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Situated in a remote corner of southwestern
Uganda, Semliki National Park protects an
eastern extension of the vast Ituri Forest and
forms part of a forest continuum that stretches
across the Democratic Republic Of Congo to the
Zaire River. Being a relatively stable forest "refugium"
during the climatic upheavals
of the Pleistocene, this is one of the richest
areas for forest birds in Africa. A large number
of predominantly Central African species reach
the eastern limit of their distribution here and
cannot be found anywhere else in East Africa.
These include some of the continent's most
spectacular and sought-after birds such as;
Congo Serpent Eagle, Long-tailed Hawk, Nkulengu
Rail, Black-wattled Hornbill and Lyre-tailed
Honey guide . Although it lies a bumpy three
hours' drive from Fort Portal, birders who make
it to Semliki National Park will be richly
rewarded with some of the very best forest
birding in Uganda.
ABOUT THE PARK
Districts : Bundibungyo
Size : 220 km sq.
Altitude Range : 670m-760m a.s.l
Habitat : Moist semi-deciduous forest, mostly
ironwood- dominant(Cyanometra alexandri) with
patches of swamp forest, and aquatic habitat
represented by forest streams and oxbow lakes
with adjacent swamps.
Timing : Rain falls year round and birding is
good anytime although the peak breeding season
is just after the Jan- Feb "dry " season.
Time required : 3-4 days.
Birds Recorded : 400 species.
BIRD WATCHING
Common species in this area are:- Spot-breasted
Ibis, Hartlaubs's Duck, Chestnut-flanked
Goshawk, Red-thighed Sparrowhawk, Long-tailed
Hawk, Forest Francolin, Nkulengu Rail, Western
Bronze-napped Pigeon, Black-collared Lovebird,
Yellow-throated Cuckoo, Red-chested Owlet,
Bates' Nightjar, Chocolate-backed, White-bellied
and African Dwarf Kingfishers, White-crested,
Black Dwarf, Red-billed Dwarf, Piping and Black-wattled
Hornbills, Red-rumped Tinkerbird, Spotted,
Lyre-tailed and Zenker's Honeyguides, African
Piculet, Gabon Woodpecker, Red-sided Broadbill,
White-throated Blue Swallow, Green-tailed
Bristlebill, Sassi's Olive, Xavier's, Swamp,
Simple and Eastern Bearded Greenbuls,
Yellow-throated Nicator, Capuchin Babbler,
Northern Bearded Scrub Robin, Forest and Grey
Ground Thrushes, Lemon-bellied Crombec,
Brown-crowned Eremomela, Blue-headed Crested
Flycatcher, Ituri Batis, Red-billed Helmet
-Shrike, Red-eyed Puff-back, Black-winged
Starling, Maxwell's Black Weaver, Blue-billed,
Crested and Red-bellied Malimbes, Pale-fronted
and Chestnut-breasted Negro finches, Grant's
Bluebill.
NOCUTURNAL BIRD WATCHING
The area around the geothermal hot springs at
Sempaya is not only very scenic but also offers
some great birding. The cliffs behind the ranger
post are home to the crepuscular Freckled
Nightjar and these can be seen gliding around
the clearing with Black-shouldered Nightjars. In
the lush rainforest around here listen for the
bizarre dawn and dusk duetting of the elusive
Nkulengu Rail. Other nocturnal callers include
Buff-spotted Flufftail and African Wood Owl.
Around the cleaning and through other light gaps
in the area, it is possible to glimpse African
Goshawk, Red-thighed and Great Sparrows, Ayres
Hawk-Eagle and Cassin's Spinetail.
From the ranger post, head north ( right ) along
the " Boundary Trail " . Crested Guinea fowl
skulk in the undergrowth and the hollow hooting
of the White-spotted Flufftail is commonly heard
near forest creek in this area. Turn left where
the trail forks and continue to the " Female"
Hot Springs with boiling hot water squirts and
bubbles out of the ground.
OTHER WILDLIFE
53 species of mammal have been recorded from the
park, many of which are shy, rare and nocturnal.
Conspicuous species include 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.
ACCOMMODATION
There is an observation tower and boardwalk to
view the geothermal hot springs at Sempaya.
Otherwise, there is not much in the way of
visitor facilities in the park and trail
maintenance has been neglected for a couples of
years; a machete ( " panga" ) can be useful.
Bring all your supplies and camping equipment if
you plan on spending time in the forest. There
are three new but abandoned and unfurnished
shelters at Sempaya ranger post that could
accommodate a few uncomplicated travellers.
Fresh drinking water can be obtained from the
creek 0.6 km from Sempaya towards Bundibugyo and
a swim in the Mungilo Waterfall here is also
highly recommended. It is definitely advisable
to boil or purify the water from the oxbow lakes
and the Kirumia River prior to consumption.
Recommended campsites in the forest are at the
first oxbow lake and at the second Kirumia River
crossing, and outside the forest at the Sempaya
ranger post. Some local produce and drinks can
be bought at Ntandi. Porters can be hired at the
village of Kirumia at a rate of $ 2-3 per
person.
ACCESS
Semliki National Park lies
along the main fort Portal to Bundibugyo road,
52 km from Fort Portal. The road can become
treacherous, particularly after heavy rains,
requiring a 4 WD or a sturdy 2WD with sufficient
clearance. The ranger post at Sempaya is well
signposted but the park headquarters have been
moved to the village of Ntandi, a further 4.4 km
along the road to Bundibugyo. The usual National
Park fees apply. from Sempaya it is 10.6 km to
the village of Kirumia and start of the Kirumia
River trail into the forest. It is possible to
hitch a ride between Sempaya and Kirumia but
bear in mind that most vehicles head towards
Fort Portal in the mornings; traffic in the
direction of Bundibugyo passes mainly in the
late afternoon and
evening. |
