A visit to Semuliki National Park gives you a chance to explore animals, birds, plants, water sources, and other natural attractions. You can enjoy this experience through game drives or nature walks. Game drives are done in the morning and late afternoon, which is convenient even for tourists who arrive late. During the drive, you will pass through different areas such as the Ituri forest, Sempaya hot springs, and the savannah plains of the park.
Many visitors prefer game drives because they are comfortable and protect you from the hot sun or sudden rain. Safari vehicles often have charging ports, WiFi, and mini fridges, allowing you to stay connected and enjoy a cold drink during the tour.
Nature walks are another way to discover the park. Guided by a ranger, you can walk close to different plants and animals. Garden gloves are recommended for touching some plants since a few may be harmful. The park is home to about 53 mammal species, including African elephants, forest buffaloes, Uganda kobs, warthogs, leopards, bushbabies, snakes and pygmy flying squirrels.
The park also has many primates such as colobus monkeys, baboons, vervet monkeys, red-tailed monkeys, mona monkeys, blue monkeys, and chimpanzees. These are often seen during the wet season when food like fruits, insects, and leaves is in plenty. Bird lovers can look out for species such as the yellow-throated cuckoo, African piculet, black-casqued hornbill, and regal sunbird.
The best time to visit is during the dry months of June to September and December to February. During this time, the park is easy to access and visibility is clear because of short vegetation. However, you can also visit in the wet season from March to May and October to November. Some activities may be cancelled due to flooding, but lodge prices and park entry fees are usually lower.
Accommodation options around the park include Ntoroko Game Lodge, Semuliki Safari Lodge, Nyati Game Lodge, UWA bandas and campsites, Hotel Vanilla, and others.
