Safari to Semliki

at the leading edge of conservation in Uganda

Set in the remote west of Uganda, the Semliki Valley is a little-visited area containing two potentially very interesting wildlife reserves and just one decent lodge.

The area lies south of Lake Albert, backed by the mysterious blue mountains of the DRC.

At 194 square kilometres, the confusingly spelled Semuliki National Park protects a large expanse of high altitude tropical forest.

The forest is home to elephants, eight species of primate and over 400 species of birds, with a high degree of endemism.

This is also home to around 100 Batwa ‘pygmy’ people who continue to live as traditional hunter-gatherers.

At 425 square kilometres, the Toro Game Reserve lies across the floor of the valley, with lower altitude forest and savanna landscapes.

Toro contains plains wildlife including kobs and zebras, with elusive elephants, leopards and even chimpanzees hidden away in the forests.

Extensive marshes along the southern shores of Lake Albert are a stronghold for elusive shoebill storks.

This area sees very few international visitors, conservation tourism is very much in its infancy.

In return for overlooking the area’s undoubted shortcomings, you will be rewarded by the knowledge that your visit is really positive for conservation.

Activities include vehicle safari, motorboat safari, forest hikes and cultural interaction.

The Semliki area is very rarely included in trips, it is simply too peripheral for most people. But if you are interested in visiting an area at the frontier of conservation efforts, then its definitely worth considering.

The usual stay duration is 3-5 nights

Seasonality

The Semliki area can be visited at any time of year, there is very little seasonality.

Getting there

Access to Semliki is usually by road from Fort Portal and Kibale Forest.

Alternatively, it is possible to fly directly from Entebbe to Semliki Airstrip, from where it is a drive of around 10 minutes to the lodge.

Where to stay

The only place to stay is the pleasant Semliki Safari Lodge.

easily accessed from of Kibale Forest