Semuliki National Park is Uganda’s newest and smallest national park. It holds stunning beauty and many attractions. The park’s most famous feature is the Sempaya Hot Springs.
Hot springs bubble from deep underground, showing the powerful forces shaping the rift valley. These forces have worked for 14 million years.
The park spreads across the Semliki Valley floor on the western side of the Rwenzori Mountains. Dense forest dominates the area, stretching from the Ituri Forest of the Congo Basin.
This forest is one of Africa’s oldest and most diverse. It survived the last ice age between 12,000 and 18,000 years ago.
Semuliki River forms the boundary between Uganda and the Democratic Republic of Congo. The river is like a small version of the great Congo River.
The forest shelters many Central African wildlife species. The Batwa pygmy community, originally from Ituri, also lives here. Visitors enjoy a taste of Central Africa without leaving Uganda.
After watching the hot springs shoot steam into the sky, hikers explore the forest trails. These walks reveal many birds and animals. Visitors often spot flying squirrels, red-tailed monkeys, pygmy antelope, and the rare shoebill stork.
Attractions at Semuliki National Park
Sempaya Hot Springs
The Sempaya Hot Springs are the most famous attraction in Semuliki National Park. The “male” spring is called Bintente. The “female” spring is called Nyasimbi, meaning “female ancestors.”
Nyasimbi is a boiling geyser that shoots water and steam up to two meters high. People can see the steam cloud from as far as two kilometers away.
In the past, locals cooked food in these hot pools. Today, visitors marvel at the springs’ power and beauty.
The Sempaya–Ntandi Road stretches for six kilometers through lovely forest. It offers great views of birds and monkeys high in the trees.
Along this road, visitors enjoy birding walks and guided night hikes deep into the forest.
Bird Watching in Semuliki
Semuliki National Park hosts about 435 bird species. It is a bird watcher’s dream.
You may spot the Dwarf Honeyguide and Purple-breasted Sunbird. These colorful birds are a delight for nature lovers.
Rare birds with limited ranges also live here. Watch for the White-tailed Hornbill, Capuchin Babbler, and Blue-headed Crested Flycatcher.
The bright orange weaver is another special bird to look out for during forest walks.
Semuliki River
The Semuliki River winds its way across the valley floor. Visitors enjoy roadside viewpoints to watch its slow movement.
Hiking trails lead to the riverbanks, rich with birdlife and forest sounds.
The river collects runoff from the Rwenzori Mountains. It then flows to Lake Albert and feeds the Nile.
Ancient geographers once claimed the Nile starts from snow-capped mountains in Africa. The Semuliki River proves they were right.
Broad and muddy, the river looks like a smaller Congo River. Its banks are fringed with thick forests.
The river is home to hippos and crocodiles. Visitors may spot these creatures while walking along the banks.
Why Visit Semuliki National Park?
Semuliki National Park offers a rare mix of nature, wildlife, and cultural history.
It feels like a piece of Central Africa tucked within Uganda’s borders. The ancient forest and bubbling springs create a magical setting.
Bird lovers find it one of the best places in Uganda to watch rare species.
Animal lovers enjoy the chance to see primates, antelope, and large water animals along the river.
For those seeking nature walks, Semuliki’s forest trails provide peaceful paths shaded by tall trees.
The hot springs, boiling and steaming, leave a strong impression on every visitor.