What is the second smallest national park in Uganda?
What is the second smallest national park in Uganda? Semuliki Valley National Park is regarded as the second smallest national park in Uganda, encompassing an area of around 220 square kilometers. This national park is situated in the western area of Uganda, specifically in Bundibugyo district, and is recognized as one of the newest parks in the country, having been designated as a national park in 1993. Semuliki National Park is managed by the Uganda Wildlife Authority, a government organization responsible for the protection of all national parks in the country. This national park borders nations such as the Democratic Republic of Congo and is situated at an elevation ranging from 670 to 760 meters above sea level.
Semuliki National Park boasts numerous tourist attractions that draw visitors from around the globe, hence enhancing the development of Uganda’s tourism industry. Consequently, some of these attractions comprise the Sempaya hot springs and several wildlife species. Furthermore, touring Semuliki National Park offers numerous opportunity to participate in various intriguing activities, including:
Sempaya Hot Springs Activities conducted at Semuliki National Park.
Trekking.
Tourists visiting Semuliki National Park may choose to hike to the Sempaya hot springs during their leisure time, allowing them to traverse expansive palm forests and observe various primate species, including black and white colobus monkeys and red-tailed monkeys, among others. Notably, guests should be aware that the Sempaya hot springs feature both male and female sections.
Avian observation.
Semuliki National area is regarded as one of the premier birding places in the country, housing over 410 bird species that enthusiasts can observe when visiting the area. The avian species comprise the big blue turaco, the uncommon shoebill stork, Ross’s turaco, red-billed dwarf hornbill, yellow-throated nicator, white-crested hornbill, among others. Additionally, this park features favored locations conducive to birdwatching, such as Lake Albert, Ntandi, Kirumia River, and the Sempaya hot springs, which provide tourists stunning vistas of the exquisite woodland avifauna.
Wildlife observation.
Tourists traversing Semuliki National Park can consistently observe a multitude of wildlife species as they roam the park in search of sustenance. Mgahinga National Park is home to over 53 mammal species, including forest elephants, white colobus monkeys, crocodiles, hippos, antelopes, bushbucks, black colobus monkeys, leopards, red-tailed monkeys, buffalos, and more.
Cultural interactions.
Tourists at Semuliki National Park can choose to explore nearby communities, where they have opportunities to interact with the Batwa people residing peacefully in their homesteads. The local populace typically welcomes guests with traditional dance performances, accompanied by folk melodies. Furthermore, tourists pay significant attention to the storytelling aspect, as these narratives facilitate their understanding of the Batwa people’s history and allow them to view their daily lifestyle, including their cooking of traditional dishes and other activities.
Additionally, tourists can participate in various activities, such as guided nature walks along different trails, including the Kirumia trail, which traverses the core of the national park to the banks of the Semuliki River. Game drives are conducted in two sessions, typically in the morning and evening, based on tourists’ preferences, among other options.
Accommodation options at Semuliki National Park.
Semuliki National Park provides tourists with a variety of hotel options, including budget, mid-range, and luxury, allowing individuals to select their preferred lodging based on personal preference and financial considerations. Consequently, these accommodations comprise Semuliki Safari Lodge, Sempaya Campsite, Kirimia Guesthouse, UWA Bandas, among others.
For further information regarding the second smallest national park in the country, please contact our reputable tour operators. Additionally, consider booking with our travel businesses, which provide exceptional tour packages for your safari in Semuliki National Park, Uganda.
