Wildlife in Semuliki National Park is amazingly different because of a more distinctive ecosystem in the Albertine rift valley. The park is situated in different ecological and climatic zones, this has caused a high variety of animal and plant species in the park, similar to those found in the Congo Basin.
Semuliki National Park is endowed with spectacular sceneries, starting with the bamboo forests, the tropical lowland rainforests, savannah grasslands, and swampy vegetation that has a variety of fauna.
The park is home to various animals with over 60 mammals such as forest elephants, African buffaloes, leopards, hippopotamus, a variety of monkeys, water chevrotain, bush babies, African civet, African elephant and the pygmy scaly-tailed flying squirrel.
More than 11 wildlife species which are endemic to the park including the pygmy flying squirrels, civets, hippos, leopards, forest buffaloes and bush babies. There are over 8 primate species such as chimpanzees, De Brazza’s monkeys, red-tailed monkeys and more than 460 butterfly species among others.
Semuliki National Park hosts nocturnal animals which can be seen during the night. It is a place where you can clearly take a night walk and see different animals and bird species including owls, bats and bush babies among others.
Semuliki National Park is endowed with different activities that make you stay longer thus why we strongly recommend you to include it in your bucket list for African destinations in order to enjoy the mesmerizing beauty of this Semuliki National Park.
Other Attractions Besides Wildlife in Semuliki National Park
Sempaya Hot Springs
Another reason to visit Semuliki National Park are the Sempaya Hot springs! There is something so magical about watching groundwater oozing at high temperatures, which are enough to boil eggs and Irish potatoes in just 15 minutes. The traditional folklore surrounding the formation of these hot springs will interest you more than even its magical powers and scientific formation.
Scenic Game Drives to See Wildlife in Semuliki National Park
Semuliki National Park is a haven for some of the most endearing wildlife in the African continent, including elephants, chimpanzees, buffaloes, bushbucks, waterbucks and Sitatunga. Visitors to this spectacular park are therefore rewarded with extraordinary scenic game drives, with great chances of seeing at least a quarter of the area’s wildlife species.
Hiking Trails
Semuliki National Park is a haven to several kilometers of hiking trails, which make it more interesting and exciting to explore the park’s hidden beauty on foot. These trails cater for every skill level; easy, moderate and difficult hikes, for different age groups.
The Sempaya nature trail, Kirumia trail and Red Monkey track have all been designed and well-maintained to cater for the needs of every traveler.
Bird Watching
Birders usually rejoice at the tremendous diversity of avian species within the spectacular Semuliki Forest National Park. The crown jewel of Semuliki’s birding experience is undeniably the 23 Albertine Rift endemic bird species. These include the handsome francolin, Rwenzori Turaco, Rwenzori nightjar, strange weavers and Kivu Ground thrush among others.
Chimpanzee Trekking
Semuliki National Park is one of the few places that offer excellent chimpanzee trekking experiences. These can be tracked either in the morning or afternoon. Besides chimpanzees, this forest offers shelter to other primates species such as the olive baboons, black and white colobus monkeys, vervet monkeys and red-tailed monkeys among others.