Semuliki Forest Reserve was established in 1932 and later became a national park in 1993. Situated in East Africa, it stands as the sole expanse of genuine lowland tropical forest in the region. This remarkable park is home to 441 documented bird species and 53 different mammals.

During the wet season, substantial portions of this low-lying park might become flooded, serving as a brief reminder of a time when the entire valley was submerged beneath a lake for an astonishing seven million years.

Within the vicinity of the park, you’ll find four distinct ethnic groups residing. Bwamba farmers inhabit the base of the Rwenzori mountain range, while the Bakonjo people cultivate the mountain slopes. Batuku cattle keepers, on the other hand, occupy the open plains. Additionally, the Batwa, a group of pygmies known for their traditional hunting and gathering lifestyle, live on the edge of the forest.

Though the species within Semuliki have been accumulating for over 25,000 years, the park itself contains evidence of even more ancient processes. Hot springs emerge from the depths, showcasing the mighty subterranean forces that have shaped the rift valley over the course of the past 14 million years.

In this region of incredible biological diversity, over 120 more mammal species find shelter, including various primates like baboons and chimpanzees, as well as elephants and antelopes. The forest also hosts around 350 bird species, with 23 of them being unique to the Albertine Rift area.

The Semuliki River is home to common sightings of hippos and crocodiles. The area boasts over 300 identified butterfly species, including 46 types of forest swallowtails, along with 235 species of moths. The bird checklist for Semuliki National Park includes an impressive 435 species, encompassing 35 bird species specific to the Guinea-Congo forest biome. Among them are the spot-breasted ibis, Haartlaub’s duck, Congo serpent eagle, chestnut-flanked goshawk, and red-thighed sparrowhawk. Moreover, there are 12 species with extremely limited distribution, such as the western bronze-naped pigeon and the yellow-throated cuckoo

Tourism in Semuliki National Park primarily revolves around nature walks, bird watching, and visits to the Sempaya hot springs.