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SIZE:
220 sq km
LOCATION:
In the west, about 50km from Fort Portal.
Semuliki National Park is an eastern
extension of the vast Ituri Forest and forms
part of the forest continuum during 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 East
African Rift Valley. The geographical
coordinates are 0o 44'- 00 53' N - 290
57-30o 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 one of Uganda's newest
National Parks. The Park occupies a flat to
gently undulating landform ranging from 670
-760 metres above level. As all streams and
rivers from the surrounding areas are
flooded drain into the Park plus the poor
drainage and topography, many areas are
flooded during the rainy season. The average
annual rainfall is 1250 mm with peaks from
March to May and September and December. The
temperature varies from 18o C - 30o C with
relatively small daily variations.
What to do
Fantastic scenery, Hotsprings, 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 marvel and breathtaking views? Come and
experience the most thrilling meandering
Bundibugyo road through the Rwenzori
escarpments. At 'Mungu Ni Mukubwa' while in
the mountains, the road offers scenic views
of the meandering Semuliki River, fuming
Hotsprings and the tropical rain forest
extending up to Ituri forest in DRC. A
stepping stone to Central Africa,
unforgettable views.
Two Hotsprings situated in a tract of hot
mineral encrusted swampland, rich in visible
bird, insect and mammal life accessed by
modern trail network. Come and see a two
meters jet of hot water (130oC) and a pool
(12 m diameter) of oozing boiling water
(106oC). You can boil food especially eggs
in the natural boiler within ten minutes and
enjoy it.
Jungle life in Semuliki is breathtaking
especially for birders, primate, butterfly
and plant lovers. The jungle walk usually
takes you up to River Semuliki meanders, the
only one in East Africa with luck, you may
see forest buffaloes and elephants,
statungas, leopards, pigmy hippopotamus,
crocodile primates and a wide range of
forest and water birds. You can also come
with fishing facilities for sport fishing
along the river. |
