One of the remote quit places go for traveler’s seeking for perfect hide outs. The reserve is spread almost off the beaten tracks to allow you enjoy that unrated breathtaking moment.
The Wildlife reserve was established in 1926, it’s among the very first protected areas in Uganda. Then was Toro Semuliki wildlife reserve then to Semuliki wildlife reserve. Within an hour drive from Fort Portal between Ntoroko and Kabarole districts western Uganda.
The reserves overlooks the Rwenzori ranges, and covers quite a larger area of about 542km2. Semuliki features the green savannah covers and thickets that stretches to Lake Albert. It’s known of varies in landscape displays of rift valley escarpments, Rwenzori mountains and the view of the close blue mountains in Congo. Characterized by thetropical forests, golden savannah grasslands, riparian savannah woodland, swaps, acacia woodlands, riparian woodlands and palm forests.
Semuliki wildlife reserve is strategically assembled watching the dramatic valley of the western arm rift valley escarpment, and it suggests that majestic view of the rolling Rwenzori Mountains. It stature with an elevation of 700 meters below sea level.
There are four local communities surrounding the reserve and these are; Karugutu-Kyabandara community in the southern side located about 18 kilometers from Fort Portal city, it’s for the popular Bakonjo people prominent traditional farmers growing mainly maize, cassava, beans, beans, bananas, and rice. Then Rwebesingo community from western and northwestern side and features the Batuku pastoralists who are said to be descendants of the Abarusula the royal army of King Kabalega of Bunyoro Kitara kingdom.
Semuliki wildlife reserve forms the Semuliki Conservation Area together with Semiliki National park. Indiana researchers have been studying Murugiri forest this particular elephants are inter breed froming the Savannah and forest elephants.
Wildlife at Semuliki Wildlife Reserve
It’s an amazing flourishing sanctuary for high concentration of wildlife species like forest elephants, Ugandan Kobs, bush babies, antelopes, bush bucks, water bucks, leopards, buffalos, giant forest hogs. Primates like Olive baboon, white and black colobus monkey, vervet monkey and chimpanzees. Semiliki wildlife reserve is perfect for organizing night game drives where tourists can come along nocturnal animals.
The reserve savannahs, woods, and swamps are nests for over 420 bird species of which some are endemic to the central African forests and others are migratory species. Birds here are; Abyssinian ground hornbill, the rare shoebill, white winged night jar, blue cheeked bee eater, African pygmy goose and blue headed coucal, Arrow marked babbler, black headed bush shrike, Ludhersbush shrike, tropical boubal, rednecked falcon, and black billed barbet among the rest.
Things to do at Semuliki Wildlife Reserve
Primate walks
There is chimpanzee walks through the tropics and thickets, though the chimpanzee here are less habituated not like that Kibale, Budongo and Kyambura. But there is a greater chance to have a look at the human closest and intelligent mammals. On a primate walks can join a group of research but finding the chimps here is not guaranteed as can be to other forests.
Game drive
Being the most savannah rewarding safari adventure activity done, when in Semuliki can also take this wildlife rewarding game drive. The game drives are operated by UWA or the Semuliki Safari Lodge. The game drives have two sessions that the morning and the later afternoon session which can take one of the three routes. And there is opportunity to do a night game drive on torch which is a great opportunity for viewing big cats like leopards or lions actively hunting.
Boat ride safaris
Taking this rare remote boat ride on Lake Albert is charming, it takes you close to enticing and exceptional experiences of watching maybe a shoebill stock on rare occasions. You can take a morning sun rising or sun setting boat rides which are arranged and operated by Semuliki Safari Lodge.
Hiking
At Semiliki wild life reserve are these various bent landscapes of Nyabarongo Gorge is very thrilling especially to bird enthusiasts, the gorge is about 7 kilometers, tourists can also come across other primates like black and white colobus monkeys, vervet monkeys and many more.
Community visits
To experience the African culture by visiting the people; among the 4 local communities around the reserve they are impacted with different cultural values and traditions. Visiting them you have a chance to engage in activities traditional dances with the local people and get entertained by the locals.
Where to stay
Visitors at the reserve can have their overnight at campsite and budget bandas which are operated by Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) along the shores of Lake Albert in Ntoroko. They can also use these various options of Semliki Safari Lodge, Ntoroko Game Lodge or campsite at the headquarters in Karugutu or campsite at Ntoroko landing site.Accessing Semuliki Wildlife Reserve
How to access Toro Semuliki Wildlife Reserve
The reserve can be accessed via two routes, Kampala-Fort portal passing through Equator via Masaka-Mbarara the –Kasese, it’s a longer distance to cover of about is 465 kilometers about 8 hours of driving. The other route is the shortest Kampala-Fort portal via Mubende which is about 290 kilometers.
