Gates of Semliki National Park: Semliki National Park is one of the less-known national parks in Uganda. It is situated in Bwamba County, a remote part of the Bundibugyo District, in western Uganda. The park covers 220 square kilometers and lies at an altitude of 670-760m above sea level. Semliki National Park is both savanna and forest. According to Uganda Parks, it was first gazetted as a Forest Reserve in 1932 and gained its status as a national park in 1993 making it the newest national park in Uganda. The forest is part of the vast Ituri Forest of the Democratic Republic of Congo. This is the reason why the park hosts a good number of forest animals including chimpanzees, and forest elephants. Semliki National Park is both savanna and forest and the forest is part of the vast Ituri Forest of the Democratic Republic of Congo. This is the reason why the park hosts a good number of forest animals including chimpanzees, and forest elephants.
The park can be reached from Kampala via Mubende and Fort Portal. The last 140 km is untarred and needs a 4WD vehicle. A longer but tarred route goes through Masaka, Mbarara, Kasese and Fort Portal, and can be navigated by a 2WD vehicle.
One of the unique features of Semliki national park is the presence of its magnificent gates that serve as entry points to the park, each gate offering a different experience and perspective of the park’s national beauty
Kirumia gate
The Kirumia gate is the main entrance to Semliki national park, Kirumia gates is located in the northern part of the park and is the starting point for most visitors. From here, visitor cam embarks on a guided walking safari, bird-watching tours and game drives to explore the park’s diverse landscape and wildlife. The gate is also a popular spot for picnics and leisurely walks, providing a peaceful and tranquil setting to enjoy the sights and sounds of nature.
Sempaya gate
The Sempaya gate is located in the eastern part of the park, sempaya gate is known for its hot springs, which are a major attraction for visitors. the hot springs are a natural wonder, with bubbling pools of boiling water and steam rising from the ground. Visitors can take a guided tour of the hot springs, learning about the geothermal activity that fuels them and the traditional beliefs of the local Bakonzo people who consider the springs sacred.
Ntandi gate
The Ntandi gate is situated in the southern part of the park, Ntandi gate offers visitors the opportunity to explore the hidden remote and less-visited areas of Semliki national park. from here, visitors can embark on guided hikes through the park’s pristine forests, setting a variety of wildlife along the way. Ntandi gate is also the starting point for boat safari on Lake Albert, providing a unique perspective of the park’s landscapes and a chance to see aquatic species such as hippos and crocodiles.
Semliki gate
The Semliki Gate is the newest entry point to Semliki national park, Semliki gate is located in the central part of the park and offers visitors a unique and immersive experience. from here, visitors can take guided nature walks through the park’s forest, learning about the diverse plants and animal species that call Semliki National Park home. The gate is also a hub for eco-tourism activities, with opportunities for camping, birdwatching and community interactions with the local Batwa people.
Bumaga gate
The Bumaga gate is located in the western part of the park, Bumaga gate is a popular entry point for visitors looking to explore the grasslands and savannas of Semliki National Park. the gate is surrounded by a vast open plain teeming with wildlife, including elephants, buffaloes, and antelopes. Visitors can take guided game drives to spot these animals in their natural habitat and enjoy the breathtaking views of the park’s landscapes.
The Best Time to Visit Semliki National Park
Semliki National Park is open throughout the year. however, the best time to visit the park is during the dry season experienced from January to February and June to September, in this period animals are easily seen gathering at watering hotels to drink water. This park can be visited any time of the year, since it has fewer crowds, you will almost have the park to yourself. The dry season is January to February and June to September when most animals remain near water thus the best time for game viewing. The rainy season causes difficulty navigating through the park.
Accommodations
Visitors planning to go on a Uganda safari in Semliki National Park shouldn’t worry about where to stay, the park has a number of safari accommodation facilities catering to all classes of visitors with well-established furniture’s and a comfortable environment such as Semliki Safari Lodge, Ntoroko game lodge, Kirimia Guesthouse, Hotel Vanilla, UWA Bandas and Camps, Nyati Game lodge, Aramaga Rift Valley Lodge, Fort Heights Homestay, Semliki River Camp, Kyaninga lodge among others
In conclusion, these stunning gates found in Semliki National Park offer visitors a variety of ways to explore and experience the park’s natural beauty and wildlife. Whether you’re interested in hot springs, game drives, Batwa trail experience, or guided walks, each gate offers a unique perspective and opportunity to connect with the park’s diverse ecosystems.
Contact our trusted tour operator for more information, and inquiries about the gates found in Semliki national park and Book with our tours and travel companies such as; Achieve Global Safaris who offer the best tour packages while on a safari in the country.
