Situated in a remote corner, of southwestern Uganda, Semuliki National park protects the eastern extension of the vast Ituri Forest. It is strategically situated in Western Uganda, along the Congo border following River Semuliki and the Western arm of the Albertine Rift Valley.

Semuliki National Park, also known as the “True Birder’s Haven”, is among Uganda’s wonderful safari protected destinations that suits tours for tourists interested in Uganda wildlife safaris, Uganda’s birding safaris, as well as adventure safaris in Uganda. his park covers an area of about 220 square kilometers standing on an elevation of about 800 to 900 meters above sea level. It is credited for its amazing and rewarding Uganda birding adventure safaris in Uganda.

Semuliki has a large number of mainly central African Species that cannot be found anywhere else in East Africa. These include some of the continent most spectacular and sought-after birds such as Congo Serpent eagle, Long-tailed Hawk, Nkulengu rail, black-wattled horn bill, and Lyre-tailed honey guide. Although it lies a bumpy three hour’s drive from Fort portal, Birders on Uganda birding safaris who make it to Semuliki national park Uganda are privileges to be birding in the true birders haven.

A Uganda birding safari one of the most sought after and exciting rewarding adventure that tourists shouldn’t miss out while on a safari in Uganda. Semuliki National Park is one of the national parks where the largest population of bird life is inhabited. This offers higher chances for birders to sight numerous birds in this rich forest.

Are you are planning for any Uganda safari? make sure you include Semuliki National Park in your itinerary. It is one of the best spots for you to catch a glimpse of distinct bird species that repay endeavors with unforgettable encounters.

Unique bird species only found in Semuliki National Park

Birds with an extremely limited distribution in East Africa are reasonably likely to be seen by visitors spending a few days in Semuliki National Park. Species to look out for here include the Nkulengu Rail, Orange-cheeked Waxbill, Congo serpent eagle, Black-casqued Wattled Horbill, Rufous sided broadbill, Red-rumped Tinkerbird, Yellow-throated Cuckoo, Piping Hornbill, Red-billed Dwarf Hornbill, Black Dwarf Hornbill, White-crested Hornbill, African Piculet, White-throated Blue Swallow, Yellow-throated Nicator, Leaf-love, Swamp Palm Bulbul, Lemon-bellied Crombec, Maxwell’s Black Weaver, Crested Malimbe, Red-bellied Malimbe, Blue-billed malimbe, Chestnut-breasted Negrofinch.

What to carry on a Uganda birding safari in Semuliki National Park

Tourists need binoculars, cameras, birding clothes, bottled drinking water, comfortable walking shoes, note book and others.

Don’t miss writing a bird list like this on your adventurous Uganda birding safari!

The best time for a birding safari in Uganda in Semuliki National Park

Uganda has one of the best climates in Africa and in the whole world. Uganda is gifted with a tropical like climate where bird watching can be done all year round. However, the best time to visit Semuliki while on a Safari in Uganda is during a relatively dry season. This is because during the wet season, there may occur heavy rains leading to flooding of some areas of the park. During the wet season, the walks trails become slippery for visitors and the roads are slippery too and not suitable for a game drive. The rainy season occurs between the months March to May and then from September to December. The breeding season however, is during the month of June and this is when the birds are very colorful.

Dress code for a Uganda birding safari tour in Semuliki National Park Uganda

Since birding is done in forested and bushy places, wearing long-sleeved shirt and trousers is necessary so as to protect your body from scratches.

Visitors are advised to wear trekking shoes since you will have trek through bushy and slippery trails during the rainy season. In most cases the trails used need hiking shoes.

Tourists should carry a sweater and a rain coat since the temperatures in the forests are low or it might rain at any time.

Carrying a hat and sun glasses for protection from the scotching sun is important.

Bring a small bag where you can pack your bottled drinking water for it will help you during birding.

You will need birding binoculars and birding guide book for better identification of Uganda safari birds.