Semliki Wildlife Reserve

Deep in the heart of Uganda’s Western Rift Valley, the Semliki Valley is a prime conservation area. Boasting both a National Park and a Game Reserve, much of the valley is untouched.

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The Semliki Forest forms the easternmost reaches of the Central African Rainforest and is home to myriad bird species (including at least 30 rare endemics). In the Semliki National Park the Sempaya hotsprings are a key attraction.

Semliki is the only Ugandan park where visitors can take night drives. Nearby, the Toro-Semliki Game Reserve is a clssic geographical crossroads: this is where tropical rainforest meets grassy savannah, where wetlands give over to majestic lake Albert, the flat plains are punctuated by deep river valleys, the dramatic rise of the Rift Valley Escarpment and the rolling, textured foothills of the Rwenzori Mountains.

This unique geography is reflected in the diversity of wildlife species in the reserve. Here you may see both the forest species of Central Africa (ie: forest buffalo, a darker leopard sub-species and the smaller forest elephant) as well as the key savanna species of East Africa: lion, elephant, numerous antelope species, warthog, buffalo, etc. Several communities of chimpanzees live in the lush river valleys of the reserve.

The birdlife is unique in that in addition to endemic species the reserved is graced with both southern and northern migrants, the wetlands teem with birds, including the rare and elusive shoebill which nests in the shallows of lake Albert. Of particular significance to birders are 16 species from the Guinea-Congo forest belt, which reach their easternmost limit here.

Semliki Safari Lodge is situated in the Semliki Valley Wildlife Reserve (formerly called Toro Game Reserve), in the Western Rift Valley.

Contact us by email or contact us by telephone on 0207 622 5114 and ask to speak to a consultant about our range of luxury holidays in Uganda.