There
are grasslands and wetlands and bamboo forest in the park
as well. You may also come across the small Pigmy culture
living nearby.
Some of
the animals present include elephant, buffalo, leopard, civet,
scaly tailed flying squirrel, and bush baby. There are 8 species
of primate, roughly 400 species of bird, and almost 300 species
of butterflies.
The park
has an established trail, which loops around the hot springs.
Visitors are also welcome to arrange hikes to other parts
of the forest.
Semuliki National Park contains a secluded forest area at
the base of the "Mountains of the Moon" - Mount
Rwenzori on the border of Congo. The out of the way location
makes it an ideal place to spend a few days relaxing away
from the rest of the world.
Semuliki
is the only park in Uganda composed primarily of tropical
lowland forest. The land is quite flat, creating a startling
contrast to the rugged Rwenzori Mountains nearby, and the
forest is very dense.
Sempaya
Hot springs It contains a mosaic of different micro habitats,
which provide for a diversity of wildlife.
The Semliki River is a watering point for many animals.
There are a number of natural hot springs in the area, which
attract large numbers of shorebirds, and supply salt for other
animals.
There are grasslands and wetlands and bamboo forest in the
park as well. You may also come across the small Pigmy culture
living nearby.
Accommodation
There are a number of well established hotels and Lodges and
Camps in Fort Portal. Many people spend the night there before
coming out to the park. There is also accommodation at Bundibugyo
at the Union Guest House. There is one simple camp site inside
the park at Ntandi, as well as one just outside the park at
Sempaya. For these you must bring camping equipment and food.
Bug repellent and rain gear is also a good idea.
Access
The park is located 2 to 3 hours from Fort Portal, on the
Fort Portal-Bundibugyo Road. This is a rough road that requires
a vehicle with high clearance. It is accessible by public
transport from Fort Portal. The hot springs are located at
Sempaya, and the headquarters are closer to Bundibugyo at
Ntandi.