Birding in Semuliki national park, this beautiful national park is found in western Uganda on the border with Democratic Republic of Congo in Bundibugyo district. Semuliki national park is one of the new national parks in Uganda and it was established in 1932 as a game reserve. And it 1993, its status was upgraded to a national park level. Semuliki national park covers a total area of about 220 square kilometers ad this humongous area accommodates a number of wildlife species. Some of the wildlife species found in Semuliki national park include; buffaloes, elephants, bush pigs, warthogs, bush babies, bay duikers, pygmy antelopes, hippopotami, civets, black and white colobus, red tailed monkeys, grey checked mangabeys, chimpanzees among others.
Semuliki national park is a home to over 441 recorded number of bird species of which 23 bird species are Albertine endemics and 35 species of Guinea-Congo, migratory birds and forest birds as well. Birding in Semuliki national park is among the top activities and some of the birds that thrive in the park include; Congo Serpent Eagles, Black-wattled hornbill, purple glossy-starling, red throated bee-eater, mountain greenbul, swamp nightjar, petits cuckoo-shrike, hairy-breasted barbet, chestnut-flanked goshawk, lyre-tailed honeyguide, Abyssinian ground-thrush, yellow-billed barbet, white-tailed robin-chat, fire crested Alethe, white-throated blue-swallow, Cassin’s spinetail, common stonechat, little grey greenbul, long-tailed hawk, blue headed coucal, western Nicator, shinning-blue kingfisher, Red-throated Alethe, white-bellied kingfisher, blue-shouldered robin-chat, crested malimbe, lemon-bellied crombec, swamp palm bulbul, chestnut-breasted Negrofinch, piping hornbill, red bellied dwarf hornbill, Maxwell’s black weaver, red Thighed sparrow hawk, capped wheatear, common stonechat, black-casqued wattled hornbill, piping hornbill, Ross’s uraco, Ituri batis, Caruthers cisticola, red-rumped Tinkerbird, black-winged starling, great blue turaco, papyrus Gonolek, black saw-wing, great blue turaco, Toro olive greenbul, to mention a few.
What is the best time for birding in Semuliki National Park?
You can engage in birding experience in Semuliki national park all year around however, the best time is between March and May and September to November. Between these periods there are many migratory birds in the park, the vegetation is green, there is plenty of food, and you will have breathtaking views. The rainfall is less and navigating is so easy for you to pursue different bird species. During dry season between June, December and February, it is always dry which makes navigation and birding in Semuliki national park very successful.
Which other activities can be done in Semuliki National Park?
Semuliki national park has a pool of fascinating activities away from birding. Among these include; game drives in Semuliki national park, guided nature walk with an experienced anger guide, cultural tours where you will meet Batwa tribe, Bakonjo and Bamba. The park is a home to Sempaya hot springs where you can prepare some food stuffs like boiling an egg, tea among others.
How to get to Semuliki National Park?
Semuliki national park is located in western Uganda and can be accessed either by air or by road.
By Air: Here you will book a chartered flight or a scheduled flight from Kajjansi or Entebbe international airport with either Aerolink or Bar Aviation and head to the park. You will land at Semuliki airstrip where you will be picked by the driver guide with a safari van and head to the jungle.
By Road: Grab a van from either Kampala or Entebbe, drive to Fort-Portal via Mubende and then get to the park. It will take you 6hours drive.
What to Pack for Birding in Semuliki National Park?
If you are to explore Semuliki national park fully, it is better to have the following on your bucket list
- Hiking shoes
- Long sleeved shirt
- Trousers
- Field guide book
- Binoculars
- Camera and extra batteries
- Rain proof jacket
- Insect repellent
- Water bottle
- Back bag
Accommodation in Semuliki National Park
There are a few lodges and safari camps in the park which range from budget, midrange and luxury accommodations. Some of the lodges you can spend your nights to include; Aramaga Rift Valley Lodge, Fort Heights homestay, Semuliki safari lodge, Uganda Wildlife Bandas among others.
You can combine Semuliki national park safaris with Queen Elizabeth national park, hiking Mount Rwenzori or gorilla trekking experience in Uganda.
