An undisputed Birders’ Haven, Semuliki National Park, covers a total area of 220sqkms and the elevation ranges between 670m and 760m above sea level. Semuliki first assumed the status of forest reserve in 1932 and eventually graduated to a National Park in 1993. Semuliki forest deserves the description of a true lowland tropical forest and the only one of its kind in the whole of East Africa.  The forest is home to over 441 recorded bird-species and 53 mammal species.

Semuliki National Park occupies Semuliki Valley on the remote western side of the Great Rwenzori Mountains. One of the striking features situated in this park are the Sempaya Hot Springs. The “male” spring, locally referred to as Bitente measures 12m in diameter and is situated in a lush swampy clearing. Nyasimbi is the “female” spring, a name that translates to “the female ancestors”. This spring generates a fountain   This park is uniquely set-apart from the rest due to endemic and ultimately endangered species found in the Eastern extension of one of Africa’s most ancient and bio-diverse forests of the Congo Basin.

A diversity of wildlife nestles in Semilik National Park, thanks to the distinct ecosystem with in the larger Albertine Rift Ecosystem. The birdlife is rich with Albertine rift endemics such as the Dwarf Honey Guide and Purple-breasted sunbird. Others include White-tailed Hornbill, Capuchin Babbler, Blue-headed Crested Flycatcher and the Orange weaver among others. With a total of 53 mammal species recorded in Semliki, five are large and seven are small mammals are only specific to this park. Eight of the species are only found in Semiliki in East Africa! These include Mona monkey, Pygmy flying squirrel, forest buffalo, bay duiker, beecroft’s flying squirrel, little collared fruit bat, water chevrotain, and target rat.