Semuliki Valley National Park

Departure from Entebbe/Kampala & Transfer to Semuliki

After an early breakfast, your guide will pick you up from your hotel in Entebbe or Kampala. Begin your full-day journey west towards Semuliki National Park. The drive takes approximately 6-8 hours, passing through scenic landscapes, plantations, and towns like Fort Portal. You'll make a stop for lunch en route. Upon arrival in the Semuliki area (e.g., near Sempaya or Bundibugyo), check into your chosen lodge or safari camp. Dinner and overnight, preparing for the unique experiences of the valley.

Sempaya Hot Springs & Forest Walk

After breakfast, head into Semuliki National Park to explore its most famous natural wonder: the **Sempaya Hot Springs**. Take a guided walk along boardwalks to both the 'male' (Bintente) and 'female' (Nyasimbi) hot springs, observing their impressive geothermal activity where water boils at over 100?C. You can even boil eggs in the hot water! During the walk to the springs, keep an eye out for primates such as red-tailed monkeys, grey-cheeked mangabeys, and black-and-white colobus monkeys. In the afternoon, embark on a guided **forest walk** through the tropical lowland rainforest, unique in East Africa, known for its high biodiversity and numerous bird species, including many Congo basin endemics. Dinner and overnight at your lodge.

Birding/Game Drive & Batwa Cultural Experience

Start your day with an early morning activity. For avid birdwatchers, engage in a dedicated **birding session** along the Kirumia River or other trails, searching for species like the Great Blue Turaco, African Piculet, and various hornbills. Alternatively, embark on a **game drive** through the park's savanna and woodland sections (though game viewing here is less prolific than other parks) to potentially spot forest elephants, buffaloes, pygmy antelopes, and various bird species. After lunch, visit the local **Batwa (Pygmy) community** living adjacent to the park. Learn about their fascinating traditional forest-dwelling lifestyle, hunting techniques, medicinal plants, and enjoy cultural dances and performances. This immersive experience offers deep insights into their heritage. Dinner and overnight.

Departure from Semuliki & Return to Entebbe/Kampala

After a leisurely breakfast at your lodge, bid farewell to Semuliki Valley National Park. Begin your long drive back to Entebbe or Kampala, retracing your path through the scenic Western Rift Valley. You will have a stop for lunch along the way. Arrive back in Entebbe/Kampala in the late afternoon or early evening, where your guide will drop you off at your preferred location or Entebbe International Airport for your onward travel.