Semiliki National park

Semiliki National park sprawls across the floor of the Semiliki valley on the remote, western side of the Rwenzori. The park is dominated by the eastern most extension of the great Huri forest of the Congo basin. This is one of Africa’s most ancient and bio-diverse forests. One of the few to survive the last ice age, 12-18,000 years ago.

The Semiliki valley contains features associated with central rather than Eastern Africa. Thatched huts are surrounded by West African oil palms; the Semiliki River (which forms the International boundary), is a miniature version of the Congo River. The forest is home to numerous Central African wildlife species and the local population includes a Batwa Pygmy community that originated from the Ituri.

As a result, this park provides a taste of central Africa without having to leave Uganda. While Semiliki’s species have been accumulating for over 25,000 years, the park contains evidence of even older processes. Hot springs bubble up from the depths to demonstrate the powerful subterranean forces that have been shaping the rift valley during the last 14 million years. Semiliki forest reserve was created in 1932 and upgraded to national park status in 1993.

ACTIVITIES: Game drives, Birding, Hiring and nature walks, Hot springs, Cultural encounters and trail.