Nestled in the Albertine Rift Valley along Uganda’s western border with the Democratic Republic of Congo, Semuliki National Park remains one of East Africa’s most unique birding destinations. Unlike other Ugandan parks dominated by savannah or highland forests, Semuliki is a tropical lowland rainforest — an extension of the vast Congo Basin ecosystem. This alone makes it a haven for rare bird species that cannot be found elsewhere in East Africa.
For bird watchers seeking a remote, off-the-beaten-path experience rich in biodiversity and lifers, Semuliki offers something extraordinary.
Why Semuliki is a Birdwatcher’s Dream
Semuliki National Park is home to over 440 recorded bird species, and more than 60 of them are endemic to the Congo-Guinea biome. This makes the park one of the richest birding destinations not just in Uganda, but in all of East Africa. The presence of true lowland forest species offers a thrilling challenge for even the most seasoned birders, many of whom travel specifically to this remote region to add rare species to their checklists.
What makes birding here so unique is the blend of Central African rainforest species with Albertine Rift endemics and East African woodland birds — all in one park.
Best Birding Trails in Semuliki National Park
The main birding activity in Semuliki takes place along two key forest trails — the Kirumia Trail and the Red Monkey Trail. The Kirumia Trail is a 13 km long route cutting deep into the heart of the rainforest, offering opportunities to spot secretive forest-dwelling birds, hornbills, and turacos. This trail is ideal for full-day birding excursions and is particularly rewarding in the early morning when the forest comes alive with birdsong.
The Red Monkey Trail, which stretches along the Semuliki River towards the eastern border of the park, is also fruitful. Here, visitors may catch glimpses of riverine species and occasionally spot rare primates like the De Brazza’s monkey.
Rare and Sought-After Birds in Semuliki
For serious twitchers, Semuliki is the best place in Uganda to find species like the Nkulengu rail, Congo serpent eagle, long-tailed hawk, black-wattled hornbill, and the white-crested hornbill. Other highlights include the yellow-throated cuckoo, Xavier’s greenbul, African piculet, and red-billed dwarf hornbill.
Thanks to the park’s swampy areas and open patches, you also get to see birds like the palm-nut vulture, African pygmy goose, and swamp palm bulbul.
One of the most thrilling finds here is the lyre-tailed honeyguide — a rare bird that is difficult to see elsewhere. For many visiting birders, this alone makes Semuliki worth the trip.
Best Time for Bird Watching in Semuliki
While birding is good year-round, the best time to visit Semuliki for birdwatching is from February to April and again from September to November. These months offer higher chances of spotting migratory species and are part of the breeding season for many resident forest birds, making sightings even more active.
Rain can be heavy, especially during March–May and October–November, but the payoff in bird activity is usually worth the effort.
Guided Birding Tours and Local Expertise
Birding in Semuliki is best done with an experienced guide who knows the trails, vocalizations, and typical locations of elusive species. Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) rangers and local birding experts based in Semuliki and Fort Portal can be arranged to accompany birders for full- or multi-day excursions. Their expertise often means the difference between a missed sighting and a once-in-a-lifetime observation.
Other Wildlife Encounters While Birding
While birds take center stage, birders in Semuliki often come across other intriguing rainforest inhabitants. These include forest elephants, pygmy antelopes, baboons, and up to 11 species of primates such as black-and-white colobus and grey-cheeked mangabeys. The hot springs — both male and female — near Sempaya are also worth visiting during your birding itinerary.
