Birding Excursions in Semliki National Park.
Semliki National Park Birding Excursions: Located in the Bundibugyo District in Uganda’s far west is Semliki National Park. It is located in the western arm of the East African Rift Valley, at the boundary between Uganda and the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). The Rwenzori Mountains are in the southeast, the Democratic Republic of the Congo is to the west, and the Semliki lowlands and Lake Albert are farther to the north.
The huge Ituri forest in the Democratic Republic of Congo is extended to the east by Semliki National Park. It is one of the most abundant regions for both flora and fauna in Africa since it is a component of the forest continuum that was created by the Pleistocene climate changes. This park is a must-visit location for bird lovers because it is home to many primarily Central African species that are unique to East Africa.
These include some of the most beautiful and sought-after birds on the continent, including the Long-tailed Hawk, Congo Serpent Eagle, Lyre-tailed Honeyguide, Black-wattled Hornbill, and Nkulengu Rail, to name a few. Additionally, there are The African Grey Parrot, the Nkulengu Rail, and the White-crested Hornbill are a few of the amazing species that may be found here. The park’s diverse habitats, which include riverine forests and wide savannahs, offer the ideal setting for observing these lovely birds.
A list of the birds that have been seen at Semliki National Park
Long-tailed Hawk, Eurasian Oystercatcher, and Grant’s Bluebill, Afep Pigeon, Blue-headed Coucal, Bates’s Nightjar, Swamp Nightjar, Cassin’ Spinetail, Sabine’s Spinetail, Red-thighed Sparrowhawk, and Chestnut-flanked Goshawk Shining-blue Kingfisher, White-bellied Kingfisher, Woodpecker Gabon, Barbets with hairy breasts, yellow-billed, double-toothed, black-billed, and white-headed Typical Stonechat, Little Grey Greenbul, Toro Olive Greenbul, Mountain Greenbul, Oberlaender’s Ground-Thrush, Abyssinian Ground-Thrush, and Grey Ground-Thrush Western Nicator, Yellow-throated Nicator, Petit’s Cuckoo-shrike, Purple-throated Cuckoo-shrike, Long-tailed Hawk, Eurasian Oystercatcher, Black Saw-wing, Lowland Akalat, White-starred Robin, Blue-throated Alethe, Fire-crested Alethe, Swamp Palm Bulbul, Spotted Greenbul, Red-thighed Sparrowhawk, and White-throated Blue Swallow Among these are the Northern Bearded Scrub-Robin, Red-eyed Puffback, White-tailed Robin-Chat, Snowy-headed Robin-Chat, and Blue-shouldered Robin-Chat.
Packing list for Semliki National Park birdwatching trips
A field guide, lightweight clothing, long-sleeved shirts, sturdy walking shoes to help you navigate on the forest terrain, rain jacket, insect repellent, enough water and snacks, sunglasses, and binoculars to help you spot and identify birds, especially those perched high in the trees or across bodies of water, are just a few of the indispensable items you should think about when preparing for a birding excursion in Semliki National Park.
Additional things to do while visiting Semliki National Park
The hot springs are visited.
It is an amazing and exhilarating experience to visit the Sempaya Hot Springs in Semliki National Park. A natural phenomena where hot water bursts from the earth’s crust, Semliki National Park is home to Uganda’s most beautiful hot springs, known as Sempaya Hot Springs. These hot springs have become a popular tourist destination and have benefited a wide range of people from all over the world. Many tourists get the opportunity to explore Uganda’s stunning hot springs while they are there. While on a wildlife safari in Uganda, visitors have the chance to explore the park’s beautiful hot springs, learn about their history, and take in the breathtaking scenery along the way.
Observing wildlife
More than 56 mammal species can be found in Semliki National Park. During a Uganda wildlife safari, guests can see a range of wildlife, including elephants, buffaloes, waterbucks, Uganda Kobs, warthogs, White-bellied Duikers, or dwarf antelopes, as well as several primates like chimpanzees and baboons. On your lucky days, you might also see the Batwa, also known as the pygmies, hippos, leopards, and the elusive bushbabies.
Tracking primates
Numerous primate species, including the Grey-cheeked Mangabey, Vervet, Red-tailed, Olive Baboon, and Guereza Colobus, can be found at Semliki National Park. De Brazza’s monkeys are uncommon, and chimpanzees are more often heard than seen. Pottos and Galagos are among the nocturnal primates, and chimpanzees rule a huge wooded area. The primary activity carried out in the national park is tracking chimpanzees. Searching for chimpanzee-habituated families in the park requires trekking through the jungles on foot in order to track these amazing animals. You will have the opportunity to see these fascinating primates in their native environment after they have been located.
Hiking and nature walks
Another thrilling activity in Semliki National Park is trekking and nature hikes. In addition to providing a means of connecting with nature, nature walks in the park give visitors the chance to discover the forest’s hidden gems. There are hiking trails and guided nature tours for visitors to explore the park on foot. In addition to learning about the park’s flora, animals, and conservation initiatives, you will have the chance to experience the rich biodiversity of Semliki National Park through its tropical rainforest, savannah grassland, and hot springs during the nature walks and hikes.
Cultural excursion
Indigenous populations known as the Batwa pygmies, who have long resided in the wooded sections of Semliki National Park, are also found there. Village visits and cultural exchanges offer insights into the habits, beliefs, and traditional ways of life of these local communities. Visit Pygmy settlements, engage in customary practices, and learn about the local knowledge of the forest and its riches through cultural tours.
The ideal time of year to go birdwatching in Semliki National Park
Although it is possible to see birds at Semliki National Park throughout the year, the ideal time to do so is from March to May and September to November, which is the dry season. Because the park receives less rainfall at this time, you can see migratory and colorful bird species from November to April.
Accommodations
Semliki Safari Lodge, Ntoroko Game Lodge, Kirimia Guesthouse, Hotel Vanilla, UWA Bandas and Camps, Nyati Game Lodge, Aramaga Rift Valley Lodge, Fort Heights Homestay, and other safari lodging options are available in Semliki National Park, so visitors planning a Uganda birding safari need not worry about where to stay. These accommodations offer comfortable surroundings and well-maintained furnishings for all visitor classes.
In addition to being a haven for birds, Semliki National Park is a site committed to sustainability and conservation. You may actively support the preservation of these distinctive ecosystems and their inhabitants by going to the park. Local communities benefit greatly from tourism-related income, which is crucial for preserving the park’s natural legacy. The ecosystem and bird enthusiasts both benefit from this.
