Semuliki National Park – “The True Birders’ Haven”

Conservation Importance: The park boarders the Semuliki and Lamia rivers, which form the border between Uganda and the D. R. Congo. The flora and fauna show strong affinities with the Congo basin forest with many species reaching the eastern limit of their ranges in the Semuliki Forest. Suggesting it is the vast Ituri forest that has stretched from Congo into Semuliki in Uganda, coming along with its unique flora and fauna. No wonder 31 species of bird, one species of primate, and one of butterfly are west African and only recorded in Semuliki on the East African part of their ranges.

Specie diversity: 447 bird species have been recorded, 216 being true forest birds that include Forest ground Thrush, Sassi’s Olive Greenbul and White-crested Hornbill, 53 mammal species including the Beecroft’s flying Squirrel, Water chevrotain and Zenker’s flying mice, nocturnal animals of West Africa.

Tourist attraction: The unique bird life here, is the core reason for bird watchers to visit this park, However, the two hot springs about a kilometer apart, makes an easy stop over for tourists. Other attractions include Chimpanzee, Red Colobus, De Brazza’s and Dent’s Mona Monkeys. But also forest Buffaloes, Elephants, Pygmy Hippos, leopards.

Size and accessibility: The park covers 220km² of mainly deciduous and low altitude moist evergreen rainforest. Easily accessed from Fortpotal, 64km, or Kampala, 423km.

Elevation: 620 – 750m

Timing: Good travelling all the year