Hotsprings in Semuliki National Park
Semuliki National Park is a 220 square km park at an altitude of 680-750 above sea level. Upgraded to national park status in 1993.The park is dominated by the savannah grasslands bordered by Republic of Congo.
Bubbling hot-spring is a star attraction at the National Park formed 14 million years ago by underground subterranean forces that have shaped the Rift valley.
It is the only tract of true lowland tropical forest in East Africa, hosting over 400 bird species and 53 mammals. Four ethnic groups live near the park.
Bwamba farmers live along the base of the Rwenzori. The Bakonjo cultivate the mountain slopes and the Batuku cattle keepers inhabit on the open plains and Batwa pygmies, traditionally hunter gathers, live on the edge of the forest.
Highlights
Nature Walks
Semliki is a habitat of primates like Mangabeys, Blue Monkeys and chimpanzees. Birdlife like Honey guides, Palm nut Vultures and Hornbills can be sighted and over 305 trees species have been recorded.
Community and Culture encounters
Enjoy the walks to the Batwa community, cultural dances and storytelling. In addition, the Bamaga people is a clan that lives near the forest.
Therefore, they are associated with the park through a legendary tale where the ancestors disappeared at the current location of the hot springs, named by them as the male and female springs.
Every year, the National park authorities allow the Bamaga to perform their annual rituals at the hot-springs.
Bird watching
Home of a variety of central African species like the continent’s fabulous and adored birds, including the Lyre-tailed Honey guide Black-wattled, Long- tailed Hawk ,the White-crested Hornbill, Red-billed Dwarf Hornbill, Piping Hornbill, Yellow-throated Nicator, Great blue and Ross’s Turacos.
The area around 13 km Kirumia Trail is another top birding site. The elusive shoebill stork is regularly seen in the swampy areas at the shores of Lake Albert .
Enjoy your trip to Semuliki National Park along side other touristic places, including Queen Elizabeth National Park, Kibale National Park and Bwindi National Park.