Semuliki National Park sprawls across the floor of the Semliki Valley on the remote, western side of the Rwenzori. The park is dominated by the easternmost extension of the great Ituri Forest of the Congo Basin. This is one of Africa’s most ancient and bio-diverse forests; one of the few to survive the last ice age, 12-18,000 years ago.
The Semliki Valley contains numerous features associated with central rather than eastern Africa. Thatched huts are shaded by West African oil palms; the Semliki River (which forms the international boundary) is a miniature version of the Congo River, the forest is home to numerous Central African wildlife species, and the local population includes a Batwa pygmy community that originated from the Ituri. As a result, this park provides a taste of Central Africa without having to leave Uganda. While Semuliki’s species have been accumulating for over 25,000 years, the park contains evidence of even older processes.
Hot springs bubble up from the depths to demonstrate the powerful subterranean forces that have been shaping the rift valley for the last 14 million years.
Other landmarks on the path west
- Bigodi Wetlands & Community Programs
- Queen Elizabeth National Park
- Maramagambo Forest
- Katonga
- Maramagambo Forest
- Katonga
- Kisiizi Falls (listed below)
- Rwenzori Mountains National Park
- Kibale National Park
- Lake Mburo National Park
- Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
The Kisiizi Falls are located in Kisiizi Parish in Nyarushanje Sub County in Rukungiri District of Western Uganda. The falls drop approximately 30 meters off a cliff at Kisiizi on the Rushoma River that snakes its way to Lake Edward.
Kisiizi has both historical and geographical significance.
Geographically, the falls are located in a forested area and gorge famous for birdlife including endemic species like the Ross Turaco, Double Toothed barbet, and the cinnamon Bee-eater. As a tourist area, it is famed for the scenic environment and trekking activities.
The monument at Kisiizi Falls overlooking the community present strong tourist potential because of the historical, geographical, and social significance, the falls are located along the tourist route linking the Virunga ranges famed for the Mountain Gorilla attraction, and the Ishasha sector of the Queen Elizabeth National Park. The location is attractive to nature lovers because of its rich concentration of bird species, site viewing, and nature trekking. Visitors can also enjoy canoeing along River Rushoma and a trek to the Top of the Falls.
