The magnificently scenic Semliki valley lies at the Albertine Rift to the west of fort portal, where it is hemmed in by the Rwenzori foothills south, Lake Albert to the north, and the Semliki River along the border with the DRC. The northern Rwenzori foothills divide the Semliki Valley into two geographically discrete and ecologically divergent sectors. In the northeast of the mountains to the southern shores of Lake Albert lies the Semliki wildlife Reserve.
Semliki National Park is also an exceptionally exciting destination for bird and primate watchers. The 441 recorded bird species include 216 forest birds and 80 central African species found in few, if any, other forest in east Africa. Black Dwarf Hornbill, shining blue kingsher, Nicator is just a few random highlights cited by the park’s experienced guides. In addition, an astonishing 5 species of primate more even than Kibale can be found within 6 km of the primeval hot springs that bubble out of the rift valley floor at Sempaya.
Getting there
There are two major roads from Kampala to Fort Portal, 4WD vehicles are recommended for both:
Kampala-Fort Portal via Mubende is about 180km, or a 4-5 hour drive, making it the shortest route.
Kampala-Fort Portal via Masaka, Mbarara and Kasese is longer at 465km (7-8 hrs.). This route offers the chance to stop along the way at Lake Mburo National Park, Kyambura Wildlife Reserve, Rwenzori Mountains National Park or Queen Elizabeth National Park.
Semliki National Park’s Sempaya Gate is 59km from Fort Portal. The park headquarters at Ntandi is 6km further along the road. Historically, the journey was a slow and bumpy 2-3 hour drive on a narrow road that winds over the northern Rwenzori. The route is currently being widened and surfaced to make the journey shorter and more comfortable.
Park activities
Birding in Semliki
Birders who make it to Semliki will be rewarded with some of Africa’s best forest birding. Sempaya and Ntandi provide excellent viewing of the birds including the White-crested Horn bill, Red-billed Dwarf Horn bill, and Piping Horn bill, Yellow-throated Nicator, Great blue and Ross’s Turacos. The area around Kirumia River is another top birding spot. The shoe bill stork is regularly seen at close quarters on Lake Albert and forest walks are good for tracking water birds.
Game Drives in Semliki
Three tracks cross the Savannah grassland of Toro Semliki Wildlife Reserve. Smaller forest and larger Savannah elephants are regularly seen, along with buffalo, water buck, crocodile, warthog and Uganda kobs. With luck, you may even see pygmy hippopotami, leopards and elusive bush babies. Game drives in the Wildlife Reserve can take place in the morning, afternoon and at night; after dark, visitors may come across curious nocturnal species such as the white-tailed mongoose.
Hot Springs in Semliki
The hour-long trail to the outer, “male” spring leads through a patch of forest where red-tailed monkeys, grey-cheeked manageable and black-and-white colobus monkeys are common. A tree house en route provides an aerial view.
A 30-minute hike through palm forest from the main road leads to the inner, “female” spring, dominated by a boiling geyser. Eggs and matoke (green plantain) can be cooked in these boiling waters and enjoyed by hungry hikers.
Hiking and Nature Walks in Semliki
The 13km Kirumia Trail runs through the heart of the forest to the Semliki River. This 8 hour round trip starts at 8am and is perfect for birders.
The 11km Red Monkey Track follows the park’s eastern border – a stronghold of the rare de Brazza’s monkey – to the Semliki River.
Along the 8km Sempaya Nature Trail, you can view the hot springs and primates. This 2-4 hour hike can take place in the morning or afternoon.
Cultural Encounters in Semliki
The Batwa’s hunter-gatherer lifestyle means they have always been dependent on Semliki forest for food, shelter, medicine and tools, though this is beginning to change as a result of interaction with other local communities.
Tourism offers an alternative source of income for the Batwa, and gives them the opportunity to maintain and display their rich cultural history through music and dance performances at Ntandi. They also produce intricate handcrafts for sale.
