River Semuliki
River Semuliki is one of western Ugandas greatest rivers that originates from Lake Edward that is found in Kasese district of Uganda found in the Albertine rift valley region. River semuliki is also surrounded by beautiful natural wonders such as Semuliki national park, Sempaya hot springs, lush vegetation and hills. River semuliki is about 140km long and is approximately 370km from Kampala the Capital city of Uganda. Visiting River Semuliki while on Uganda safari would offer great opportunity especially basing on the fact that one can be able see very many beautiful wonders all in one destination.
Tourist activities one can carry out while at River Semuliki.
Exploring Sempaya hot springs; While on a river Semuliki safari/tour, one can visit the Sempaya hot springs that are found in Semuliki national park and enjoy the stunning and picturesque views around these amazing females and male hot springs. one also can enter the warm waters of the hot springs as they are believed by the locals to be having healing powers. Sempaya hot springs consists of two hot springs, The female hot spring known as Nyasimbi while the male hot spring known as Bintente. one can boil eggs and bananas while on a Sempaya hot springs tour and have a meal for dinner.
Bird watching; River Semuliki is home to very many bird species of over 350. These would indeed greatly fulfil a birders experience wile at a Uganda river Semuliki safari/ tour. These bird species include; Red bellied hornbill, piping hornbill, African Grey parrot, White crested hornbill, Shoe bill stork, African grey parrot, Ross turaco, Crested marimba, Maxwell’s swallow, Red billed dwarf hornbill, Ituri Batis, RED eyed puff back to mention but a few. These birds’ species are spread throughout the banks of river Semuliki and forests around Semuliki national park making river Semuliki indeed a birders destination.
Nature walks; The banks of River Semuliki are covered with many walking trails that pass through the forest t the banks of river Semuliki. These trails make it very possible to walk through up to Semuliki national park and be able to view different wild life and bird species in Semuliki national park. However, a tourist must carry out nature walks with the aid of a guide who is armed in order to protect them in case of any danger and also. Guide through the directions in the forest.
Exploring semuliki River; Semuliki river flows through out the national park and a tourist can take a river semuliki boat cruise and carry out fun activities such as, sport fishing, wildlife viewing and get the opportunity to see wildlife species in the river such as in the river such as; crocodiles, hippos to mention but a few. One can also relax and view the beautiful sun rises and sun sets at the river banks while at Semuliki national park.
Sport Fishing; River semuliki is home to numerous fish species that provide a great opportunity for tourists to carry out fishing while at river Semuliki. A tourist can explore the Different local fishing techniques like fishing rods, nets, baskets and baits can be used. However, one can acquire a fishing permit from the local tourist office at Semuliki National Park and with the assistance of a local tour guide and be able to engage in sport fishing.
Cultural experience; Semuliki river is surrounded by numerous tribes such as the Bakonjo. The Bakonjo have interesting tales, myths and believes about the origin of the river and Sempaya hot springs for example the spiritual importance they attach to the hot spring. The bakonjo people also have beautiful traditional dances, songs and crafts all these and more would make a tourists Uganda cultural safari at semuliki river indeed joyful. One can also buy local crafts as souvenirs
Wildlife viewing; Semuliki river is located right next to semuliki national pack is a home to over 60 wildlife species. The wild life species are indeed beautiful and incredible to view especially while on a Uganda wildlife safari at Semuliki national park one can spot various wildlife species like; Baboons, leopards, buffaloes, lions, hyenas, mongooses, sitatunga, pygmy antelopes, reedbucks, serval cats, forest hogs, red tailed monkeys, black and white colobus monkeys, bush duikers including red and blue duikers, rock hyraxes, tree hyraxes, leopards, klipspringers, squirrels, side striped and black backed jackals to mention but a few.
The best time to visit River Semuliki is during the dry months of January, February, December, September, June, July and August.as during these months the trails are more passable and it is easy to spot wild life.
While at River Semuliki safari, tourists can also take a cultural tour at Fort portal which is Uganda’s tourist city and get opportunity explore the ancient and yet beautiful Amabere ga nyini Mwiru caves, the hot springs and the kingdom of Tooro.
