10 on Map

Semliki National Park is a birders paradise. Due to it’s location beyond the Rwenzoris (it is essentially an extension of the Congo Forest) it has 46 bird species that are seen nowhere else in East Africa. In addition it has a further 35 species that are found in only 2-3 other locations in Uganda. There are no roads, so the only way in is on foot. It also has two huge hot springs, set amongst the wetlands and forest, which are hot enough to boil an egg in!

Additional excursions

The disused former road to Bundibugyio runs gently down from the northern ridge of the Rwenzoris and makes for an ideal walk shaded by trees, down to Semliki National Park. As you round a corner the Semliki River springs into view enveloped by the jungle of Congo, which stretches to the horizon. Further on there are views over the steaming hot springs and a chance to see one of the 46 bird species endemic to East Africa, west of the Rwenzoris.

Accommodation suggestion

Fort Portal is just over an hours drive away. It’s much cooler and there are plenty of accommodation options here.