Semliki National Park, recognized as a forest reserve in 1932 and upgraded to a national park in 1993, covers an area of 220 square kilometres and is primarily composed of lowland tropical forest.

This park is home to an astonishing diversity of birds, with a total of 441 species, making it a must-visit destination for bird enthusiasts. Among the standout species is the beautiful Blue Turaco, with around 35 endemic species. Additionally, the park boasts 53 species of mammals, highlighting its richness in fauna.

Visiting Semliki during the rainy season can be challenging due to its location in the Rift Valley, which has been submerged at the bottom of a vast lake for millions of years.

Several Bantu ethnic groups inhabit the area around the park, including the Bwamba farmers and the Bakongo, who cultivate the mountain slopes. Groups of Batuku pastoralists live on the plains, and some Batwa pygmy groups—traditional hunter-gatherers driven from their ancestral hunting grounds—remain on the edges of the forest.

One of the most interesting visits to the park is to observe the hot springs, which are evidence of volcanic activity in the region and shape the park’s geography.

Semliki National Park is not a heavily visited destination, making it a peaceful retreat to enjoy nature. Additionally, it offers a variety of hikes and treks for outdoor enthusiasts. With mostly flat terrain, these walks do not require strenuous physical preparation.