There are several ways of getting to Semuliki National Park in western Uganda. From Kampala to Fort Portal, via Mityana – Mubende highway is about 180km, that’s about 4 to 5hrs drive. The route via Masaka – Mbarara – Kasese highway is about 465km (7 to 8hrs). In both routes, a four-wheel drive (4WD) vehicle is useful.
While the Kampala – Fort Portal via Mubende is much shorter, the Kampala – Fort Portal via Masaka, Mbarara – Kasese highway gives you a great opportunity of visiting various other places. These include Lake Mburo National Park, Kyambura Wildlife Reserve, Rwenzori Mountains National Park and Queen Elizabeth National Park.
From Fort Portal, take a two to three hours’ drive on the tarmac road towards Bundibugyo, which shall bring you to Sempaya Gate within 52km. The park headquarters at Ntandi are just 5km further from the gate along the same route. A vehicle with high clearance is recommended.
The road has good signage, so you need not to worry. Just drive straight and you will be able to see Sempaya hot springs at your right hand side after the 52km drive.
Getting to Semuliki By Public Means
If you’re using public means, you can take a taxi (mini bus) or a bus. From the taxi or bus park in Fort Portal, board one of the pick-up trucks for Bundibugyo and stop at Sempaya Gate, which has a well written sign-post. Your return trip will be by the same means, but you need to avoid being late, that is, not later than 4.00pm.
Alternatively, you can board public means from Kampala bus park, but mainly Link coaches and Kalita buses which go directly to Bundibugyo town. The buses can drop you in the park, either at Sempaya hot springs near the park tourism center or at Ntandi, which is the park’s headquarter. The bus fares range from 25,000 to 30,000 Uganda shillings ($6.6 – $8.0) .
The road leading to Semuliki National Park from Fort Portal is well tarmacked and is still under good condition with less traffic. However, it has a lot of humps and sharp corners. At certain points, soil erosion is common with running rocks uphill crossing or blocking the road. In addition, during rainy seasons the road may flood in case the drainage tunnel is blocked by rocky sand from uphill.
Kindly take note especially when you’re driving during rainy seasons. You’re advised to drive at a reasonable speed!
There’s a good view point available at the road side, for good photography and view of the Rwenzori mountain ranges.