Semliki National Park lies in Bundibugyo District on Uganda’s border with the Democratic Republic of Congo. Gazetted in 1993 and covering about 220 km², it forms part of the vast Ituri Forest, one of Africa’s oldest rainforest systems, and marks the meeting point of Central African rainforest and East African savannah.
Expect a different Uganda from the classic savannah circuit: geothermal springs, Congo Basin birdlife, riverine forest, and open grassland in one compact park.
What to experience
Sempaya Hot Springs
The park’s signature feature. The male spring, Bitente, shoots hot water in a geyser display. The female spring, Nyasimbi, is a bubbling pool reaching around 103°C. Local Bakonzo communities hold the springs as sacred. Guided walks explain geology, vegetation, and cultural meaning.
Game drives
Morning and late-afternoon drives cover grassland, riverbanks, and woodland for forest elephant, buffalo, waterbuck, Uganda kob, primates, and more than 400 bird species. Leopards are present but elusive.
Nature walks
Slower forest walks reveal medicinal plants, red-tailed and colobus monkeys, butterflies, and the structure of lowland Congo forest rarely found elsewhere in East Africa.
Birdwatching
Semliki is one of Uganda’s finest birding parks, with Guinea-Congo biome specialties and Albertine Rift species. Notable sightings can include shoebill (in suitable wetland edges), African grey parrot, hornbills, and turacos.
Chimpanzee tracking
Guided chimp treks follow nests, calls, and tracks into the forest. Once located, guests typically spend up to an hour observing the community.
Best time to visit
Temperatures usually sit between 20°C and 30°C year-round. Dry seasons (June to September and December to February) favour game drives and chimpanzee tracking. Wet seasons (March to May and October to November) bring lush forest, strong birding, and fewer visitors, with muddier trails.
Sempaya Hot Springs and Congo Basin birding
The Sempaya springs are the headline for first-time visitors, but serious birders come for Guinea-Congo specialties that barely appear elsewhere in East Africa. Pair Semliki with Kibale Forest National Park when you want forest depth without doubling back to the savannah circuit.
Getting there
Semliki is best reached via Fort Portal and combines well with Kibale Forest on a western forest circuit. Ask us to weave it into a private Uganda safari when you want Congo Basin character without leaving Uganda. More context in the Uganda destination guide.
