August in Semuliki National Park comes with a mix of sunshine and rain, placing it in the wet season. The rains support many forms of wildlife, especially those that thrive in the forest.
The park is home to 53 species of mammals, including 27 large ones and 11 that are unique to this area, such as pygmy antelopes and two species of flying squirrels. Other animals you may see include forest elephants, forest buffaloes, fanged deer, chimpanzees, baboons, grey-cheeked mangabeys, black-and-white colobus monkeys, Central African red colobus monkeys, blue monkeys, De Brazza’s monkeys, vervet monkeys, Dent’s mona monkeys, bush babies, pottos, hippos, and crocodiles.
Bird lovers can also enjoy the park in August. Some of the species found here include the shoebill stork, swamp palm bulbul, lemon-bellied crombec, black dwarf hornbill, African piculet, chestnut-breasted negrofinch, red-bellied dwarf hornbill, blue-bellied malimbe, Ross’s turaco, and the orange-cheeked waxbill, along with many others.
At the start of August, several activities are possible, and visitors can enjoy the park with ease. Towards the end of the month, however, heavy rains often flood parts of the park, making some areas harder to access. In such cases, it is best to wait at your lodge until the rain stops, though some planned activities may be canceled.
Semuliki National Park can be visited throughout the year at affordable prices. The wet season usually comes with lower costs for accommodation and park activities, making it a good time for budget travelers. Popular trails include the Sempaya Nature Trail, the shortest at 8 km, which leads to the male and female Sempaya Hot Springs where the water is hot enough to cook an egg.
Another trail is the Red Monkey Track, about 11 km long, which is rich in primates and especially known for sightings of the red colobus monkey. The Kirumia Trail is also open for hiking, taking visitors through areas full of birds, butterflies, and other wildlife, offering a longer and more adventurous walk.
