Lake Wamala Uganda
December 1, 2020
Sipi Falls Uganda
December 3, 2020
River Semliki Uganda – Semliki National Park
River Semliki is one of the most popular Rivers in Uganda extending for over 140 kilometers long and drains from Lake Edward to Lake Albert within the Albertine Rift area, on the west of the Rwenzori Mountains dubbed the Mountains of the Moon. This River flows northwards through two countries notably Uganda and the Democratic Republic of Congo hence forming the natural International border between these two countries.
River Semliki has continuously built up a significant alluvial plain, some of which are included in Virunga National Park in the Eastern Democratic Republic of Congo. This River is so interesting in a way that its believed to shift borders between the Democratic Republic of Congo and Uganda as a result of soil erosion with Ugandan Authorities believing it has shifted up to one kilometer into Uganda, hence the country is losing up to 10 meters of land annually with silt also filling the southern brim of Lake Albert.
However, the challenge of losing territory doesn’t only affect Uganda but also the Democratic Republic of Congo where the meandering River course has literally changed the location of the border.
- Course of River Semliki
The source of River Semliki is near Ishango in the Democratic Republic of Congo at the extreme northern banks of Lake Edward and later enters the popular Virunga National Park the home to the endangered Mountain gorillas whereby it drains over a significant part of its upper course.
River Semliki keeps meandering until west of Mount Baker within the Rwenzori Mountains National Park (in the Ugandan side) but before leaving this Park, it flows under a road connecting Oicha (a settlement in Democratic Republic of Congo) to the adjacent settlements within the Semliki Valley. The River then flows along the western boundary of Semliki National Park hence becoming the border between these two countries.
On leaving Semliki National Park, the Semliki River nears the Toro-Semliki Wildlife Reserve at its last course the River before flowing west of the International border and pouring into the southern brim of Lake Albert.
the beautiful waters in Semuliki river
- Flora and fauna around River Semliki
The fertile banks of River Semliki coupled with the tropical rainfall (average 1500 millimeters) has greatly contributed to the rich and outstanding floral diversity similar to that of the Congo River basin with tree species such as Ugandan ironwood (scientifically known as cynometra alexandri).
Numerous species of wildlife such as Nile crocodiles, pygmy scaly-tailed flying squirrels, duikers, buffaloes, elephants, Sitatunga, bushbucks, Leopards, Hippos and many others are found along the banks of River Semliki especially in Semliki National Park.
As River Semliki drains through different areas of Uganda and the Democratic Republic of Congo, it forms important habitats for different species of birds totaling to over 400 species in the Semliki National Park alone.
The other places where the River flows such as Rwenzori Mountains and Virunga national park have become amazing habitats and offered life to numerous species of birds. Species such as the Congo serpent Eagles, Black-wattled hornbills, Sassi’s olive greenbul, African dwarf kingfishers, forest ground-thrush, grey-crowned cranes and red-chested owlets among others are popular along the banks of River Semliki.
Tourist activities in and around River Semliki
- Bird watching
Bird watching tour is one of the most popular tourist activities around River Semliki with species such as Congo serpent Eagles, Black-wattled hornbills, Sassi’s olive greenbul, African dwarf kingfishers, forest ground-thrush, grey-crowned cranes and red-chested owlets being the commonest and most-sought after by tourists.
- Nature walks
Nature walks are also important and interesting way of discovering the wildlife species and birds in and around River Semliki. For wildlife, expect to see duikers, buffaloes, elephants, Sitatunga, bushbucks, Leopards, Hippos and many others.
