Engaging in nature walks and hiking within Semuliki National Park is an exhilarating activity that offers tourists an opportunity to intimately connect with the park’s diverse wildlife, including mammals, birds, and butterfly species that may remain elusive during traditional game drives. These nature walks provide a unique experience, allowing visitors to encounter fascinating creatures such as primates, hippos, crocodiles, an array of birdlife, and the enchanting world of butterflies.
This captivating 13-kilometer trail leads adventurers deep into the heart of the lush forest, guiding them to the enchanting Semuliki River. The journey, spanning approximately 8 hours and commencing at 8 am, is a bird watcher’s paradise, dotted with numerous water holes that beckon a myriad of avian species.
The 11-kilometer Red Monkey Track follows the park’s eastern border, offering a unique opportunity to encounter the rare De Brazza’s monkey. As the trail continues, it leads to the mesmerizing Semuliki River, weaving a tapestry of wildlife encounters along the way.
Spanning 8 kilometers, the Sempaya Nature Trail commences at the male hot spring, known as Bitende, and extends to the female hot spring, Nyasimbi. During this adventure, you can also expect to encounter a diverse array of primates, adding to the excitement of your journey.
Semuliki National Park is a haven for wildlife enthusiasts, harboring a rich tapestry of 53 mammal species. Among these, 27 are classified as large mammals, with 11 being endemic to the park, including the pygmy antelope and the two-fingered flying squirrel. The park also boasts the presence of fanged deer, forest elephants, and smaller forest buffalos, distinct from their savannah counterparts. Primates find a secure sanctuary here, with chimpanzees, baboons, grey-cheeked mangabeys, black and white colobus monkeys, central African red colobus monkeys, blue monkeys, red-tailed monkeys, de Brazza’s monkeys, vervet monkeys, dent’s mona monkeys, and nocturnal primates such as pottos and bush babies making their homes within these lush forests. The semi-aquatic realm comes alive along the Semuliki River, where majestic hippos and stealthy crocodiles can be spotted.
Semuliki National Park entices bird enthusiasts with its spectacular avian diversity, boasting a remarkable 441 bird species. This represents 40% of Uganda’s total bird species and a staggering 66% of the nation’s forest bird species. The park’s birdlife is further enriched by the presence of riverine habitats and the adjacent grasslands to the east. Visitors can revel in the sight of rare birds, including 46 Guinea-Congo biome species that are exclusive to this region. An additional 35 species can be observed in three distinct birding areas within Uganda. Among these avian treasures are five species endemic to the Albertine Rift, such as the Nkulengu Rail, Yellow-Throated Cuckoo, Piping Hornbill, Red-Billed Dwarf Hornbill, and Black Dwarf Hornbill. Other notable species include the White-Crested Hornbill, Black-Casqued Wattled Hornbill, Red-Rumped Tinkerbird, African Piculet, White-Throated Blue Swallow, Yellow-Throated Nicator, Leaf-Love, Swamp Palm Bulbul, Lemon-Bellied Crombec, Maxwell’s Black Weaver, Crested Malimbe, Red-Bellied Malimbe, Blue-Bellied Malimbe, Chestnut-Breasted Negrofinch, and Orange-Cheeked Waxbill.
To ensure a comfortable and enjoyable walk through Semuliki National Park, it’s essential to come prepared. Consider packing gumboots, a rain jacket, a camera, binoculars, drinking water, spare batteries, insect repellent, long trousers, long-sleeved shirts, and a hat or cap. Trek Africa Expeditions is your trusted organizer for nature walks and hiking adventures in Semuliki National Park.