On a trip to Semuliki National Park in Bundibugyo District in Western Uganda, we were welcomed by a cool breeze from the Ituri Forest conservatory. It is the only tract of true lowland tropical forests in East Africa, hosting 441 recorded bird species and 53 mammals.

The locals who kept waving and smiling at us wherever we passed left us wishing we could spend eternity there.

The tribes living near the park include; Bamba farmers living along the Rwenzori base while the Bakonjo cultivate the fertile mountain slopes. Batuku cattle keepers inhabit the open plains and Batwa, pygmies, traditionally hunter gatherers live on the edge of the forest.

Why Visit Semuliki National Park

Sempaya hot springs; eating eggs boiled from these springs will leave you amazed at nature’s wonders.

The male hot spring, “Bintente”, set in a lush swampy clearing, measures 12m in diameter.

The female spring “Nyasimbi”, meaning “female ancestors”, is a boiling geyser of 103 degrees centigrade spurting bubbling water and steam up to 2m high. The steam cloud can be seen as far as 2km away.

Birding; Listening to birds chirping and producing heavenly sounds was incredible.

We could see some simply resting, perhaps taking in fresh air that the park has to offer. Unable to keep track of the different bird species we saw; our guide informed us that over 441 species of birds have been recorded, adding up to 40% of Uganda’s total species, and 66% of the forest birds found in Uganda.

Chimpanzee tracking; Somewhere along the park lawns were beautiful primates including olive baboons, chimpanzees, grey-checked and black mangabey monkeys that took turns to groom each other and parent their little ones.

Younger chimps without responsibilities could be seen playing by chasing one another or by jumping from one tree branch to another.

Game drives; our third day in the park was dedicated to a game drive. These include the morning game drive; the night game drive and afternoon game drive which gave us a chance to see the beautiful beasts in search for water sources to quench their thirst in the blazing hot sun.

Boat Cruises; we ended our trip with a cruise on Lake Albert. Accompanied by the cool breeze and the thrusting sound of the waves behind us, we encountered different aquatic life including rare bird sightings as the rare Shoebill stork.

From the hospitable locals to the spurting hot springs, Semuliki National Park is the perfect place for a holiday. If you ever choose to visit Bundibugyo, make sure to have a date with the park and experience the beauty Uganda has to offer.