Discover the hidden gem of Semuliki National Park on a budget with cheap car rentals Uganda. Explore this biodiversity hotspot without stretching your wallet. The park is one of the 10 National Parks in Uganda spanning about 220 square kilometers in the remote Bundibugyo district, bordering the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Semuliki National Park is set at the backdrop of magnificent features including the snow-capped Rwenzori Mountains to the south-east as well as Lake Albert to the North. This remote and biodiversity hotspot was gazetted into a National Park in 1993 hence making it one of the recently established Parks in the country and is currently managed by the Uganda Wildlife Authority.
Attractions within Semuliki National Park
Hot springs
There are two hot springs in the Park (the male and female hot springs), together known as popular Sempaya hot springs. Mumbuga hot springs resemble a geyser towering 0.5 meters high. The hot spring area is a haven for several shorebirds in addition to being a source of salt for wildlife.
Activities within Semuliki National Park
Chimpanzee trekking
Many tourists are probably not aware that chimpanzee trekking can be undertaken from Semuliki National Park. The Chimpanzee communities here were habituated by researchers from Indiana University and trekking starts at 8:00 am lasting 1-3 hours. Other primates such as De Brazza’s monkeys, grey-cheeked mangabeys, red-tailed monkeys, blue monkeys, African red colobus monkeys, and black and white colobus monkeys are likely to be encountered during trekking.
Game drives
Both day and night game drives are the most popular activities in Semuliki National Park and are conducted across the vast savannah plains. Common wildlife species encountered are the hippos, warthogs, leopards, savannah elephants, bush babies, buffaloes, white-tailed mongoose, and Uganda kobs.
Cultural tours
The Bambuti pygmies with their hunter-gatherer way of life always interest tourists who visit the area.
Hiking/nature walks
Hiking is another interesting activity to undertake within the park. This Park has several trails leading to beautiful attractions and one of them is the Kirumia Trail. Other hiking trails in this Park are the Sempaya Nature trail and the Red-monkey trail that reward trekkers with views of a number of attractions including the famous Sempaya hot springs, primate, and bird species among others.
Bird watching
The park is one of Africa’s best forest birding destinations with commonly encountered species being the Shoebill storks, Piping hornbills, Great blue turaco, the Red-billed dwarf hornbills, Ross turaco, white-crested hornbills, and yellow-throated Nicator among others. Popular birding sites in this Park are around River Kirumia and areas around Lake Albert.
Where to stay within Semuliki National Park
There are several accommodation facilities within and around Semuliki National Park. The best luxury places to stay are Semliki Safari Lodge and Ntoroko Game Lodge. Kyaninga Lodge is not within but near the Park and offers one of the best accommodation options for luxury travelers.
The accommodation facilities within or around the park to cater to midrange travelers include Mountains of the Moon Hotel.
For budget travelers, the must-book accommodation facilities are Hotel Vanilla, Kirimia Guesthouse, and the UWA Bandas and Campsites.
How to get to Semuliki
Semuliki National Park is situated within the remote district of Bundibugyo and can be reached through Kampala-Mityana-Mubende-Fort Portal-Bundibugyo and finally to Ntandi Park Headquarters.
Unveil the hidden treasures of Semuliki National Park without draining your wallet with our budget-friendly car rentals in Uganda. Explore the rich biodiversity and stunning landscapes without breaking the bank. Book your cheap car rental today and embark on an unforgettable journey.
