This 3-Day Semuliki Birding Trip offers expertly guided birding tours to one of top Birding destinations in Uganda, Semuliki National Park. Located in western Uganda, the park is a paradise for bird watchers. Managed by the Uganda Wildlife Authority, it boasts over 440 recorded bird species, making it one of Uganda’s richest birding destinations. Semiliki’s diverse ecosystem, ranging from tropical lowland forests to savannah and wetlands, provides a unique habitat for both endemic and migratory bird species. This 3-Day Semuliki Birding Trip has been designed to maximize bird encounters along with seeing the unique landscapes and wildlife of the park.
The journey from Kampala to Semuliki National Park is an adventure in itself, covering approximately 360 kilometers and taking about 6-7 hours by road. The drive offers breathtaking scenery, cultural encounters, and the opportunity to spot wildlife along the way.
Day 1: Transfer from Kampala to Semuliki National Park – Visit Bigodi Wetland for Birding – Nature walk along Sempaya Trail
The 1st Day of your 3-Day Semuliki Birding Trip will begin early morning, departing from Kampala for a drive to Semuliki National Park. The route takes you to the western Uganda, passing through the bustling towns of Mityana and Mubende. Along the way, travelers can observe Uganda’s rural life, with roadside markets selling fresh produce and artisans displaying handmade crafts. The landscape gradually transitions from flatlands to rolling hills as you approach Fort Portal, known as the tourism capital of Uganda.
You will have a stopover in Fort Portal for breakfast and a brief bird-watching session at Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary. Common bird sightings at Bigodi include the White-spotted Fluff tail, Great Blue Turaco, Papyrus Gonolek and the Western Nicator.
Continue the drive to Semuliki National Park, passing through the lush tea plantations and scenic crater lakes that characterize the Fort Portal region. The road from Fort Portal to Semuliki is particularly stunning, offering views of the Rwenzori Mountains (Mountains of the Moon) on a clear day. You will arrive at Semuliki National Park in the early afternoon. Check-in at the lodge for lunch and have some relaxation
Birding along Sempaya Nature Trail
Later in the afternoon, you will have a birding safari along the Sempaya Nature Trail. This trail is one of the best spots in Semuliki National Park for birding, offering an opportunity to see both forest and wetland bird species. The trail winds through lush tropical forest, home to unique avian species that are rarely found elsewhere in East Africa. As you walk through the dense vegetation, listen for the calls of the Red-billed Dwarf Hornbill and Crested Malimbe, two of the sought-after species in this area. The Xavier’s Greenbul and Black-casqued Wattled Hornbill are also frequently spotted here. The trail leads to the famous Sempaya Hot Springs, where the warm, misty environment creates a perfect habitat for species such as the Forest Robin and Pale-breasted Illadopsis. Return to the lodge for dinner and an overnight stay.
Location: Semuliki National Park
Accommodation Option
Luxury: Semuliki Safari Lodge
Mid-Range: Mountain of the Moon Lodge
Budget: Ntoroko Game Lodge
Meal Plan: Lunch and Dinner
Day 2: Full-Day Birding in Semuliki National Park
After an early breakfast at the lodge, you will set off for a full day of birding along the renowned Kirumia Trail, which stretches 13 km through pristine lowland tropical forest. This trail is a prime birding hotspot, offering exceptional sightings of rare and endemic species. As you navigate through the dense forest, expect to see a variety of deep forest birds, including the Nkulengu Rail, Long-tailed Hawk, White-crested Hornbill, African Piculet, Piping Hornbill and Blue-billed Malimbe. The trail also offers chances to spot primates such as red-tailed monkeys and black-and-white colobus monkeys, adding to the adventure.
You will later have a short break for a packed lunch along the Kirumia Trail before continuing the birdwatching adventure with the target species to look out for include; Black Dwarf Hornbill, Yellow-throated Cuckoo, Pale-fronted Nigrita towards the Semuliki River, looking out for rare sightings such as, Spot-breasted Ibis, Congo Serpent Eagle, Rufous-sided Broadbill before returning to the lodge in the evening for relaxation, dinner, and overnight stay.
Location: Semuliki National Park
Accommodation Option
Luxury: Semuliki Safari Lodge
Mid-Range: Mountain of the Moon Lodge
Budget: Ntoroko Game Lodge
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 3: Sempaya Hot Springs and return to Kampala
This final day of the 3-Day Semuliki Birding Trip begins with an early morning birding excursion around Sempaya Hot springs. Where you’ll have the chance to spot unique species. For example the white-throated Blue swallow, Black–winged Oriole, and also Red-thighed Sparrowhawk. Afterwards, take a guided walk to explore the natural wonders of the hot springs. Learn about the local legends and myths surrounding this phenomenon. Following check out from the lodge, embark on the return journey to Kampala. You will have a stopover for lunch in the charming town of fort portal. Which is nestled at the foothills of the Rwenzori Mountains. The tour concludes with a late afternoon arrival in Kampala, marking the end of an unforgettable birding adventure.
Meal plan: Breakfast and Lunch
Package includes
- Transportation
- Accommodation for 2nights
- Entry fees
- Activities
- Meals
- Packed drinking water
- An English speaking guide
- Airport pickup and drop offs
Package excludes
- Air tickets
- Visas