Semuliki

In 1932, the Semuliki Forest reserve was gazetted by the British colonial government in a bid to protect the growing numbers of wild game in the area. One year later this upgraded to game park status and has since attracted both local and foreign tourists. The park houses the only lowland tropical forest in East Africa. 

The park is found in western Uganda and covers up to 219 square kilometres. It is one of the richest areas of flora and fauna diversity with vast species of birds and butterflies. 53 recorded mammal species like African buffalo, leopard, hippopotamus, mona monkey, water chevrotain, bush babies, African civet, African elephant, and the Pygmy scaly-tailed flying squirrel Nine duiker species reside in this park. There are also up to 441 bird species. All the birds found in the park are true forest birds and they include the rare Oberländer’s ground thrush, lyre-tailed honey guide, Sassi’s olive greenbul, and nine hornbill species. In addition to this, there are over 460 butterfly species.

The area around the park is home to four indigenous tribes. Visitors can choose to visit any of the four tribes living on the edges of the park. The Batwa pygmies are hunters and forest gatherers, the Bakonjo and Bamba grow crops on the slopes of mount Rwenzori while the Batuku live in the northern section of the park as pastoralists. These tribes host tourists and showcase their cultural heritage through dance, storytelling and other demonstrations.

Treat yourself to Chimpanzee trekking in the Toro-Semuliki wildlife reserve, nocturnal game viewing, Sempaya hot spring visits, bird watching on numerous trails, boat safaris on Lake Albert, and nature walks.