Semuliki wildlife reserve
Semuliki wildlife reserve is found in the western region of Uganda and is located in the district of Bundibugyo. Semuliki wildlife reserve is home to the famous Sempaya hot springs, River Semuliki and thick tropical rainforests not forgetting the green lush vegetation that surrounds these game reserve. Sempaya hot springs consists of both the female and male hot springs which eject hot water at a temperature of over 100 degrees Celsius. Semuliki wildlife reserve is approximately 411km from Kampala capital city of Uganda. Tooro Semuliki wildlife reserve is filled with numerous wildlife species such as; Baboons, leopards, buffaloes, lions, hyenas, mongooses, sitatunga, pygmy antelopes, reedbucks, serval cats, forest hogs, red tailed monkeys, black and white colobus monkeys, bush duikers including red and blue duikers, rock hyraxes, tree hyraxes, leopards, klipspringers, squirrels, side striped and black backed jackals, bush pigs to mention but a few. Tooro Semuliki wildlife reserve is home to very many bird species like; Red bellied hornbill, piping hornbill, African Grey parrot, White crested hornbill, Shoe bill stork, African grey parrot, Ross turaco, Crested marimba, Maxwell’s swallow, Red billed dwarf hornbill, Ituri batis, red eyed puff back, Nkulengu rail, yellow throated cuckoo, black winged starling, Congo serpent eagle, Red thighed sparrow hawk.
Tourist Activities that can be carried out at Semuliki wildlife reserve
Exploring Sempaya hot springs; While at Semuliki wildlife reserve, a tourists can visit the Sempaya hot springs and explore the stunning scenic views and one can enter the warm waters as they are believed to have curing abilities. The female Sempaya hot spring is Nyasimbi while the male Sempaya hot spring is Bintente. While on a Uganda tour on Semuliki wildlife reserve, a tourist can stop at Sempaya hot springs one can boil eggs, bananas to mention but a few and even prepare a meal for dinner. A tourist can also take photographs of the different activities while at semuliki wildlife reserve.
Birdwatching; Semuliki wildlife reserve is home to numerous bird species that are over 350. Semuliki wildlife reserve would indeed be a great place for a bird lover to visit to be able to view some of the best bird viewing experience while at Semuliki wildlife reserve. Some of the bird species at Semuliki wildlife reserve include; Red bellied hornbill, piping hornbill, African Grey parrot, White crested hornbill, Shoe bill stork, African grey parrot, Ross turaco, Crested marimba, Maxwell’s swallow, Red billed dwarf hornbill, Ituri batis, RED eyed puff back to mention but a few. The bird species at Semuliki wildlife reserve are spread through the tropical rain forests, the river, the lush vegetation to mention but a few.
Forest walks; Semuliki national park is covered with a great amount of tropical rain forests that have trails passing through the forest. These trails make it possible for one to walk through the national park while viewing wild life and the different bird life in Semuliki national park. However, a tourist has to note that forests walks should be done with the aid of a guide who is armed in order to avoid unlikely events and also have a good sense of direction while walking through the forest.
Semuliki River tour; Semuliki wildlife reserve is situated near the banks of Semuliki river making it one of the best places to visit. Semuliki river flows along Semuliki wildlife reserve and a tourist can engage in thrilling activities like boat cruises on the river, Sport fishing, viewing the different wild species in the river like; crocodiles, hippos to mention but a few. A tourist can also take time and relax while viewing the beautiful sun rise and sun sets at the shows of river Nile.
Cultural experience; Semuliki wildlife reserve is filled with many tribes with the main tribe being the Bakonjo. The bakonjo people have interesting tales and myths especially about Sempaya hot springs. The spiritual significance they attach to the hot spring shall indeed surprise and thrill tourists. These people also have beautiful traditional dances, songs and crafts all these and more would make a tourists local community visit a euphoric experience indeed.
Wildlife viewing; Semuliki wildlife reserve is a habitat to very many mammal species. The wild life species are indeed wonderful and beautiful to observe especially during a Uganda wildlife safari at Semuliki wildlife reserve has wildlife species like; Baboons, leopards, buffaloes, lions, hyenas, mongooses, sitatunga, pygmy antelopes, reedbucks, serval cats, forest hogs, red tailed monkeys, black and white colobus monkeys, bush duikers including red and blue duikers, rock hyraxes, tree hyraxes, leopards, klipspringers, squirrels, side striped and black backed jackals to mention but a few.
The best time to visit Tooro Semuliki wildlife reserve is during the dry months of January, February, December, September, June, July and August as during these months the walking trails are more passable and it is easy to spot wild life.
