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Animals in Semuliki National Park- Wildlife in Semuliki National Park
Several travelers visit Semuliki for Uganda birding safaris but, there are also some game animals in Semuliki National Park.
Regardless of its being a rainforest, over 53 mammal species have been recorded in Semuliki National Park. Among these include; African Elephants, Forest Buffalos, Uganda kobs, Warthogs, Leopards, Hippos, Bushbabies, Mona Monkey, Water chevrotain, Bushbabies, plus Pygmy scaly-tailed flying squirrels. Within this stunning rainforest- a stretch of the Ituri Forest in Congo basin, 9 species of Duiker and even 8 primate species call it home.
During the guided forest walks in Semuliki Forest, lucky travelers normally encounter some of the mentioned animal species above, especially the primates such as the Black and white colobus monkeys, Vervet monkeys, Baboons, red-tailed monkeys, etc.
Along the Kirumia Trail, expect to meet some of the amazing wildlife in Semuliki National Park plus many birds such as the Red billed dwarf hornbill & Swamp palm bulbul. It’s possible to spot also species from Central Africa.
Game Animals in Semuliki National Park-What Animals Are in Semuliki National Park?
The fact is, most of the plant and animal species in Semuliki forest park (an extension of the Ituri Forest eastern limit) can be found also in the Congo basin. Thus, this park is home to many animals including some rare species for instance the; Pygmy scaly-tailed flying squirrel.
Below are the notable game animals in Semuliki Park;
Primates in Semuliki National Park
This tropical rainforest park in Bwamba County- a remote part in Bundibugyo District within western Uganda holds about 9 primate species including some Central African species.
The primates in Semuliki Forest are usually spotted by tourists on bird-watching safaris in Semuliki park.
Some of the Common Monkey Species in Semliki National Park Include;
- Chimpanzees
- Red-tailed Monkeys
- Black and white colobus monkeys
- Olive Baboons
- Central African Red Colobus
- Vervet Monkeys
- Mona Monkeys
- Blue monkeys
- Bush babies
The Indian University has habituated a small population of Chimpanzees in Semuliki park however, few tourists track them. Normally, visitors on Uganda tours track chimpanzees in Kibale Forest or those in Kalinzu Forest near Queen Elizabeth National Park.
Other Animals in Semuliki National Park
Putting aside the many primates, Semuliki forest park is also a habitat for other game animals however, these might be hard to spot due to its being a tropical rainforest. However, lucky travelers can encounter some animals during nature walks.
Here are some game animals recorded in Semuliki park in Western Uganda;
- Forest Elephants
- Leopards
- Forest Buffalos
- Bushbucks
- Warthogs
- Uganda kobs
- Hippos
- Nile crocodiles
- Sitatungas
- Side stripped Jackals
- Bay duikers
- Water chevrotain
Though Semuliki Forest holds some forest Elephants, the large savannah Elephants can be spotted in the nearby Semuliki Game Reserve. Game drives are also possible in this savannah-protected area within the Albertine Rift Valley.
How to Spot Game Animals in Semuliki National Park?
The best way to search for game animals in Semuliki Forest Reserve is by undertaking a forest walk. Usually, these expeditions are done by tourists taking bird-watching tours.
Different ways to spot wildlife in Semuliki National Park;
Going for Forest Walks
Since game drives are not permitted in Semuliki National Park, nature walks are the most effective means to see animals that inhabit the park. During the forest walks, primates are hard to miss in this true lowland tropical forest in East Africa.
Among the many trails for forest walks include; the Nyabusurogo Gorge hike, Kirumia, Sempaya, Red-tailed Monkey Trail, and the Sempaya trail that leads you to Sempaya hot springs.
Undertake Primate Walks
Sadly, Chimpanzees are the only primates for tracking in Semuliki National Park- home to over nine species of monkeys. There are park rangers and trackers that accompany visitors interested in spotting chimpanzees in Semuliki Forest.
Before this adventure, travelers will be first briefed from the park headquarters and finally go into the jungle to encounter chimps. Watching these great apes is memorable as they hold human extincts.
Scientists agree that chimpanzees are close cousins of humans and share with a man over 98-99% DNA.
Lucky travelers as they track chimps normally spot hundreds of forest birds such as Turacos.
During bird-watching tours in Semuliki Forest
Since bird-watching expeditions in Semliki National Park take you deep into this rainforest with high diversity of wildlife, have hopes of spotting some game animals along the trail. Forest Buffaloes, and Elephants are common. If lucky, you can spot the rare Pygmy antelopes.
The Best Time to Visit Game Animals in Semuliki National Park
Although Semuliki National Park is open year-round, visitors will have the most enjoyable experience during the dry season. These months- (June-September and December-February) normally receive little rainfall & abundant sunshine.
During the dry season, the walking routes are exceptionally dry, making them easy to traverse. Likewise, the vegetation is also quite short, providing a very amazing scenery and excellent opportunities to observe wildlife.
The months of March through May and October through November are ideal for tourists, particularly those on a tighter budget. As a result of service providers cutting costs to target a small domestic market, lodges and tour operators offer reasonable rates during this time.
However, due to an excess of rain and a lack of sunshine during the rainy season, the paths become slippery and muddy. Also, the park’s vegetation also becomes more thick thus, becoming quite difficult to spot game animals.
The Best Accommodation in Semuliki National Park for Tourists
Among national parks in Uganda, Semliki National Park is among the few with limited accommodation. Therefore, in most cases, visitors who come for Semuliki safaris normally use facilities within Bundibugyo Town, Fort Portal, or the nearby Semuliki Wildlife Reserve– a home to other large savannah dwellers for example the large savannah elephants.
These are the notable lodges to use;
- Ntoroko Game Lodge
- Semuliki Safari Lodge
- Nyati Game Lodge
- Campsites and Bandas of Uganda Wildlife Authority
- Hotel Vanilla
Other Attractions in Semuliki National Park to Explore
Apart from the many animals in Semuliki park- a true lowland tropical rain forest in the East African Rift Valley, this beautiful park has a lot for tourists to explore. Among these include bird species, Sempaya hot springs, and Lake Albert in the park’s north area to mention but a few.
The following are other amazing tourist attractions in Semuliki park putting aside game animals;
- Sempaya Hot Springs
The Sempaya hot springs attract most of the tourists to this protected area- one of Uganda’s newest national parks gazetted in 1993. According to local people around, the Sempaya Hot Springs hold powers to heal numerous body ailments and even ancestral powers to bless.
During your Sempaya Hot Spring adventure, expect to find half-naked local people enjoying a natural sauna.
For a notable safari experience, visitors usually cook some bananas or eggs in these magical hot springs that boil at around 1000C. One of the hot springs Mumbuga Spring resembles a geyser as it forms a 0.5m high fountain.
- Bird Species in Semuliki Forest in Western Uganda
Semliki National Park is among the richest areas for Africa’s forest birding adventure tours. Within this park, over 441 birds have been recorded and tourists have a chance to spot bird species living in the Congo Biome.
Some of the birds in Semuliki Forest- (a tropical rainforest in the western arm of the Rift Valley) include; black dwarf hornbill, Red billed dwarf hornbill, Spot-breasted Ibis, Yellow-throated Cuckoo, Piping Hornbill, Black-throated Coucal, and Western Bronze-naped Pigeon, etc.
- Lake Albert
Lake Albert in the north of Semuliki National Park lies on Uganda’s border with Democratic Republic of Congo in the western branch of the East African Rift Valley. It’s around 160km long and 30km wide with a maximum depth of 51m deep & a surface elevation of 619m above sea level.
Rwenzori Mountains are situated in the south of this lake while Congo’s Blue Mountains are in the northwest. The south east of Lake Albert shores features a very amazing scenery of a dotted forest of Palm trees as riparian forests at the swamp.
Along the shores of Lake Albert, there are a few settlements such as Butiaba and Pakwach.
During a boat ride on Lake Albert, it is rare to miss spotting Hippos, and Giant Nile Crocodiles. Avian water species like Herons, Pelicans, and Kingfishers are numerous also. The shoebill can be sighted as well if lucky.
- Amazing Local People on Park Borders
The local population around Semuliki Forest park features mainly 2 tribes; the Bakiga and the Pygmies. Before the government gazetted this tropical rainforest to national park status, Pygmies lived within this forest.
Community walks offer the most amazing cultural encounters with these natives.
- Semuliki River
This is the main river that gives life to Semuliki Valley National Park. The Semuliki River is 140km long and empties into Lake Albert in the Albertine Rift Valley.
FAQs About Animals in Semuliki National Park
What Is Semuliki National Park Famous for in East Africa?
Semuliki park is famous for its rich birdlife including most of the forest birds in Uganda as well as Congo guinea biome species for instance, the Nkurangu Rail, Congo Serpent Eagle, and many Hornbills.
What Animals Are in Semliki National Park?
Semuliki Forest Park is home to about 53 mammal species. Among these include; Forest Elephants, Bushbucks, Forest Buffalos, Leopards, and African civets plus 9 species of primates, among others.
In conclusion, though there are game animals in Semuliki National Park, this park is famous for Uganda birding tours, especially forest birding expeditions. It’s being a rainforest park, game viewing is limited! This site is mostly an added site by tourists on Uganda wildlife safaris in parks like Queen Elizabeth National Park or chimpanzee trekking tours in Kibale National Park.
Contact us with any inquiries about Uganda safaris in Semuliki park.
