Semliki Lodge

Toro-Semliki Game Reserve, Semliki Valley, Western Uganda

Deep in the heart of Uganda’s Western Rift Valley, the Semliki Valley is a prime conservation area. Boasting both a National Park and a Game Reserve, much of the valley is untouched. The Semliki Forest forms the easternmost reaches of the Central African Rainforest and is home to myriad bird species (including at least 30 rare endemics). In the Semliki National Park the Sempaya hotsprings are a key attraction.

Nearby, the Toro-Semliki Game Reserve is a clssic geographical crossroads: this is where tropical rainforest meets grassy savannah, where wetlands give over to majestic lake Albert, the flat plains are punctuated by deep river valleys, the dramatic rise of the Rift Valley Escarpment and the rolling, textured foothills of the Rwenzori Mountains.

This unique geography is reflected in the diversity of wildlife species in the reserve. Here you may see both the forest species of Central Africa (ie: forest buffalo, a darker leopard sub-species and the smaller forest elephant) as well as the key savanna species of East Africa: lion, elephant, numerous antelope species, warthog, buffalo, etc. The birdlife is unique in that in addition to endemic species the reserved is graced with both southern and northern migrants, the wetlands teem with birds, including the rare and elusive shoebill which nests in the shallows of lake Albert.

Several communities of chimpanzees live in the lush river valleys of the reserve, and we are involved in a long-standing research project on chimpanzees, run by the University of Indiana. Guests at Semliki Lodge are welcome to accompany the resident researcher into the forest.

Guests at Semliki Safari Lodge have the whole valley to themselves: this award winning lodge is the only lodge in the entire Semliki Valley.

Semliki was built in the grand old safari tradition with canvas tents under thatched roofs…but this is far from camping. Gleaming hardwood floors, four poster beds, persian carpets…each room has electric lights and ensuite bathrooms with running water. Each has a veranda overlooking wonderfuls views. When your tea or coffee is brought to you in the morning – you can sit in your bathrobe taking in the views of mountains and savanna, forest and river valley.

The main lodge is a large, comfortable living space where our guests converge to watch the sun set, listen to stories and gather around the massive hand-hewn tables to share share their experiences of the day. Lots of comfortable armchairs and sofas.

Other features include: In-house masseuse, Swimming Pool and a number of activities.

Activities

• Chimpanzee Trekking
• Game Drives
• Guided Walks – we have over 50 kilometres of walking trails
• Birdwatching
• Boat trips on Lake Albert
• Visits to the local Batwa (pygmy) community
• Spotlit night drives
• Bush dinners or breakfasts
• Sundowner barbeques for families

Getting there

Semliki is a one hour drive from Fort Portal, or approximately one hour’s flight from Entebbe. We have our own grass airstrip near the lodge and run complimentary transfers to and from the strip.

(From other areas: from Kampala: 5 hours, from Queen Elizabeth Park: 3 hours)

For photos of Semliki Lodge and the Semliki Valley area, please visit our Gallery featured in the Main Menu.