SEMULIKI NATIONAL PARK TOUR UGANDA

Semuliki national park is an eastern extension of the VAST Ituri forest and forms part of the climatic upheavals of the Pleistocene; this is one of the richest areas for both flora and fauna in Africa. (Especially for birds) Semuliki national park is situated in the remote corner of extreme west of Uganda, in bundibugyo district. It lies on Uganda Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) border within the western arm of the eastern African rift valley. The geographical coordinates are 0 44’ – 0 53’ N – 29 57 – 30 11’E. To the southeast are the Rwenzori mountains, to the west is DRC and to the north lake Albert.

Semuliki national park (220 km2) gazetted in October 1993, is now of Uganda’s newest national parks. The park occupies a flat to gently undulating landform ranging from 670 760 meters above sea level. As all streams and rivers from the surrounding areas era flooded drian into the park plus the poor drainage and topography, many areas are flooded during the rainy season. The average annual rainfall is 1250mm with peaks from March to May and September and December. The temperature varies from 18 c 30 c with relatively small daily variations.

It is both the only lowland tropical rain forest and jungle in east Africa and has also been classified as the most semi-deciduous. There are 305 tree species recorded of which 125 species are restricted in semuliki national park, in the eastern part of their rang, or are shared with only one or two neighboring forests; e.g. Isolana, Nesogordonia, Kabingaesism, Ejacis guineesis etc. Three tree species in semuliki are considered to be endangered; Milleni excelsu, Cordia millenii and Lovoa surymertonii. Forest department survey determined that, compared to other forest parks in Uganda, semuliki national park are of exceptional diversity for small mammals, birds and butterflies. Fauna recorded include 400 bird species (about 60% of Uganda’s total), some of which can’t be found else where in East Africa including some of the continents most spectacular and sought after birds such as Horn Bill, Iyre tailed honey guide. So bird watchers can take the opportunity in semuliki national park; 63 species of mammals, 9 Species of which are diurnal forest primates (chimpanzees, Mona monkey, blue monkey, vervet monkeys and olive baboons) while nocturnal primates include potos and galagos. 8 species of mammals occur no where else in East Africa; Mona monkey, Forest buffalo, Bay duiker, bee croft’s flying squirrel, pigmy squirrel, little collared fruit bat, water chevrotain and target rat. 30 species of butterflies have been identified including 46 species of forest swallowtails and charaxes (75% of Uganda’s total) plus at least 235 species of moth are classified as restricted. The wide range of species is attributed not only to the forests location, but also to the varied habitats, forest swamp grassland, bush land and extensive woodland. This unique Hot springs habitat is believed to support a number of endemic species e.g. the recently discovered Bwamba mosquito.

The local people
There are four ethnic groups living around the park. The Bamba and Bakonjo are found in the valley floor and mountain slopes respectively and both are agriculturalist depending on coffee, cocoa, and crops i.e. matooke, rice, potatoes etc.
The Batuku who occupy the rift valley floor, north of the park are pastoralists who depend entirely on cattle products which they trade in with their neighbors (in both Uganda and Congo). The batwa (pigmies) are hunter-gatherer, Ituri ethnic group who historically depended and still depends on Semuliki forest; their lifestyle is now changing to interaction with other local communities plus the impact of tourism. In 1993, a seventh Adventist church development arm (ADRA) convinced the Batwa and resettled them near Ntandi in a bid to integrate them into local cultural and agricultural life, but the project failed. The Batwa now spend part of their time in their new homes and other in their traditional home (forest). All in all, they now live both by hunting-gathering assistance from local communities and contributions from tourists who go to interact with them. But surely you will enjoy the hospitality of the local people around in all walks of life, markets, hotels, and bars and even along the road.

Tourist activities at the park
Fantastic scenery, hot springs, forest jungle walk, birding, primate viewing and river semuliki meanders are some of the ideal attractions. Surely, you don’t have to miss but get off the regular tourists circuit and spend three to five days camping and hiking in the only real jungle in east Africa.

Did you know that a trip to semuliki has the most marvelous and breathtaking views? Come and experience the most thrilling meandering bundibugyo road through the Rwenzori escarpment. At ´´Mungu Ni Mukubwa`` while in the mountains, the road offers scenic views of the meandering semuliki river, fuming hot springs and the tropical rain forest extending to Ituri forest in Congo. A stepping-stone to central Africa, unforgettable views.

Two hot springs situated in a tract of hot mineral encrusted swampland, rich in visible modern trail network. Come and see a two-meter jet of hot water (1300C) and a pool
(12m diameter) of coozing boiling water (1060C). You can boil food especially eggs in the natural boiler within ten minutes and enjoy it.

Jungle life in semuliki is breathtaking especially for birds, primates, and butterfly and plant lovers. The jungle walk usually takes you up to the river semuliki meanders, buffaloes and elephants, statungas, leopards, pigmy hippos, crocodile primates and a wide range of forest and water birds. You can also come with fishing facilities for sport fishing along the river.

Travel information, Semuliki
You can travel to semuliki national park by road. There are two major roads from Kampala the capital of Uganda: Kampala - fort portal via Mubende is about 180km. (4-5 hr drive) while Kampala via fort portal via Masaka, Mbarara, and Kasese is about 465km (7-8 hr drive). In both routes 2 wheel drive vehicles can be used.

While the Kampala – fort portal via Mubende is much shorter, the Kampala – fort portal via Masaka, Mbarara and Kasese gives the opportunity to visit lake Mburo national park, Kyambura wildlife reserve, Rwenzori mountain national park and Queen Elizabeth national park

Accommodation Semuliki National Park
The park has limited accommodation, however there are number if luxurious accommodation facilities in fort portal bundibugyo.

There is a campsite being developed inside the part at Bumaga, about 3km from sempaya gate. You will be able to spend a night in one of the two executive bandas, hire tent or come with your own for camping.

Another campsite to be run by private organization is located in sempaya gate. There shall be small thatched shelters for cooking and eating. Cooking utensils will be for hire, but you must bring your own tent and food.

The canteen at the site is reasonably stocked with both African and European food and beverages but preparation of meals shall be on order. There is also provision for one to bring and prepare his or her food at the site. Cooking utensils shall also be provided for hire.