Semliki Valley

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.

Semliki national park has 53 species of mammals recorded many of which are shy, rare and nocturnal. These are some of the mammals in the park; Olive baboon, Vervet, red-tailed and blue monkeys, Guereza colobus. Debrazza’s monkeys are rare and chimpanzees occasionally heard but seldom seen. There are also chances of seeing Buffalos, Elephants, White-bellied Duiker or dwarf antelope, Zenker’s flying mouse, and many others.

BIRDING 400 species have been recorded in the park, a large number of predominantly central African species reach the eastern limit of their distribution here and cannot be found anywhere else in East Africa. The area around the hot springs at Sempaya is not only very scenic but also offers some great birding. The key species here include Spot-breasted Ibis, Hartlaub’s Duck, Chestnut-Flanked Goshawk, Red-thighed Sparrowhawk, Long-tailed Hawk, Nkulengu Rail, White-crested, Black Dwarf, Red-billed Dwarf, piping and Wattled Hornbills, African Piculet, Red-sided Broadbill, Gabon Woodpecker to mention but a few.

Where to stay

You can stay in Bundibugyo town or Fort portal and drive to the park every morning. There is a camp site being developed inside the Park at Bumaga, about 3 km. From Sempaya Gate. You will be able to spend a night in one of the two Executive bandas, hire a tent or come with your own tent for camping.

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/her own food at the site. Cooking utensils shall also be available for hire.

SEMLIKI VALLEY WILDLIFE RESERVE

Semliki valley Wildlife Reserve is located in the west, near Fort Portal.

It was established in 1913 gazzetted in 1929 and was the first protected area in Uganda.

Formerly called the Toro Game Reserve, this large reserve abutting Lake Albert and the northern base of the Rwenzoris is a rich mosaic of grassland, savannah, forest and wetland habitats.

The fauna is correspondingly diverse: Uganda kob is the commonest large mammal, but there are also forest elephant, chimpanzees, buffalo, leopard and various monkeys and antelope.

Of the 400 bird species recorded, the shoebill stork is regularly seen at close quarters on Lake Albert. Some of the birds in the reserve include the Shoebill, African pygmy Goose, Red-necked Falcon, Black-billed Barbet, Black-chinned Quail-finch.