The hot springs and cool birds of Semiliki

By Titus Kakembo

Semiliki National Park is famous for the Sempaya male and female hot springs. They bubble up from the depths of the earth to demonstrate the powerful subterranean forces that have shaped the Rift Valley over the last 14 million years.

“These natural springs have a geyser shooting up from an eight-meter wide hole at hot temperatures. It is the largest of its kind in the country,” says Noel Bayo, a tour guide. His narrative is interrupted by tweets and flapping wings. “See, there flies the blue–breasted kingfisher and Frasier’s ant-thrush,” he says.

On the same trail are primates like the grey-checked mangabey, the red-tailed monkey, elephants, chimpanzees and the more localised De Brazza’s monkey and pygmy antelope.

The Mungilo waterfall is a haven for attractive birds, especially if you are a birder. Hassan Mutebi, a bird guide, says some of the most sought-after species of birds include the black dwarf hornbill, shining blue kingfisher and the yellow-throated nicator.

The 220 square kilometer national park sprawls across the floor of the Semiliki Valley on the remote western side of the Rwenzori. The park is dominated by the easternmost extension of the great Ituri Forest of the Congo Basin, one of Africa’s most ancient and bio-diverse forests and one of the few to survive the last ice age, 12,000 to 18,000 years ago.

Geographically, the Semiliki River (which forms the international boundary with D.R. Congo) is a miniature version of the Congo River. The forest is home to the Batwa community. Other ethnic groups living near the park comprise the Bwamba farmers living along the base of Mountain Rwenzori, while the Bakonjo cultivate the mountain slopes. Batuku cattle keepers inhabit on the open plains.

This park provides a taste of Central Africa without having to leave Uganda. Do not miss out on a boat trip on Lake Albert.
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Getting there, monies, accommodation

Semiliki can be approached using two major roads from Kampala city via Fort Portal. Via Mubende is about 290km, which is about a four- to five-hour drive. Via Masaka, Mbarara and Kasese is the alternative route, though longer, at 465km (seven- to eight- hour drive).

From Fort Portal, a 59km tarmac road hugging the northern tip of the Rwenzori leads you to Semiliki’s Sempaya Gate. Ntandi Park headquarters is 6km further along the road. Public transport from Fort Portal to Bundibugyo passes through the park headquarters. It can also be accessed by air.

Uganda Wildlife Authority has comfortable self-contained accommodation within the national park, while neighbouring Fort Portal and Bundibugyo towns offer a wide range of alternative accommodation

Foreign Non Residents pay $ 25 for adults. Children of five to fifteen years pay $15 per 24 hours.

Foreign Residents in East Africa pay $15 for adults. Children part with $10 per 24 hours. East African citizens pay sh5,000 adults and sh2,500 for children. School children in groups pay sh1500 each.