The beauty of this park is beyond doubt; after all, it prides itself on being one of Africa’s top 10 birdwatching destinations.

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Gazetted as a national park in October 1993, it is one of Africa’s richest areas in terms of flora and fauna diversity. It is home to over 400 bird species (the most iconic being the Lyre-tailed Honeyguide). These 400 species include approximately 66% of Uganda’s recorded forest birds, including several unique species found nowhere else in the country.

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The Ntandi and Sempaya sites provide excellent vantage points for these birds and many others, such as the Yellow-throated Nicator, White-crested Hornbill, Red-billed Dwarf Hornbill, and Piping Hornbill. Other wildlife in the park includes forest elephants, buffaloes, waterbucks, crocodiles, mangabeys, blue monkeys, pygmy hippopotamuses, Uganda kobs, and warthogs.

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Its swampy areas are interconnected by boardwalks and wooden bridges. Furthermore, the reserve enjoys bird-friendly weather throughout the year.

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Semuliki is also renowned for its geothermal hot springs, the hottest in the region. They are hot enough to fully cook an egg or a fresh plantain in under 10 minutes, and the water is naturally salted by the minerals that flow from the springs. These well-maintained pools are never crowded and are well worth an afternoon visit.