semliki national park

Remote and little known, Semliki is one of Uganda’s hidden gems — a destination for families, couples, solo travellers and groups alike. It protects the only true lowland tropical rainforest in East Africa, an extension of the great Ituri forest of the Congo Basin, and rewards visitors with the famous Sempaya hot springs, exceptional birdlife, elusive wildlife, and peaceful forest nature walks.

Sempaya Hot SpringsThe park’s signature attraction, the Sempaya hot springs, see groundwater bubble to the surface hot enough to boil an egg or a potato in about fifteen minutes. Steam rises dramatically from the “male” and “female” springs, and local folklore tells a captivating story of how they came to be.

Diverse WildlifeSemliki is one of Uganda’s most biodiverse parks. Beyond its mammals, it shelters unique tree species and a remarkable array of reptiles and amphibians of special interest, reflecting its deep Congolese forest heritage.

Scenic Game DrivesGame drives in the more open savannah-grassland sections of the park and its surrounds give visitors the chance to encounter a good share of its wildlife in beautiful, uncrowded surroundings.

Hiking TrailsSeveral kilometres of trails cater to easy, moderate and more demanding walks, among them the Sempaya Nature Trail, the Kirumia Trail and the Red Monkey Track — each offering its own window into the forest.

BirdingSemliki is a legendary birding destination, with Congo-Basin specials found almost nowhere else in East Africa. Sought-after sightings include the yellow-throated nicator, Ross’s turaco, white-crested hornbill and piping hornbill.

Chimpanzee TrekkingAn under-the-radar highlight, chimpanzee trekking in Semliki suits travellers who value seclusion and small crowds, following our closest relatives through genuinely wild lowland forest.

More Information About Semliki National ParkSet on the floor of the Semliki Valley between about 670 and 760 m above sea level, the park covers roughly 220 km². First protected as a forest reserve in 1932, it was upgraded to a national park in 1993. As the only remaining tract of true lowland tropical rainforest in the region, it supports around 79 mammal species and more than 440 birds — some 40% of Uganda’s total bird list.

Where to StaySemliki Safari Lodge, Nyati Game Lodge and Ntoroko Game Lodge, offering en-suite rooms, fine views and private decks.

How to Get ThereBy air: Charter flights run from Kajjansi Airfield in Kampala to the Kasese or Fort Portal airstrips, followed by a road transfer to the park.By road: The shortest route is Kampala–Mityana–Mubende–Fort Portal, then 59 km to the park headquarters at Ntandi. An alternative runs via Kampala–Masaka–Mbarara–Kasese, then on to Fort Portal and the park.