Semuliki National Park

Semuliki national park (220 sq km) is located at the Uganda / Congo (DRC) border within the Albertine Rift. It is the eastern extension of the immense Ituri rainforest in the Democratic Republic of Congo. The forest dates as far back as the Pleistocene era hence becoming one of the richest in biodiversity in Africa.

Semuliki national park is characterized by a flat with undulating landscape (670 – 760m above sea level). Poor drainage and topography coupled with most of the streams and rivers from the surrounding areas draining through this park lead to constant floods of some of the areas in this park. The average rainfall is 1250mm with peaks in the months of March to May and September to December. Temperature varies from 180c to 300c with minimum daily variations.

Fauna and Flora in Semuliki national park

The lowland tropical rainforest in Semuliki national park is the only of its kind in East Africa classified moist and semi-deciduous. The park boasts of 336 tree species recorded of which 24 are restricted to Semuliki national park, to the eastern sector of the range, or are shared with only one or two neighboring forests including Isolana Congolana, Nesogordonia kabingaensis and Ejacis guineesis. Species such as Cordia millenii and Lovoa surymertonni are grouped under the endangered ones.

Semuliki has an exceptional diversity for small animals, butterflies and birds. 435 bird species (34% of Uganda’s total), some of which recorded nowhere else in East Africa including some the continent’s most beautiful and sought-after birds including the hornbills and lyre-tailed honey guide are present in the Semliki forest. 63 mammal species, 9 of which are diurnal forest primates including chimpanzees, blue, vervet monkeys and olive baboon plus nocturnal primates: the pottos and galagos are in plenty. 7 mammal species only recorded nowhere else in East Africa apart from Semuliki include forest buffalo, blue duiker, pygmy squirrel, beecroft’s flying squirrel, little-collared fruit bat, water chevrotain and target rat. At least 374 species of butterflies and moths have been recorded including 46 species of forest swallowtails and charaxes plus at least 81 species of large moth, 12 of which are classified as restricted.

Tourist Activities

The wildlife in Semuliki national park is breathtaking especially for birders, primate, butterfly and plant lovers. The jungle walk along the meandering Semuliki River, the only one of its kind in East Africa is exciting. Expect to see leopards, forest buffaloes, sitatungas, elephants and crocodiles and a variety of forest and water birds. Spot fishing is also an important tourist activity along the river.
There are two hot springs in a tract of hot mineral encrusted swamp land with a 2 metre jet of hot water (1300c) and a pool (12 metres diameter) of oozing boiling water (1060c). Some tourists boil their eggs in the natural boiler within 10 minutes and enjoy it.

GORILLA TOURS IN UGANDA

GORILLA TOURS IN RWANDA

SAFARIS IN RWANDA

Akagera Wildlife Tour (3 Days)
Nyungwe Chimps Tours(4 Days)
Rwanda Tours Adventure (10 Days)
Uganda Rwanda Tours (12 Days)
Primates Safari (12 Days) Tour
USA Contact Agent

Bruce Winfree
East Africa Adventures
www.eastafricaadventures.com
contact@eastafricaadventures.com
P.O.Box 26892
Winston-Salem, NC27114
Tel: +13367491400.