Semliki national park is one of the first conservation areas of Uganda characterized by the unique bird species that have been recorded here to date it is a “true haven of birder.” It is the only lowland tropical forest of Uganda connecting to the Congo basin along the floor of the great Albertine rift valley, the national park has survived overtime with evidential natural features of Hot springs present in the national park the park is strategically located along the border of the democratic republic of Congo covering an area space of approximately 220 square kilometers, it is of the best biodiverse ecosystems in Uganda the park was created in 1932 and received a national park status in 1993, it is managed by the Uganda wildlife authority(UWA).
Semliki national park is rich with species it is within the regions of the Albertine rift valley the vegetation of the park is composed of lowland forest with tree species that are the same as those of the Congo, swamp vegetation, forest, and a savannah grassland all these habitats present a chance for the growth of flora and fauna in the conservation area expect to see mammals like elephants, buffaloes, chimpanzee, monkeys, Uganda Kobs mention a few and over 435 species of birds some of which are endemics to the Albertine the list includes guinea Congo forest biome bird types like the red thighed African hawk, great blue turaco, eagles, sunbirds, Abyssinian ground horn bill, yellow-throated cuckoo, African grey parrot, shoe bill stock a critically endangered species in birds among others.
Hot springs are the major attraction of the national park they include the female and male hot springs, which are believed to have been formed as a result of the movement of the earth’s tectonic plants and volcanicity, the female hot springs ‘bitente’waters are believed to be medicinal according to the locals they cure infertility in women and also skin diseases the water is hot enough to boil an egg the gestures rise 2 meters above the ground, birds of the forest are as many as you can see, it is perfect for travelers looking to do birding, boat cruise along the lake Albert in search of the shoe bill, the park is surrounded by the communities of the pygmy /Batwa of western Uganda and the Bakonjo mostly, it is possible to interact with them during your visit
The national park is less crowdy during high tourism seasons, it is recommendable for a quiet, calm, and peaceful place the walkways of the national park give incredible views with a lush green forest in the backdrop, it can be visited all year round but best during the dry season between June- September and December-February it should be noted that there are mandatory park fees to access the conservation area foreign Non-residents pay $35, foreign residents $25 and east African citizens 15,000 Ugandan shillings, what to pack includes waterproof covers for phones and cameras, long-sleeved shirts and trousers, insect repellant, warm gears, the park is accessible through fort portal it takes approximately +/-6 hours drive to arrive at the destination. There is available accommodation around the park and in the game reserve.