Semuliki National Park, national park in Uganda
Semuliki National Park is Uganda's only true lowland tropical rainforest, located in western Bwamba County near the Democratic Republic of Congo border and covering about 220 square kilometers. The landscape features dense forest, the meandering Semuliki River separating Uganda from Congo, open grasslands, and the distinctive Sempaya Hot Springs where naturally heated water rises from deep underground.
The area was first designated as a forest reserve in 1932 and upgraded to national park status in 1993. The region sits within an active geological zone shaped by the Rift Valley, which has been forming for approximately 14 million years.
Local communities including the Batwa forest dwellers, Bwamba farmers, Bakonjo mountain cultivators, and Batuku herders maintain traditional ways of life around the park boundaries. Cultural visits offer visitors a chance to observe how these groups live and interact with the surrounding landscape today.
The dry seasons offer the best conditions for walking trails and spotting wildlife, as paths are easier to navigate and animals gather around water sources. Bring sturdy shoes, binoculars, rain gear, insect repellent, and a camera for your visit.
The Sempaya Hot Springs are Uganda's hottest springs, fed by underground heat that causes water temperatures to exceed 1000 degrees Celsius in some spots. Local people cook eggs and plantains in the naturally heated water, and many consider these springs to have spiritual significance.
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