Birding Trails in Semuliki National Park

 Birding Trails in Semuliki National Park

This article has a list of all the birding trails in Semuliki National Park. Semuliki National Park is located in western Uganda in the Bundibugyo district at the border of Uganda and the Democratic Republic of Congo. The park was started in 1932 as a game reserve and in 1993 as a national park. Semuliki Park covers over 220 square kilometers. More so, it is dominated by the famous Italian forests which extend to the Democratic Republic of Congo into the Congo basin. It is also found in the Semuliki Valley basin, part of the Great Rift Valley.

Semuliki National Park is a habitat for over 120 mammal species, including several primates, large mammals like elephants, and many others. It also hosts the 140-kilometer river (Semuliki) which flows through the Democratic Republic of Congo to Uganda. While on this river, travelers see several hippopotamuses on this river. Additionally, there are several bird species recorded in this park which are about 441 bird species with several endemic species in the park. Semuliki is popularly known as a true birder’s haven. While in this park, 46 Guinea-Congo biome species can’t be found anywhere else, 35 of these species are found in other parts of Uganda. there are also 5 endemic species.

What are the birding trails in the Semuliki National Park?

There are 3 birding trails in the Semuliki National Park with amazing nature walks in search of the birds and these include;

Kirumia Trail

Kirumia Trail is 13 kilometers long and takes travelers towards the river Semuliki within the dense forests of the park. Birding on this trail is about 8 hours of the day for travelers on their birding safaris. The trail is about 8 kilometers away from the park headquarters of the Semuliki National Park in Nandi. On this trail over 40 bird species can be spotted. Travelers on their birdwatching safaris can also spot a variety of butterfly species. The bird species include; piping hornbill, white crested bill, red-billed dwarf, Abyssinian ground hornbill, and many others.

The primate trail

The Primate Trail stretches towards the eastern side of the park. And it is about 11 kilometers in distance. It originates its name due to several primates spotted during the trail like the olive baboons, Brazza monkey, and many others. It starts from the Sempaya hot springs and also connects you to the park headquarters. This trail is also called the red-tailed monkey since it hosts several red-tailed monkeys. Also, the trail extends towards the river Semuliki. Primate trails have a good canopy of the forest though it is usually muddy since it is within tropical forests on top found within the Congo Basin. Travelers using this trail are recommended to plan accordingly. Bird species that are recorded in this trail are the forest and woodland bird species including the Kivu ground thrush, Regal sunbird, Bronze sunbird, and many others.

Sempaya nature trail

This trail originates its name from the Sempaya hot springs which are within the park travelers usually divert to see the hot springs during the birding safari. It is about 8 kilometers where you also site several primates. On this trail, there are the best views of the Rwenzori ranges within the park. Several bird species in during this trail.

Other trails in Semuliki National Park?

Batwa trail

This trail starts from the park headquarters in Ntandi to the forests of the Batwa community. Visits to the Batwa are similar to those of the Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. The activities that travelers will engage in include; dances, folk songs, food gathering. There is also ceremonial activities including the circumcision, kingships and many others. Also, during the Batwa trail, travelers will spot different forest birds like the Rwenzori turaco, black-headed, tropical boubou, and many others.

Nyaburogo Gorge

This a great spot for travelers also on their birding safaris. The hike to the gorge is about 7 kilometers though tough for travelers. In the gorge, there are several bird species some include; Arrow marked babbler, tropical boubal, Luhdrers Bushrike, and many others.

Accommodation facilities in Semuliki National Park

There are several accommodation facilities that travelers on their Uganda safaris can engage in during the birding safaris and they include;

The luxury accommodation facilities in this park are facilities that offer high-end services for travelers on their birding safaris and they include; Semuliki Safari Lodge, Kyaninga Lodge, and many others. These facilities offer upmarket standards for accommodation facilities. On the other hand, the mid-range accommodation facilities are facilities that offer average accommodation services to travelers on their birding safaris and these include; the mountains of the Moon Lodge, green home cottages, koi koi cultural village, and many others.

Lastly, Budget accommodation facilities are facilities that offer low-cost services to travelers on their Birding safaris and they include; Ntoroko Game Lodge, Kirumia Lodge, UWA campsites, and many others.

What is the best time for birding in Semuliki National Park?

Birding in the park is done throughout the year. The best time is during the wet season of the year though with some challenges. During the wet season, there will be plenty of food for the birds within the park. Additionally, travelers will have the opportunity to see these bird species. The migratory birds will also be spotted during this time.