Semuliki National Park, in Uganda’s far west, is a lowland extension of the Congo Basin rainforest — home to wildlife and bird species found nowhere else in the country, plus the bubbling Sempaya Hot Springs.
Key Highlights
- Uganda’s only true lowland Congo Basin rainforest
- Home to Central African bird and mammal species found nowhere else in Uganda
- Sempaya Hot Springs, a striking geothermal site within the park
- Batwa communities living in and around the park
- Reached from Fort Portal, close to Kibale National Park
Wildlife and Activities
Semuliki’s rainforest holds Central African species that don’t occur elsewhere in Uganda, making it a priority stop for serious birders. The Sempaya Hot Springs, with pools hot enough to boil an egg, are a striking short walk within the park, and Batwa community visits add a cultural dimension to a Semuliki stop.
Getting There
Semuliki is reached from Fort Portal, making it a natural add-on for travelers already visiting Kibale National Park in western Uganda rather than a standalone destination.
Combining Semuliki With Other Parks
Most itineraries add Semuliki as a one- or two-day extension to a Kibale or Queen Elizabeth trip, particularly for travelers with a strong interest in birding who want species beyond what the more visited parks offer.
Plan Your Semuliki Visit
Tell us if birding is a priority for your trip and we’ll check whether a Semuliki extension fits your route.