Birding in Semuliki National Park is undeniably one of the exciting activities holidaymakers should expect to enjoy while in this protected area. Located in the western part of Uganda, Semuliki National Park is a strong hold of over 441 bird species making it one of the best birding spots birders should expect to visit while on Uganda safari. The park protects an estimate of 40% of all the bird population that live in Uganda and over half of the forest bird species.
Besides, Semuliki is a haven to all 46 Guinea Congo biome avifaunal species and these exist not where else in East Africa, 32 of which can only be sighted in other Uganda’s protected areas. In addition, over 5 Albertine rift endemic species also call Semuliki National Park a home which makes it incredibly an amazing bird watching destination in Uganda, the Pearl of Africa.
Birds of Semuliki N/P.
Semuliki National Park’s diverse bird species include white tailed/piping hornbill, Capuchin babbler, orange weaver, red billed malimbe, black casqued wattled hornbill, crested flycatcher, blue billed malimbe, lemon bellied crombec, red eyed puff back, yellow throated nicator, swamp palm bulbul. Blue billed malimbe and dwarf hornbill.
Other species of birds Semuliki N/Park prides itself in lyre tailed honey guide, black winged starling, Congo serpent eagle, red billed helmet shrike, Ituri batis, The Great blue & Ross’s Turacos, Maxwell’s black swallow and long tailed hawk.
Interestingly, most of the birders who undertake Semuliki tour come mainly to look out for the elusive shoebill stork. Besides, the park also boasts of diverse nocturnal species including the African goshawk, great sparrows, freckled nightjars, black shouldered nightjars and crested guinea fowl.
About Semuliki National Park.
Semuliki National Park is geographically set in Bundibugyo District, Western Uganda. It is one of the recently gazetted National Parks in Uganda, founded in 1993, and spans up-to 220sq.kms featuring largely the lowland forest. This park straddles at the extreme border of Uganda with the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), just adjacent to Rwenzori Mountain ranges in the South-east and to the North, there is Lake Albert.
Semuliki n/park sits on elevation range of 670-760m. While on Semuliki birding tour, the notable sites to explore unique birds include the Sempaya also popular for the powerful Sempaya Hot springs; Ntandi trail.
What pack for Semuliki birding tour?
Birding in Semuliki NP requires adequate preparation & planning. Part of this requires you to carry essential items and your packing list should include field bag, good camera, bottled water, rain jacket, good walking shoes, guide book, insect repellent, pair of binoculars, day pack and good cloths etc.
Best time to travel to Semuliki NP for bird watching.
Birding in Semuliki National Park Uganda is open to all travelers on bird watching tour all year-round. However, you can have the best of Semuliki bird watching experience during the months of February, March, April or June to September.
Enthusiastic birders who are interested mainly in spotting the migratory birds, the perfect months to travel to Semuliki National Park are November to April, & December to February. From April, to May and September to October, Semuliki records heavy amounts of rainfall.
Where to stay on Semuliki birding trip?
Semuliki National Park is incredibly a complete birding destination with the most accommodation options ranging from budget/basic, mid-range to luxury/up-market. They include Bandas & Campsites, Kirimia Guesthouse, Ntoroko Game Lodge and Semuliki Safari Lodge.
Getting Semuliki for bird watching.
Semuliki is only 52kms away from Fort Portal Tourism City and from Kampala, it is accessible within 7 hours’ drive if you took the Masaka route via Mbarara. The other shortest alternative route is 4-5 hours’ drive taking you from Kampala via Mityana-Mubende to Fort Portal City.
Semuliki N/P is also easier to reach through Mount. Rwenzori National Park, Kibale Forest National Park and Queen Elizabeth National Park in Western Uganda.
