Semliki Wildlife Reserve
Semliki valley wildlife reserve is the oldest among other reserves in Uganda formally known as the Toro Game Reserve and it was named a Reserve in 1932. It is a 545 kilometers squared sanctuary located in Western Uganda to the northeast of the Bundibugyo road extending to Ntoroko on the southern shores of Lake Albert. The leading vegetation type is open acacia-combretum woodland and grassy savanna , mixed together with patches of borassus palm forest, significant belts of riparian woodland along the main water path as well as some extensive swamps towards Lake Albert. Semliki is mainly of interest to birdwatchers. The park has an impressive checklist which includes many birding species and most of the birds are not seen in most of the national parks and reserves. You may be able to see most of these birds during your game drive. the Reserve is known to be a home to over 420 species of birds that are recorded in the area some of the birds which can be seen include the rare shoebill stoke, Abyssinian ground hornbill, sun birds to mention but a few.
Not only birds that can be seen but also other wildlife species such as antelopes, forest elephants, and different species of primates coupled with chimpanzees, black and white colobus monkeys, Olive baboons to mention but a few, leopard, buffaloes, biggest population of Uganda Kob, waterbuck. Semliki wildlife Reserve is regarded as the only game reserve in the country where visitors can do a night game drive and very many species of birds can be spotted out including the white-tailed mongoose, standard night pennant winged night jars, bush babies among other species. Other attractions are the hot springs at Sempaya and the pygmy village in the nearby national park.
Tourist activities
The different activities which can be enjoyed by tourist who make it to Semliki wildlife reserve among which include;
Game drives
Game drives in Semliki wildlife reserve is interesting as you will be in position to come across several species of games such as a very big population of Uganda kobs, and several species of antelopes, forest elephants, buffaloes, waterbucks. Since it is the only reserve that allows night game drives, more several species of mammals can be spotted out such as leopard, the white-tailed mongoose, standard night pennant winged night jars, bush babies among other. During the game drive, you will also be in position to see the Mugiri River Forest, the top most tourism destination in Uganda for viewing different species including the elusive leaf-love and many other specie.
Boat trip
Boat trip can be organized along the Semliki River or at the Eastern shores of Lake Albert. Arrangements can be made through the Semliki Safari Lodge or with the local fishermen around. This activity is regarded magnificent as it gives chance to bird lovers to come a cross several species of birds that feed on and around the Lake such as shoebills, and schools of hippos among others.
Accommodation
Semliki Safari Lodge: This lodge is located just about 25 km down the road that connects Karugutu to Ntoroko on Lake Albert and it is regarded as a luxurious lodge with a swimming pool out side. It offers activities such a game drive and night walks, guided walks among other activities.
There are other Small lodges in Ntoroko which provide basic services and best for budget travelers.
