Semiliki National
Park
Semuliki National Park contains a secluded forest
area at the base of the "Mountains of the
Moon" - Mount Rwenzori on the border of Congo.
The out of the way location makes it an ideal
place to spend a few days relaxing away from the
rest of the world.
 Semuliki
is the only park in Uganda composed primarily
of tropical lowland forest. The land is quite
flat, creating a startling contrast to the rugged
Rwenzori Mountains nearby, and the forest is very
dense.
Sempaya Hot springs It contains a mosaic of different
micro habitats, which provide for a diversity
of wildlife.
The Semliki River is a watering point for many
animals.
There are a number of natural hot springs in the
area, which attract large numbers of shorebirds,
and supply salt for other animals.
There are grasslands and wetlands and bamboo forest
in the park as well. You may also come across
the small Pigmy culture living nearby.
The park is located 2 to 3 hours from Fort Portal,
on the Fort Portal-Bundibugyo Road. This is a
rough road that requires a vehicle with high clearance.
It is accessible by public transport from Fort
Portal. The hot springs are located at Sempaya,
and the headquarters are closer to Bundibugyo
at Ntandi.
There are a number of well established hotels
and Lodges and Camps in Fort Portal. Many people
spend the night there before coming out to the
park. There is also accommodation at Bundibugyo
at the Union Guest House.
There is one simple camp site inside the park
at Ntandi, as well as one just outside the park
at Sempaya. For these you must bring camping equipment
and food. Bug repellent and rain gear is also
a good idea.
Some of the animals present include elephant,
buffalo, leopard, civet, scaly tailed flying squirrel,
and bush baby. There are 8 species of primate,
roughly 400 species of bird, and almost 300 species
of butterflies.
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