter Uganda, so please carry it with your passport. Malaria is present, so antimalarials are advised. Forest walks are on flat but sometimes muddy ground, so wear sturdy shoes and bring insect repellent.
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“Come early for birds”
We try to have our birding guests at the forest edge soon after dawn, when hornbills are calling and the canopy is busy. Later in the day the heat settles in and things go quiet. For everyone else, the springs are best in the cool of the morning too, before the steam becomes one more thing to sweat through. We usually pair Semuliki with a night or two around Fort Portal's crater lakes.
Safaris from
US$2,312 per person
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