Semliki National Park is found in Bundibugyo district 50KM west of Fortportal, this park is said to be an extension of Ituri forest. It covers 220m2. The park borders the Rwenzori Mountains, Democratic Republic of Congo and Lake Albert. Semiliki was gazetted in 1993 and is rated the newest among Ugandan national parks.
This park has a gentle landscape ranging from 670-760 meters above sea level, it enjoys an average annual rainfall of 1250 mm with peaks from March to May and September and December. The temperature varies from 18o C – 30o C with relatively small daily variations. This park has a poor drainage and topography which favors flooding during the rainy season.
53 species of mammal have been recorded from the park, amng these are Grey-cheeked Mangabey, Vervet, Red-tailed and Mona, Gentle (Blue) Monkeys, Olive Baboon and Guereza Colobus, De Brazza’s Monkeys are rare and Chimpanzees may seldom be heard than seen. While nocturnal primates include Pottos and Galagos. You are also lucky if you glimpse Elephant, Bush pig, Water Chevrotain, Buffalo, Sitatunga, White-bellied Duiker or Dwarf Antelope, Beecroft’s Anomalure or Zenker’s Flying Mouse. You are far more likely to spot the lively and agile squirrels such as Fire-footed Rope or Red-legged Sun Squirrel. Little collard fruit Bat and Target Rat. 30 species of butterflies have been identified, including 46 species of forest Swallowtails and Charaxes (75% of Uganda’s total) and at least 235 species of moths have been classified as restricted.
There are also 305 species of trees recorded, of which 125 species are restricted to this park alone.
Activities in this park cover nature walks, community walks, bird watching, nocturnal bird watching, primate viewing, forest hikes and aquatic visits to the hot springs and the rivers in the park.
Accommodation can be sought in the Semliki Safari lodge, Bundibugyo town and Fortportal sincee there is limited accommodation in the park.
Accessibility to the park is by road for 6-7 hours drive from Kampala, and 52 km from Fort portal town. The terrain requires 4WD vehicle especially during the rainy seasons.