Semuliki National Park sits within the Albertine Rift Valley, near the floor of the Semuliki River basin. Its altitude ranges from 670 to 760 metres above sea level.
Established as a national park in 1993, Semuliki protects a remnant of the vast Ituri Forest, part of the Congo Basin. This classification sets it apart from other Ugandan parks, most of which fall under East African ecosystems.
Instead, Semuliki shares ecological characteristics with Central Africa. It is one of only two lowland tropical rainforests in Uganda.
Geologically, the area is part of the rift floor. It is hot, humid, and biologically active. The ground is unstable, with regular seismic activity and several geothermal points. Most visitors come to view the Sempaya Hot Springs, but the park contains much more than thermal features.
If you intend to visit Semuliki or produce tourism materials for it, this guide outlines the most essential attractions in order of relevance.
Nature Based Attractions
Sempaya Hot Springs
The Hot Springs at Sempaya are Semuliki’s most popular attraction. Two main springs are set in a lush clearing close to the south-eastern corner of the park. The hotspring is located just a few minutes walk from the park office. This is dominated by a boiling geyser (1 which spurts up to 2m-high from a white, iced cake-likE of precipitated mineral. Water also bubbles and eggs can be cooked in just a few minutes within the hot waters of the spring.
The more distant inner spring is reached by a 30 minutes trail that leads through beautiful palm forest before crossing the swamp on a boardwalk. This spring is a broad, site pool about 10m across.
Sempaya – Ntandi Road
The 5km section of public road between Sempaya and I village runs through one of the loveliest tracts in Uganda and provides clear views up into the forest c to spot birds and monkeys. The pretty Mungiro Falls lie in the North Rwenzori Forest Reserve, just off the Bundi road 500m beyond the park office.
Semuliki River
The Semuliki River forms the western boundary of Semuliki National Park. It flows northward from the Rwenzori foothills into Lake Albert. Its meandering course cuts through sandy-clay deposits and supports riparian vegetation composed of sedges, shrubs, and seasonal grasses.
The Kirimia Trail leaves the main road near the iron bridge at Kirimia, 10 km from sempaya and runs for 11km to the Semliki River, fording the Kirimia stream a couple of times on the way. The 3-4 hour walk to the river is a must for Birders seeking Semuliki Specials.
The Red Monkey trail runs from Sempaya to reach the river as it emerges from the forest. the 6 hour round trip provides opportunities to sight grassland as well as forest birds. In dry weather it is possible to drive past the homesteads of the Batuku pastoralists east of the park to within 10-15 minutes walk of the river to look for crocodiles and waterbirds.
Wildlife
Wildlife in Semuliki National Park: Located in the remotest side of Bwamba County, Bundibugyo District Western Uganda, Semuliki National Park is undoubtedly one of the biodiverse destinations worth visiting on Uganda safaris. The park shelters unique ecosystem especially diversity of Albertine rift species.
Over 63 different species of mammals all thrive in the various habitats of Semuliki National Park making it a distinct Uganda safari destination of its own. The different mammals to see on a safari in Semuliki National Park include leopards, Uganda kobs, forest buffaloes, bush pigs, warthogs, hippos, bush bucks, elephants, Beecroft’s flying squirrel, little collared fruit bat, pygmy squirrel. There are also 9 duiker species including the red, blue and bay duikers.
Primates of Semuliki National Park: There are several interesting primates (about 9 species) to keep an eye on. They include Mona monkeys, chimpanzees, red tailed monkeys, grey cheeked mangabeys, blue monkeys, black and white colobus monkeys, olive baboons, vervet monkeys. In addition, there are nocturnal species of primates especially Galagos and pottos.
Birds of Semuliki National Park
Semuliki National Park’s ecosystem also comprises of over 441 bird species making it an important birding tour destination. These include 9 hornbill species, blue billed malimbe, red rumped tinker bird, shoebill storks, yellow throated cuckoo, leaf love, white crested hornbill, swamp palm bulbul, African piculet and orange cheeked waxbill. Other birds include great blue and ross’s turacos, yellow throated nicator, Congo serpent eagles, swamp palm bulbul, black casqued wattled hornbill, lemon bellied crombec, chestnut breasted negro finch to mention but a few.
Semuliki National Park is also an important destination with over 460 species of butterflies, reptiles like crocodiles, several species of trees, the Congo basin forests, distinct vegetation cover of moist evergreen to semi deciduous forest. The plant species including the Uganda ironwood and more.
The Rainforest Canopy
The forest canopy in Semuliki forms an unbroken green cover averaging 45 meters in height.
Dominant tree species include Cynometra alexandri, Terminalia superba, and Celtis mildbraedii. Their wide buttress roots stabilise the soil and create microhabitats for amphibians and invertebrates.
Interspersed among these giants are palms and lianas that hang across tree crowns.
This forest represents the easternmost extension of the Ituri system, which stretches deep into the Congo Basin.
The Batwa Cultural Trail
The Batwa cultural trail in Semuliki is a ranger-guided interpretive route showcasing the traditions of the indigenous Batwa community.
The trail includes performance spaces, demonstration points, and short forest walks with staged scenes.
The Kirumia Trail
The Kirumia Trail is a 13-kilometre footpath extending from the Sempaya ranger post to the Semuliki River edge. It cuts through primary lowland rainforest and serves as the park’s longest established route for biological observation.
The trail begins with moderate-gradient terrain dominated by moist ground and leaf litter. Initial canopy height is approximately 30 to 35 meters. Visitors typically observe early movement by red-tailed monkeys and forest squirrels within the first hour. In addition, you may spot butterfly congregations near sunlit patches in the understorey.
Beyond kilometre five, the trail narrows and crosses multiple small streams. Bridge crossings consist of timber planks maintained by UWA field teams. This central segment holds several mature fig trees frequented by mangabeys. Moreover, traces of forest buffalo or sitatunga tracks occasionally appear along muddy sections.
Bird activity intensifies between kilometres six and eight. Known call zones for the Nkulengu rail and hornbills occur here.
Herbaceous growth increases after kilometre nine. The forest opens slightly, allowing light into the lower strata. In this zone, epiphytic orchids and mosses are more visible. Observation points for white-crested hornbills and palm-nut vultures have been recorded at this stage.
The trail ends at a sandy bank along the Semuliki River. This section allows broad views into the Congo basin side. Otter signs and crocodile trails may appear along the waterline. Some researchers report nightjar activity here during evening returns, although few visitors stay that late.
Key Takeaways from Semuliki
Semuliki National Park presents a set of distinct visual features rarely found within a single conservation area.
From geothermal activity at the Sempaya Hot Springs to rare primates and forest-dwelling birdlife, the park supports layered observation across disciplines. In addition, the interior trails, cultural demonstrations, and river-edge clearings enable visitors to collect structured and meaningful visual experiences.
The absence of large savanna mammals is not a limitation. Instead, it creates space for slower, detail-oriented field engagement.