Semuliki National Park

Semuliki National Park (220 km²) protects the Ugandan portion of the lowland rainforest of the eastern Ituri Forest, one of Africa's most ancient and biodiverse ecosystems. Located in the Semuliki Valley between the Rwenzori Mountains and Lake Albert, the park is dominated by the Semuliki River, which forms the border with the DRC. The park is famous for its Sempaya Hot Springs, where boiling water erupts from the ground.

Semuliki offers a different experience from Uganda's other parks — it has a distinctly Central African character, with bird species and mammals found nowhere else in East Africa. Over 440 bird species have been recorded, including several endemic to the Congo Basin.

By Plane

The nearest airstrip is in Bundibugyo or chartered flights to Semuliki from Entebbe.

By Train

There is no passenger train service to Semuliki.

By Car / Road

From Kampala, the drive is 5–6 hours via Fort Portal and Bundibugyo. A 4x4 vehicle is recommended, especially in the rainy season.

Walking tours with UWA guides. The park has a network of trails including to the hot springs. Game drives are limited.

• Sempaya Hot Springs — Two hot springs: the male spring (bitende) and the female spring (nyasimbi), with water reaching over 100°C

• Semuliki River — The river forming the park's western boundary with the DRC

• Kirumia Trail — A 13 km hiking trail through the forest offering excellent birding and primate sightings

• Ituri Forest ecosystem — Ancient lowland rainforest, a relic of the last ice age

• Guided walk to the Sempaya Hot Springs (1–2 hours)

• The Kirumia Trail guided walk (half-day, good for birdwatchers)

• Birdwatching — the park is one of Uganda's top birding destinations

• Primate viewing — chimpanzees, red-tailed monkeys, grey-cheeked mangabey

Meals provided by UWA facilities and lodges near the park. Packed lunches for the trail.

Bottled water is recommended. Local bars near the park serve Nile Special and Club beer.

• Budget: UWA campsite (from US$10) and Semuliki UWA bandas (from US$20)
• Mid-range: Semuliki Safari Lodge (from US$60) and Hot Springs Resort (from US$40)

Basic supplies available in Bundibugyo. Stock up on snacks and water before entering the park.

• Fort Portal (80 km east, 2 hrs) — Crater lakes and Kibale
• Bundibugyo (10 km south) — District town
• Rwenzori Mountains National Park (100 km east, 3 hrs)
• Queen Elizabeth National Park (120 km south, 3 hrs)
• DRC border (across the Semuliki River into Ituri Province)