Birding Excursions in Semliki National Park

Birding Trips in Semliki National Park: Semliki National Park is in the Bundibugyo District, which is in the very western part of Uganda. It is in the western part of the East African Rift Valley, on the border between Uganda and the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). The Rwenzori Mountains are to the southeast, the DRC is to the west, and the Semliki flats and Lake Albert are to the north. An eastern part of the huge Ituri forest in the DRC is Semliki National Park. It is part of the forest continuum that formed because of the changes in climate during the Pleistocene, and it is one of the most biologically diverse places in Africa.

This park is home to many species that are only found in Central Africa and can’t be found anywhere else in East Africa. These species include some of the most beautiful and sought-after birds on the continent, like the Long-tailed Hawk, Congo Serpent Eagle, Lyre-tailed Honeyguide, Black-wattled Hornbill, and Nkulengu Rail, to name a few. Bird lovers should definitely go there. Also, there are The African Grey Parrot, the Nkulengu Rail, and the White-crested Hornbill are just a few of the interesting animals you might see here. There are many types of environments in the park, from open savannahs to riverine woods, which make it easy to see these beautiful birds.

Birds seen in Semliki National Park and a list of their names

The Long-tailed Hawk, the Eurasian Oystercatcher, There is the Grant’s Bluebill, the Afep Pigeon, the Blue-headed Coucal, the Cassin’s Spinetail, the Sabine’s Spinetail, and the Red-thighed Sparrowhawk. Kingfishers with white bellies, shining blue bellies, Gabon Woodpecker, Barbet with a hairy breast, Barbet with a yellow bill, Barbet with two rows of teeth, Black-billed Barbet, White-headed Barbet, Most Stonechats, The Grey Ground-Thrush, the Little Grey Greenbul, the Toro Olive Greenbul, the Mountain Greenbul, and the Abyssinian Ground-Thrush are some of the names for this bird. Nicator with a yellow head, Nicator from the west, The Petit’s Cuckoo-shrike, the Purple-throated Cuckoo-shrike, The Black Saw-wing, the Eurasian Oystercatcher, the Long-tailed Hawk in Blue Swallow, White-throated Blue Swallow, Swamp Palm Bulbul, Spotted Greenbul, White-starred Robin, Lowland Akalat, Red-throated Alethe, Fire-crested Alethe, and Red-thighed Sparrowhawk are some of the birds that live in this area. Robin-Chat with a snowy head, Blue-shouldered Robin-Chat, Red-eyed Puffback, White-tailed Robin-Chat, Northern Bearded Scrub-Robin, and more.

List of things to bring on birding trips in Semliki National Park

There are many things you should bring on a birding trip to Semliki National Park in order to have the best experience possible. These include binoculars to help you see and identify birds, especially those that are high in the trees or across bodies of water, a camera to capture the beauty of birds, a field guide, light clothing, long-sleeved shirts, sturdy walking shoes for navigating the forest floor, a rain jacket, bug spray, enough water and snacks, sunglasses, and so on.

There are other things to do in Semliki National Park.

Going to the hot springs.

It is exciting and amazing to visit the Sempaya Hot Springs in Semliki National Park. The most beautiful hot springs in Uganda are in Semliki National Park. They are called Sempaya hot springs, and they happen naturally when hot water bursts from the earth’s crust. The hot springs have become a popular tourist destination and a source of inspiration for many people around the world. Many people go to Uganda to see the beautiful hot springs that the country has to offer. While on a Uganda wildlife tour in the park, visitors can check out the hot springs and learn about their past. Along the way, they can also see some beautiful sights.

Seeing wildlife

Over 56 species of mammals live in Semliki National Park. People who go on a Uganda wildlife safari will be able to see elephants, buffaloes, waterbucks, Uganda Kobs, warthogs, the White-bellied Duiker or Dwarf Antelope, and chimpanzees, baboons, and, on a lucky day, the Batwa, also known as pygmies, hippos, leopards, and the elusive bushbabies.

Following primates

Several types of monkeys live in Semliki National Park, including the Grey-cheeked Mangabey, the Vervet, the Red-tailed, the Olive Baboon, and the Guereza Colobus. De Brazza’s Monkeys are not common, and Chimpanzees are more often heard than seen. Pottos and Galagos are two examples of nocturnal monkeys. Chimpanzees are the dominant species in a big forest area. The main thing that people do in the national park is track chimpanzees. To track these interesting animals in the park, you have to walk through the forest’s woods in search of chimpanzee-friendly families. Once you find these interesting animals, you will be able to see them in their natural environment.

Hiking and walks in nature

Hiking and nature walks are two more fun things to do in Semliki National Park. Nature walks in the park let people connect with nature and find secret gifts in the forest. People can walk around the park on nature walks and climbing tracks that are led by park rangers. You can experience the diverse ecosystem of Semliki National Park through nature walks and hikes. You can see the park’s tropical jungle, open grassland, and hot springs, and you can also learn about the park’s plants, animals, and conservation efforts.

A cultural trip

The Batwa pygmies belong to an ancient group that lives in Semliki National Park. They have been living in the wild areas for a very long time. Meeting people from other cultures and visiting villages are great ways to learn about the traditional ways of life, beliefs, and habits of these communities. Cultural tours let you see Pygmy towns, take part in traditional activities, and learn about how the native people know about the forest and its resources.

Trips to see birds in Semliki National Park, Batwa

When is the best time to go birdwatching in Semliki National Park?

You can watch birds in Semliki National Park at any time of the year, but the best times are from March to May and September to November, when it is dry. Since it rains less in the park during this time, you will be able to see colorful and migrating bird species from November to April.

Rooms and board

People who want to go on a birding safari in Uganda should not worry about where to stay. Semliki National Park has a variety of safari lodges and guesthouses that are well-equipped and comfortable for all types of visitors. These include the Semliki Safari Lodge, the Ntoroko Game Lodge, the Kirimia Guesthouse, the Hotel Vanilla, the UWA Bandas and Camps, the Nyati Game Lodge, the Aramaga Rift Valley Lodge, the Fort Heights Homestay, and many more.

Not only is Semliki National Park a great place to watch birds, it is also a place that cares about protecting nature and the environment. You can help protect these unique environments and the animals that live in them by going to the park. Local communities are very important for protecting the park’s natural history because they depend on the money that tourists bring in. Fans of birds and the earth will both benefit from this.