Visit Semuliki Wildlife Reserve

Why Visit Semuliki Wildlife Reserve? Semuliki wildlife reserve is the only area in lowland tropical forest in East Africa and it is positioned on the floor of the western arm rift valley near the western parts of Uganda in Bwamba county of Bundibugyo district. Semuliki wildlife reserve covering an area of about 220km2 at an elevation of 670-760 meters above sea level which cuts across Semuliki valley, Rwenzori mountain of western and also occupied by the Ituri forest of  Eastern sides of Congo basin. The Semuliki wildlife reserve is mainly found in the Albertine Rift and it is separated from the Ituri forest of Congo by the Semuliki River then it occupied the Great Rift Valley’s western arm.  Rwenzori Mountain creates beautiful views of the Semuliki wildlife reserve and it does not separate it at any part of East Africa.

Birdlife in Semuliki wildlife reserve.

Semuliki wildlife reserve is also the best option for a birding safari in Uganda, and birding in Semliki wildlife reserve is usually done in 2 areas is Ntandi and Sempaya, where you will spot most of the bird species in the world. It hosts over 441 bird species whereby this total represents about 40% out of the total number of different bird species within Uganda. these are bird species, you see on your birding safari in Semuliki wildlife reserve include; the Red-billed dwarf hornbill, Black dwarf hornbill, White-crested hornbills, the African piculet, Black-casqued wattled hornbill, Yellow-throated nicator,  Nkulengu rail, Red-rumped tinker bird, Leaf love, Lemon-bellied crombec, Maxwell’s black weaver, Swamp palm bulbul and among others.

Wildlife

Semuliki Wild reserve has over 53 different species of mammals that live in the forest. Among these species 11 are endemic to the park like the 2 flying squirrel species and pygmy antelopes, 27 are large mammals. There is also peculiar water chevrotain which is known as fanged deer. Animals in the Semuliki Ituri forest are the large savannah elephants, many buffaloes, different antelopes are Uganda kobs, warthogs, waterbucks, and reptiles are there like the crocodiles, lizards, and snakes. The pygmy hippos are also seen around the banks of water sources, you can also get a chance and see the rare leopard during the game drive.

Activities to do in Semuliki wildlife reserve.

Nature walks in Semuliki wildlife reserve

Nature walks allow tourists to explore more about the area and see different primate species, wildlife animals, butterflies, plants as well as a lot of bird species. Nature walks in the Semuliki wildlife reserve is normally begins from the Sempaya gate and it takes about 2-3 hours to complete and it ends at the sempaya hot springs in the rainforest where there is muddy ground and palm trees. During this activity, you will primates like blue monkeys, mangabeys, and many mammal species including the elephants. Leopards, forest buffaloes, pygmy hippos, and others. Bird species like Hornbills, palm nut vultures, and honeyguides and over 305 tree species.

Sportfishing in Semuliki wildlife reserve.

Sportfishing in the Semiliki wildlife reserve gives an unforgettable rewarding experience but tourists who like to do fishing from here should carry their fishing gadgets. You will experience the thrill of the winding Bundibugyo road through the Rwenzori escarpments.

Community walks

Semuliki forest is home to the Batwa people and they depend on fruit gathering and hunting. But currently, other ethnic cultural groups have come here and this resulted in intermarriages which have led to cultural changes. On your tours in the Semuliki wildlife reserve spare some time and visit the Batwa people, interact with them, and know more details about them like their lifestyle, and tradition.

How to reach Semuliki wildlife reserve.

Semuliki wildlife reserve is found in the southwestern corner of Uganda in Bundibugyo district, it can be reached by road on 2 routes mostly when you’re coming from Kampala the capital city of Uganda, and it is good to use 4WD vehicles for both routes.

Route 1: you can use Kampala-Fort Portal through Mubende, this route is shorter than route 2 and it covering over 180kilomaters which takes like a 4-5 hour drive.

Route 2: you may use Kampala-Masaka via Mbarara and Kasese. It is about 465 kilometers which are 7-8 hours.  This route is longer but it gives you a chance to visit other places along the way like Lake Mburo national park, Queen Elizabeth national park, and others.