Hiking and nature walks in Semuliki National Park are some of the most famous activities that visitors undertake for an intriguing and memorable Uganda safari.

Semuliki National Park is situated in the western region of Uganda in Bundibugyo District, covering an area of about 220 square kilometers, making it the second smallest park in Uganda after Mgahinga Gorilla National Park.

The park was established in 1993 in the Bwamba County to conserve the diverse wildlife and keep the stunning landscapes unspoiled.

Semliki National Park is renowned for its impressive features, particularly the Sempaya hot springs that boil up to 100 degrees and are a favored spot for visitors on Uganda adventure safaris. There are two, the male hot springs and the female hot springs.

The park is also considered one of the remote wildernesses and a rarely visited national park, yet it has a rich biodiversity. It is home to diverse wildlife, including bird species, animals, butterflies, reptiles, and various tree species that are worth seeing on any Uganda wildlife tour.

The park offers a diverse range of tourist activities, given the many attractions therein, and one of the common activities is the guided nature hikes.

The guided nature walks in Semuliki NP provide a unique experience to connect with wildlife that may be missed during vehicle tours, since they offer an opportunity to observe the wildlife more closely.

The Semliki National Park nature walks allow visitors to encounter primates, birds, butterflies, tree species, and animal habitats, and breathtaking landscapes in the park. You can observe all these by following the designated hiking trails.

Top Hiking Trails in Semuliki NP 

For interesting and successful hiking and nature walks, Semuliki National Park has three main hiking trails: the 8-kilometer Sempaya Nature Trail, the 11-kilometer Red Monkey Trail, and the 13-kilometer Kirumia Walking Trail.

These have been put in place for visitors to reach the different destinations in the park as they explore.

Kirumia Trail 

The Kirumia trail is one of the hiking trails that was set for nature lovers to explore the park and discover the world’s natural wonders with ease.

This 13-kilometer Kirumia trail takes approximately 8 hours and is ideal for bird watching. The hike usually begins at 8 am, starting from Kirumia, which is a short distance from the park headquarters. It passes through the middle of the forest towards the River Semuliki.

This Trail also allows the observation of various woodland bird species along the way since Semuliki NP is home to over 441 bird species. This makes Semuliki a top destination for birding tours in Uganda.

Among the bird species spotted are the Black-billed barbet, White crested hornbill, white throated blue swallow, Great blue turaco, Red billed dwarf hornbill, Ross’s turaco, Red necked falcon, Yellow throated nicator, and Abyssinian ground hornbill, among others.

The presence of the forest canopy allows visitors to spot some of the 600 butterfly species in the park, in addition to the avian species.

Among the butterfly species are Cymothoe ochreata, Bebearia laetitioides, and Euphaedra eberti, along with others.

 Red Tailed Monkey Trail

The Red Tailed Monkey Trail is another walking trail that was introduced for nature and primate lovers to spot the primate species in the park.

The Red Monkey Track is set just next to the road, and it is famous for the red tailed monkeys, hence the name.

It is an 11-kilometer Red Monkey Trail that extends to the park’s eastern border and offers opportunities to spot the De Brazza’s monkeys.

The Red Monkey Trail starts near the Sempaya hot springs and offers opportunities for bird watching and primate viewing. While following this trail, there are opportunities to reach the Semuliki River.

Besides the De Brazza’s monkeys and the red tailed monkeys, other primates like the baboons, black and white colobus monkeys, and grey-cheeked mangabeys can be spotted.

There are also chances of spotting other animals, including duikers, forest buffaloes, forest elephants, and some antelopes.

Apart from primates and other mammals, one can also spot various forest and woodland birds.

Although the Red Monkey Track is known for its favorable forest canopy, trekkers must exercise caution regarding where to step due to the muddy conditions caused by high rainfall, because it is a tropical region that lies in the Congo basin with a lot of tree species.

Sempaya Nature Trail—For Views of Sempaya Hot Springs

This is an 8-kilometer Sempaya Nature Trail that typically lasts 3 hours.

It is given the name Sempaya Nature Trail because the Sempaya hot springs are a prominent attraction along this walking trail in Semuliki NP.

This trail starts from the Sempaya Tourism Center and leads to Bamaga (male hot springs) and Nyansimbi (female hot springs).

Guided nature walks here normally begin in the morning and end in the afternoon, lasting about three hours, which is enough time to observe numerous attractions in the park along this trail.

You may also choose to cut this trail short by moving from the Sempaya Tourism Center and slope down to see the two hot springs.

The two springs act as a resting place for many visitors who take time to observe the smoky water coming out of the rocks after being heated by magma beneath the earth’s surface.

While some visit the hot springs for fun and adventure, others visit them to learn about their scientific and cultural formations.

You will observe cultural performances where some locals throw coins in the water as a sacrifice to the gods.

Another exciting activity at these hot fountains involves either tourists or locals cooking food such as cassava, matooke, and other types.

Most visitors prefer engaging in boiling eggs from the hot springs, given the hot temperatures that make eggs ready as if they are boiled using a gas cooker.

In addition to the springs, this trail has a walk board which gives you a great chance of viewing the Rwenzori Mountain ranges, with a background view of the Semuliki valley.

Other Hiking Trails in the Semuliki National Park

Nyaburogo Gorge Trail 

The Nyaburogo Gorge hike is also part of the Semuliki National Park nature walks, and opting for the Nyaburogo Gorge Trail gives one a chance to see the diverse animals and bird species.

Starting from the park headquarters, the Nyaburogo Gorge hike measures approximately 7 kilometers. It goes through the savannah woodland and jungles, allowing hikers to explore the savannah and woodland ecosystems.

Among the wildlife spotted while on this trail are birds like the Tropical Boubal, Arrow-marked Babbler, Black-wattled Hornbill, Luhdres Bushshrike, etc.

Several primates can also be spotted along the road or in the forest canopy, and these may include baboons, vervet monkeys, and the black and white colobus monkeys.

The Batwa Cultural Trail

This trail starts near the park headquarters at Ntanda, and it goes through the forest, where you will meet the Batwa pygmies and their cultural sites.

There, the local guide will explain to you all the traditional ceremonies practiced by the Batwa.

Other Safari Activities to Do alongside Guided Nature Walks in Semuliki NP

While in Semuliki NP, visitors engage in these activities either separately or as part of the guided nature walk.

 Wildlife Viewing 

Semuliki National Park is part of the Albertine Rift, a region that encompasses rich biodiversity and unique wildlife habitats.

Semuliki National Park harbors over 53 species of mammals, which include De Brazza’s monkeys, civets, leopards, bushbabies, African elephants, hippos, pygmy scaly-tailed flying squirrels, forest buffaloes, bush babies, water chevrotains, Mona monkeys, black and white colobus monkeys, and grey-cheeked mangabeys, among others.

Bird Watching, Especially Near Lake Albert and Sempaya

Semuliki NP is one of Uganda’s premier birding destinations because of its high diversity of bird species, including forest and woodland birds, which make the park a must-visit location for anyone on a Uganda birding safari.

The park is known for its excellent birding areas, especially near Ntandi, Lake Albert, and Sempaya. The presence of riverine habitats greatly supports the birdlife in this park.

It boasts over 441 bird species, some of which are visible during nature hikes, and this list represents approximately 66% of the birds in Semuliki National Park that are found in Uganda.

Hikers can enjoy views of rare birds, including 46 species of the Guinea-Congo Biome that have been recorded in Semuliki National Park.

Besides that, 35 species of birds in Semuliki National Park are only found in two places in Uganda; among these are the Congo Serpent Eagle, Blue-billed Malimbe, Maxwell’s Black Weaver, and Nkulengu Rail, among others.

Bird watching in Semuliki National Park also includes observing species like the Yellow-Throated Cuckoo, Great Blue Turaco, Nkulengu rail, yellow throated nicator, White Crested Hornbill, red billed dwarf hornbill, leaf-love, ground hornbill, African Piculet, Red-Rumped Tinkerbird, swamp palm bulbul, and Lemon-Bellied Crombec, among others.

For bird enthusiasts, the best time for bird watching in Semuliki National Park is during the wet season from March to May and October to November.

This is considered the best time to see both endemic and migratory species, some of which come from the Democratic Republic of Congo, and it is also the hatching period.

Cultural Experiences with the Batwa 

The Batwa cultural experience/cultural tour is one of the most interesting activities to do in the Semuliki NP, in addition to nature walks.

The Batwa cultural trail leads visitors to the Batwa cultural site near Ntandi, where the park offices are.

This isolated group of people, the Batwa pygmies, had historically depended on the forest for shelter, food, and traditional medicine before it was designated a national park.

The Batwa Cultural tours in Semuliki National Park focus on the amazing life style of the Batwa pygmies, whose lives of gathering fruits, roots, and honey and hunting of wild animals will leave you astonished.

Visitors on the Batwa cultural hike can enjoy traditional ceremonial activities such as circumcisions and kingship ceremonies, as well as being entertained through traditional songs and drumming by the Batwa people.

How to Get to Semuliki National Park? 

By Road

Semuliki National Park is approximately 378 kilometers from Kampala, and it can be accessed through the Kampala-Mityana-Mubende-Bundibugyo Road.

From Bundibugyo, the park headquarters at Ntandi are approximately 4 kilometers away from the signposted ranger post, and a drive takes about 2-3 hours.

By Air

Traveling by air is considered quicker, so travelers can fly from Entebbe International Airport or Kajjansi Airfield to Semuliki Airstrip using either chartered or domestic flights.

From Entebbe Airport or Kajjansi Airfield to Semuliki Airstrip takes around 40 minutes, and after landing, you can then travel to the park offices by road.

Semuliki National Park Accommodation 

For dinner and overnight stays, there are accommodation arrangements ranging from budget to luxury options in and around Semuliki NP.

These accommodation options near Semuliki National Park include Ntoroko Game Lodge, Kirumia Guest House, Bumuga Campsite, Hotel Vanilla, Semliki Safari Lodge, and Semuliki River Camp.

What Is the Best Time to Visit Semuliki National Park? 

Semuliki NP is open for hiking all year round, but the best time to explore the park is during the dry season that runs from June to September and December to February.

During this time, the walking trails are dry and passable, making it easy for nature walks and other safari activities in the park.

However, for bird lovers, the wet season that runs from March to May and October to November is the best time for birding safaris in Semuliki NP.

What to Pack for a Nature Walk in Semuliki NP? 

It is essential to prepare for any safari, and for one to fully enjoy walking through Semuliki NP, the following should be packed.

• Visitors must carry packed lunches when hiking the Kirumia Trail due to its lengthy duration.
• Drinking water and refillable water bottles
• Gumboots or sturdy hiking shoes for easy hiking.
• Rain jacket and warm clothes to save you from rainfall and coldness, especially for those travelling during the wet season or abrupt rainfall in the dry season.
• Binoculars and a camera with extra batteries
• Insect repellent, long trousers, long-sleeved shirts, and a hat or cap.

Hiking and Nature Walks in Semuliki NP FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

1. What Is Semuliki National Park Famous For? 

Semuliki NP is renowned for the bubbling Sempaya hot springs and the birdlife of over 441 species.

2. What Animals Are in Semuliki National Park? 

Semuliki NP is home to over 53 mammal species, which include savannah elephants, buffaloes, leopards, hippos, warthogs, and primates, including blue monkeys and olive baboons, red tailed monkeys, grey-cheeked mangabeys, etc.

3. What Is the Smallest National Park in Uganda? 

Mgahinga Gorilla NP is the smallest national park in Uganda, followed by Lake Mburo NP.

4. What Is the Most Visited National Park in Uganda? 

Queen Elizabeth National Park is the most visited game park in Uganda, known for its abundant wildlife, including the rare tree-climbing lions, breathtaking landscapes, over 600 species of birds, and sprawling savannah, among others.

Conclusion

Embark on an interesting hiking and nature walk in Semuliki NP to witness the unique ecosystem and observe its birdlife, wild animals, Sempaya hot springs, Semuliki River, and much more. You will also enjoy a cultural encounter in addition to hikes for an unforgettable nature and wildlife safari in Uganda.