Semuliki National Park

This is one of Africa’s most ancient and bio-diverse forests; one of the few to survive the last ice age, 12-18,000 years ago. The Semliki Valley contains numerous features associated with central rather than eastern Africa. Thatched huts are shaded by West African oil palms; the Semliki River (which forms the international boundary) is a miniature version of the Congo River, the forest is home to numerous Central African wildlife species, and the local population includes a batwa pygmy community that originated from the Ituri. As a result, this park provides a taste of Central Africa without having to leave Uganda. While Semliki’s species have been accumulating for over 25,000 years, the park contains evidence of even older processes. hotsprings bubble up from the depths to demonstrate the powerful subterranean forces that have been shaping the rift valley during the last 14 million years. Semliki National Park can be accessed from Kampala through mubende to fort portal and then to the park. It is about 6-7 hours drive by road and the park can as well be reached by air.