Six hours' drive west of Kampala, Semliki Wildlife Reserve is in a flat bowl bordered by the escarpment of the Rift Valley which rises 1,500 metres on the eastern side; the dramatic Rwenzori foothills to the south, and Lake Albert and the Congo to the north and west. Habitats in this area include papyrus swamps, lakes, rivers, marshes, gallery and tropical forest and savannah.
Semliki protects mammals such as chimpanzees, colobus monkeys, giant forest hog and leopard. There are also populations of Uganda kob, lion, elephants, buffalo, reedbuck, bushbuck, sitatunga and waterbuck. Visitors should note that much of the large wildlife is still fairly shy here.
Semliki is the only Ugandan park where visitors can take night drives. Of particular significance to birders are 16 species from the Guinea-Congo forest belt, which reach their easternmost limit here. Lake Albert is one of the best sites for the prehistoric-looking shoebill.
Craig Kaufman
Travel Specialist
Looking for inspiration?
You'll find expert travel guides, holiday ideas and insider tips now on the Rainbow blog
Why Choose Us?
Passionate travel experts
- We've been leading wildlife travel since our first South Africa tours over 25 years ago
- Our Travel Specialists have lived in their specialist area for years
- We work with local guides to immerse you deeper in our diverse range of experiences
Personal & tailor-made
- You'll speak to your own expert who'll share their first-hand knowledge
- We'll make your itinerary seamless with 24/7 emergency contact available
- Your Travel Specialist will listen to ensure you have the best chance of seeing the wildlife you love
Responsible by nature
- We take care to actively contribute to the conservation of environments we visit
- For select countries, we make a charitable donation on your behalf when you make your booking
- We've partnered with conservation experts and NGOs to curate responsible tours
For the latest travel advice from the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office check www.gov.uk/travelaware
