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SEMLIKI NATIONAL PARK
Situated in a remote corner
of southwestern Uganda, Semliki National Park protects an
eastern extension of the vast Ituri Forest and forms part of a
forest continuum that stretches across the Democratic Republic
Of Congo to the Zaire River. Being a relatively stable forest "
refugium " during the climatic upheavals of the Pleistocene, this is
one of the richest areas for forest birds in Africa. A large
number of predominantly Central African species reach the
eastern limit of their distribution here and cannot be found
anywhere else in East Africa. These include some of the
continent's most spectacular and sought-after birds such as;
Congo Serpent Eagle, Long-tailed Hawk, Nkulengu Rail, Black-wattled
Hornbill and Lyre-tailed Honey guide .
Although it lies a bumpy
three hours' drive from Fort Portal, birders who make it to
Semliki National Park will be richly rewarded with some of the
very best forest birding in Uganda.
ABOUT THE PARK
Districts : Bundibungyo
Size : 220 km sq.
Altitude Range :
670m-760m a.s.l
Habitat : Moist
semi-deciduous forest, mostly ironwood- dominant(Cyanometra
alexandri) with patches of swamp forest, and aquatic habitat
represented by forest streams and oxbow lakes with adjacent
swamps.
Timing :
Rain falls year
round and birding is good anytime although the peak breeding
season is just after the Jan- Feb "dry " season.
Time required : 3-4 days.
Birds Recorded :
400
species.
BIRD WATCHING
Common species in this area
are:- Spot-breasted Ibis, Hartlaubs's Duck, Chestnut-flanked
Goshawk, Red-thighed Sparrowhawk, Long-tailed Hawk, Forest
Francolin, Nkulengu Rail, Western Bronze-napped Pigeon,
Black-collared Lovebird, Yellow-throated Cuckoo, Red-chested
Owlet, Bates'
Nightjar, Chocolate-backed,
White-bellied and African Dwarf Kingfishers, White-crested,
Black Dwarf, Red-billed Dwarf, Piping and Black-wattled
Hornbills, Red-rumped Tinkerbird, Spotted, Lyre-tailed and
Zenker's Honeyguides, African Piculet, Gabon Woodpecker,
Red-sided Broadbill, White-throated Blue Swallow, Green-tailed
Bristlebill, Sassi's Olive, Xavier's, Swamp, Simple and Eastern
Bearded Greenbuls, Yellow-throated Nicator, Capuchin Babbler,
Northern Bearded Scrub Robin, Forest and Grey Ground Thrushes,
Lemon-bellied Crombec, Brown-crowned Eremomela, Blue-headed
Crested Flycatcher, Ituri Batis, Red-billed Helmet -Shrike,
Red-eyed Puff-back, Black-winged Starling, Maxwell's Black
Weaver, Blue-billed, Crested and Red-bellied Malimbes,
Pale-fronted and Chestnut-breasted Negro finches, Grant's
Bluebill.
NOCUTURNAL BIRD WATCHING
The area around the
geothermal hot springs at Sempaya is not only very scenic but
also offers some great birding. The cliffs behind the ranger
post are home to the crepuscular Freckled Nightjar and these can
be seen gliding around the clearing with Black-shouldered
Nightjars. In the lush rainforest around here listen for the
bizarre dawn and dusk duetting of the elusive Nkulengu Rail.
Other nocturnal callers include Buff-spotted Flufftail and
African Wood Owl. Around the cleaning and through other light
gaps in the area, it is possible to glimpse African Goshawk,
Red-thighed and Great Sparrows, Ayres Hawk-Eagle and Cassin's
Spinetail. From the ranger post, head
north ( right ) along the " Boundary Trail ". Crested Guinea fowl skulk
in the undergrowth and the hollow hooting of the White-spotted Flufftail is commonly heard near forest creek in this area.Turn left where the trail
forks and continue to the " Female" Hot Springs with boiling hot
water squirts and bubbles out of the ground.
OTHER WILDLIFE
53 species of mammal have
been recorded from the park, many of which are shy, rare and
nocturnal. Conspicuous species include Grey-cheeked Mangabey,
Vervet, Red-tailed and Mona, Gentle (Blue) Monkeys, Olive Baboon
and Guereza Colobus, De Brazza's Monkeys are rare and
Chimpanzees may seldom be heard than seen. While nocturnal
primates include Pottos and Galagos. You are also lucky if you
glimpse Elephant, Bush pig, Water Chevrotain, Buffalo,
Sitatunga, White-bellied Duiker or Dwarf Antelope, Beecroft’s
Anomalure or Zenker's Flying Mouse. You are far more likely to
spot the lively and agile squirrels such as Fire-footed Rope or
Red-legged Sun Squirrel. Little collard fruit Bat and Target
Rat. 30 species of butterflies have been identified, including
46 species of forest Swallowtails and Charaxes (75% of Uganda’s
total) and at least 235 species of moths have been classified as
restricted.
There are also 305 species
of trees recorded, of which 125 species are restricted to this
park alone.
ACCOMMODATION
There is an observation
tower and boardwalk to view the geothermal hot springs at
Sempaya. Otherwise, there is not much in the way of visitor
facilities in the park and trail maintenance has been neglected
for a couples of years; a machete ( " panga" ) can be useful.
Bring all your supplies and camping equipment if you plan on
spending time in the forest.
There are three new but
abandoned and unfurnished shelters at Sempaya ranger post that
could accommodate a few uncomplicated travellers. Fresh drinking
water can be obtained from the creek 0.6 km from Sempaya towards
Bundibugyo and a swim in the Mungilo Waterfall here is also
highly recommended. It is definitely advisable to boil or purify
the water from the oxbow lakes and the Kirumia River prior to
consumption. Recommended campsites in the forest are at the
first oxbow lake and at the second Kirumia River crossing, and
outside the forest at the Sempaya ranger post.
Some local produce and
drinks can be bought at Ntandi. Porters can be hired at the
village of Kirumia at a rate of $ 2-3 per person.
ACCESS
Semliki National Park lies
along the main fort Portal to Bundibugyo road, 52 km from Fort Portal. The
road can become treacherous, particularly after heavy rains,
requiring a 4 WD or a sturdy 2WD with sufficient clearance. The
ranger post at Sempaya is well signposted but the park
headquarters have been moved to the village of Ntandi, a further
4.4 km along the road to Bundibugyo. The usual National Park
fees apply. from Sempaya it is 10.6 km to the village of Kirumia
and start of the Kirumia River trail into the forest. It is
possible to hitch a ride between Sempaya and Kirumia but bear in
mind that most vehicles head towards Fort Portal in the
mornings; traffic in the direction of Bundibugyo passes mainly
in the late afternoon and evening.
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