Semuliki National Park — Congo Basin Birds in Uganda
Semuliki National Park in western Uganda contains a finger of Congo Basin lowland forest that extends from the Democratic Republic of Congo into Uganda. It is the only site in Uganda where true Congo Basin forest species can be found, making it an essential stop for birders targeting the complete Uganda list.
Congo Basin Exclusives
Species found only at Semuliki within Uganda include: lyre-tailed honeyguide, African piculet, yellow-throated cuckoo, African dwarf kingfisher, red-billed dwarf hornbill, black-casqued wattled hornbill, banded prinia, leaf-love, grey-throated tit-flycatcher and yellow-whiskered greenbul. Many of these have very restricted Uganda ranges confined entirely to Semuliki's lowland forest.
Hot Springs and Open Country
Semuliki also has productive birding around the famous Sempaya hot springs where forest and open savannah meet. African pied hornbill, double-toothed barbet, grey parrot, great blue turaco, blue-throated roller and many more species frequent the forest edges here. The open floodplains adjacent to the park hold additional grassland and wetland species.
Getting to Semuliki
Semuliki is 5 to 6 hours from Kampala via Fort Portal. We recommend combining Semuliki with Kibale Forest and the Rwenzori foothills on a western Uganda circuit. One to two nights at Semuliki is sufficient for the key Congo endemics. Contact us to include Semuliki in your Uganda birding itinerary.