How do I get to Semuliki National Park?

Semuliki is reached via Fort Portal, about 4 to 5 hours from Kampala. From Fort Portal it is another 1 to 2 hours to the park entrance. The drive passes through beautiful scenery including tea plantations and the Rwenzori foothills.

What are the Sempaya Hot Springs?

The Sempaya Hot Springs are two geothermal springs deep in the Semuliki forest. The larger 'female spring' erupts boiling water into a pool surrounded by lush vegetation. Local communities traditionally use the springs for cooking — visitors can watch eggs being boiled in the natural hot water.

Is Semuliki good for birdwatching?

Semuliki is one of Africa's top birding destinations with over 435 species recorded, including 35 Congo Basin specialists found nowhere else in East Africa. Species like the Congo serpent eagle, Nkulengu rail and Lyre-tailed honeyguide draw birders from around the world.

Semuliki National Park

East Africa's only true lowland tropical rainforest — ancient trees, hot springs and Congo Basin wildlife in western Uganda.

Semuliki National Park is unlike anywhere else in East Africa. Located in the western Rift Valley floor in Bundibugyo District, the park protects 220 square kilometers of ancient lowland tropical rainforest that is ecologically more connected to Central Africa's Congo Basin than to the rest of Uganda. This is one of the oldest forests on the continent — it survived the Ice Age and shelters species found nowhere else in East Africa. The park's Sempaya Hot Springs, where boiling water erupts from the forest floor, offer a dramatic reminder of the Rift Valley's volcanic activity.

Why Visit Semuliki National Park

Walk through an ancient Congo Basin rainforest — the only lowland tropical forest in East Africa.
See the Sempaya Hot Springs where boiling water erupts from the ground amid lush tropical forest.
Spot 35 bird species found nowhere else in East Africa — Semuliki is one of Africa's premier birding destinations.
Experience the cultures of four indigenous communities: Batwa, Bakonjo, Bwamba and Batuku.

What to See

•Sempaya Hot Springs — boiling geothermal springs (male and female springs) deep in the forest.
•Over 435 bird species including 35 Guinea-Congo forest specialists found nowhere else in East Africa.
•Forest elephants, chimpanzees, hippos, crocodiles and 300+ butterfly species.
•Ancient tropical forest trees — some of the oldest living vegetation on the African continent.

Best Time to Visit

Semuliki can be visited year-round. The drier months of June to September and December to February offer the most comfortable conditions. Birding is excellent year-round, with migrant species adding variety from November to April.

How Misty Gorilla Expeditions Can Help

We organize visits to Semuliki as part of western Uganda itineraries, combining the park with the Rwenzori Mountains, Fort Portal and Kibale for a comprehensive off-the-beaten-path experience. We arrange guides, transport and accommodation in nearby Bundibugyo or Fort Portal.

Plan Your Visit

Experience Semuliki National Park With Our Safaris

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