Semuliki National Park is found in western Uganda and is known for its rich biodiversity. It is a good place for tourists who want to enjoy activities such as game drives, nature walks, and cultural encounters. Below are some key facts about the park.
Newly formed national park
Unlike most national parks in Uganda that were created long ago, Semuliki was first established as a game reserve in 1932 and later upgraded to a national park in 1996. This makes it one of the newest national parks in the country. The park has a wide range of wildlife, including mammals, birds, reptiles, and primates, which can be seen during game drives or nature walks.
Floods during the wet season
During the rainy season, many areas in the park flood, which can affect activities. For this reason, visitors are often advised to plan their trips in the dry season, even if costs may be higher. Rain in Semuliki can last all day or fall heavily for long hours. Visitors should pack essentials such as a rain jacket, waterproof bags, and warm clothes.
Semuliki is both savanna and forest
The park has both savanna grasslands and tropical forest. It is part of the Ituri Forest, which extends into the Democratic Republic of Congo. This attracts many bird species and primates such as vervet monkeys, chimpanzees, mona monkeys, and blue monkeys. The forest is considered one of the ancient forests that survived the Ice Age, around 12,000 to 18,000 years ago, when many African forests disappeared.
Hosts the Sempaya hot springs
Semuliki is also home to the famous Sempaya Hot Springs. These were formed by geothermal activity and produce boiling water hot enough to cook eggs, cassava, and matooke. Visitors are advised to be very careful near the hot springs.
Locals, however, see them as sacred and use them for cleansing, blessings, marriage rituals, and prayers for safe childbirth. They believe the springs represent a male and female couple that got lost in the forest and turned into hot springs.
Semuliki National Park is a place where visitors can discover both natural wonders and ancient cultural traditions.
