Semuliki National Park

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Charlotte Beauvoisin –

Visited: February

Charlotte lives in Uganda and is a writer, blogger, volunteer and promoter of birding, conservation and responsible tourism. She writes for Fodor’s, Horizon Guides and Bradt, and runs an award-winning blog.

Central African Birds and Steamy Hot Springs

Overall rating

1/5

Wildlife:

Bush Vibe:

Scenery:

Birding:

Semuliki is where the Democratic Republic of Congo’s Ituri Forest stretches into Uganda, making it one of Africa’s richest forest birding areas, home to Central African species you won’t see anywhere else in Uganda. I couldn’t wait to finally visit but forest birding is notoriously difficult. Despite being in the forest with local experts who knew the bird calls, I saw few of the mouthwatering list that my colleagues have: African piculet, grey-throated barbet, yellow-throated nicator, leaf-love, Nkulengu rail and an incredible 10 species of hornbill. (Perhaps I should have spent more time looking and less time writing notes about the 35 ‘Semuliki specials’ that the park is famous for.)

Set in the Albertine Rift, Semuliki is at an altitude of 670m, one of the lowest – and frequently hottest – points in Uganda. The area’s remoteness, disconnected from the main tourist loop and bordering the DRC, means it’s quite undeveloped. Tourism infrastructure is scant here so you’re usually best to come with your own expert bird guide (not to mention a packed lunch). Nonetheless, the jaw-dropping Rift Valley scenery along the foothills of the Rwenzori Mountains makes the winding drive more than worthwhile.

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