Birding in Semuliki National Park

Birding in Semuliki National Park; Semuliki National Park is truly a great birding Uganda destination, located in western part of Uganda in Bundibugyo district bordering with Democratic Republic of Congo. More to that, the park was established in 1932 and later turned into a national park in 1993.  More so, Semuliki covers a total area of 220 square kilometers which is habitat of different wildlife species such as elephants, buffaloes, bush pigs, warthogs, bush babies, hippos, waterbucks, civets, bay duikers, pygmy antelopes, bushbucks and primates such as chimpanzees, black and white colobus monkeys, red tailed monkeys, grey cheeked mangabey, Olive baboons many more.

The park is one of the great location to go birding in Uganda, home of more than 441 recorded bird species including 23 Albertine rift endemics ,35 Guinea- Congo forest biome, forest species, migratory birds many more.

Bird checklist in Semuliki National Park can either be rewarding in the early morning  or in the evening with an experienced bird guide where you will be able to view different  bird species including ;Orange –Cheeked Waxbill ,Blue-headed Crested-flycatcher ,Maxwell’s Black Weaver ,Crested Malimbe ,Red-bellied Malimbe ,Chestnut-breasted Negrofinch ,Grant’s Bluebill ,Black-wattled Hornbill ,Congo Serpent Eagle ,Purple Glossy-starling ,Red throated Bee-eater ,Long Tailed Hawk ,Lyre-tailed Honeyguide ,White –throated Alethe ,Yellow-billed Barbet ,Petits Cuckoo-shrike ,Abyssinian Ground-thrush ,White-tailed Robin-chat, Fire crested Alethe ,White-throated Blue Swallow ,Double-toothed Barbet ,Cassin’s Spine tail, Mountains Greenbul Hairy-breasted Barbet ,Swamp Nightjar ,Chestnut –flanked Goshawk, Toro Olive Greenbul ,Common stonechat ,Little Grey Greenbul Long tailed Hawk ,Blue Headed Coucal,White-bellied Kingfisher, Red Thighed sparrow hawk, Capped Wheatear, White tailed Robin Chat ,Red-throated Alethe ,Western Nicator ,Purple Throated Cuckoo-shrike ,Common Stonechat, Little Grey Greenbul ,Long-tailed Hawk, Shinning –blue kingfisher, Chestnut-breasted Negrofinch, Piping Hornbill, Swamp Palm bulbul ,Red Billed Dwarf Hornbill ,Maxwell’s Black Weaver ,Lemon-bellied Crombec many more.

Best Time for Bird Watching Tour in Semuliki National Park

Birding in Semuliki National Park can be all year round though the best time is during the dry season in the months of March to May and September to November. Between this period of the year it tends to receive less rainfall in the park. Therefore, you will be able to view notable and migratory bird species from November to April. During this time, there can be plenty of fruits in the park that attracts variety of bird species.

Birding in Semuliki National Park can also be done in the dry season from the month June, July and December to February – during this period the birding trail are easier to navigate thus making it a perfect bird watching experience.

How to get to Semuliki National Park

Semuliki National Park lies in western region of Uganda and can be accessed by road transport; From Kampala via Mubende, Fort Portal to main destination ‘’Semuliki’’ takes about 5 to 6 hours’ drive. This is easiest route to access the park.

You can use another route; From Kampala/Entebbe through Masaka, Mbarara and then to the park –takes about 7 to 8hours drive.

By Air Transport

Semuliki National Park can be accessed by air transport where you can book scheduled or chartered flights by Aero link Uganda from Entebbe International Airport or Kajjansi Airfield to Semuliki Airstrip ‘’45minutes and then transfer to the park /lodge by road ‘’1hour’’.

Apart from birding, there are a bucket list of activities that you can engage while on safari in Semuliki National Park including; Guided natural walk, Game viewing in Toro-Semuliki Wildlife Reserve –animals to see like elephant, buffaloes, waterbucks, Uganda kobs, Warthogs many more, Visit the Sempaya hot springs, Cultural visits –visit the local people interact with them like the Batwa, Bakojo and Bamba people.

What to carry with;

 The essentials to carry with while on Birding safari in Semuliki National Park include; Pair binocular, water bottle, Field guidebook, Camera and extra batteries, light clothes, waterproof backpack many more.

Accommodations in Semuliki National Park

Semuliki National Park has few accommodation facilities but some can be got outside the park, they range from Budget, Midrange and Luxury including; Semuliki Safari Lodge, Aramaga Rift Valley lodge, Fort Heights homestay, Hotel Vanilla, Uganda Wildlife Authority Bandas among many.

Travelers visiting Semuliki National Park on their Uganda holiday safari can combine the itinerary with doing Gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park or Queen Elizabeth National Park for wildlife adventure and the accessibility in between these parks is easier to access.

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