Overview–uganda

Toro-Semliki Wildlife Reserve

The Semliki Valley is mainly of interest to bird watchers. The reserve has an impressive checklist, which includes many birding specials. Other attractions are the hot springs at Sempaya and a Pygmy village in the adjacent Semuliki National Park. The only lodge in the reserve offers a very exclusive bush experience with guided activities.

Best Time to Visit

The Dry season is the best time for a trip to Toro-Semliki Wildlife Reserve. The two Dry seasons are from December to February and from June to July. During the Wet season months (March to May and August to November) the roads become almost impassable and wildlife-viewing drives are very limited.

December to February & June to July –Dry Seasons

Vegetation thins and animals congregate at waterholes, making them easier to spot
Chimpanzee trekking is less difficult thanks to drier trails
Sunshine is bountiful
The best time for birding is late January to March
The amazing views are hindered by the haze

March to May & August to November –Wet Seasons

Lush, green landscapes
Migratory birds can be seen from November to April
Some roads become impassable, and trails get slippery after heavy rains
It might drizzle for days and afternoon thunderstorms should be expected

Scenery

The reserve, located in the Albertine Rift Valley, has an amazing setting between the Rift Valley escarpment on the east, the Congolese Blue Mountains on the west, and the Rwenzoris on the southwest. The dominant vegetation is woodland and savannah. Several rivers are running through flanked by riverine forest, and patches of Borassus palms are dotted around.

Activities Visitors can engage in various activities within Toro-Semliki Wildlife Reserve:

Game Drives: Conducted by Uganda Wildlife Authority or Semliki Safari Lodge, these drives allow visitors to explore different parts of the reserve during morning or late afternoon hours.
Boat Safaris on Lake Albert: Early morning or sunset boat cruises provide opportunities to see wildlife along the shores and potentially spot rare birds like the shoebill stork.
Primate Walks: Guided hikes through diverse habitats offer chances to learn about primates in their natural environment; however, sightings may be less frequent due to their semi-habituated status.
Night Game Drives: These provide opportunities to observe nocturnal wildlife that may not be seen during daylight hours.
Cultural Experiences: Visitors can also explore nearby Pygmy communities or visit Sempaya hot springs known for their geothermal activity.

Scenery

The reserve, located in the Albertine Rift Valley, has an amazing setting between the Rift Valley escarpment on the east, the Congolese Blue Mountains on the west, and the Rwenzoris on the southwest. The dominant vegetation is woodland and savannah. Several rivers run through flanked by riverine forest, and patches of Borassus palms are dotted around.

Excellent

Good

Fair

Poor

Jan

Feb

April

Sept

Oct

Mar

May

Aug

Nov

Jun

Jul

Dec

Rates

From: $319 to $2000 pp/da

Best Time to Go

From: December to February and June to July (Dry seasons)

High Season

From: June to September (Peak time for Uganda)

Size

From: 543km² / 210mi²

Wildlife & Animals

Wildlife densities in the park are low. Only the Uganda kob is common. Buffalo, elephant, and waterbuck are around, but irregularly seen. All wildlife is quite skittish and hard to approach by car. Lion and hyena are around, but are rarely seen; it is much more common to hear them at night. Leopards are sometimes spotted on night drives.

Wildlife Highlights

A troop of chimpanzees can be tracked; however, they aren't very habituated, so sightings are very hit-and-miss. Their distinctive pant-hooting calls can often be heard from far away. Some primate species regularly seen include the vervet monkey, red-tailed monkey, the beautiful black-and-white colobus, and olive baboon. Some of the more unusual primates that inhabit the forest include the Central African red colobus, Dent's mona monkey, and the de Brazza's monkey.

Best Time for Wildlife Viewing

The best time for wildlife viewing in Toro-Semliki Wildlife Reserve is during the Dry season (December to February) when animals are concentrated around predictable water sources. Some of the roads become impassable after heavy rain.

General Wheather

Toro-Semliki Wildlife Reserve has a hot climate. These high temperatures remain throughout the year. Daytime temperatures hover at 30°C/86°F, and taper off at night to around 18°C/64°F.

Rain is unpredictable in Toro-Semliki, as there is no true Dry season. There are, however, two distinctive Wet seasons – from March to May and from August to November.

Dry Seasons –December to February & June to July

December, January & February – The weather is typically dry, though rain can still occur.
June & July – These are relatively dry months, but rain should still be expected, potentially for a few days at a time. Daytime temperatures average 30°C/86°F, and nighttime temperatures average 18°C/64°F.

Wet Seasons –March to May & August to November

March, April & May – The region is the wettest at this time. Average temperatures range from 30°C/86°F in the afternoon to 19°C/66°F at night. All roads in the park including access roads become virtually impassable.
August, September, October & November – Similar weather to March, April and May. Rainfall returns after a period of slightly less rain in June and July.

Prons

Excellent birding
Seven primate species including chimpanzee
Night drives and boat trips on Lake Albert are available

Cons

Animal densities are low
Chimp sightings are rare as they are only semi-habituated
Limited accommodation options
Some roads become impassable in the rainy season

How To Get There

Toro-Semliki Wildlife Reserve is only 1 hour’s drive from Fort Portal (the closest town to Kibale National Park). The reserve is located about 300km/180 mi from Kampala. The direct drive takes 6 to 8 hours*.

One enters Uganda through Entebbe International Airport (EBB) near the town of Entebbe, located about 46km/29 mi from the capital, Kampala. Your tour operator will usually arrange for your pick up from the airport, and organize any travel needed as part of your safari package.

*Driving times are only a rough indication. You should always consider the possibility of significant delays.

Airlines & Ticket Prices

Please check Skyscanner to see which airlines can take you to Entebbe International Airport (EBB), and what tickets would cost.

www.skyscanner.com

Domestic Flights

It is possible to fly to the reserve’s airstrip by scheduled or chartered aircraft from Entebbe International Airport (EBB) or Kajjansi Airfield near Kampala. Your safari package most likely includes all domestic flights, which are organized by your tour operator. The following carriers run regularly scheduled flights to Toro-Semliki: